Various Artists
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
(2005)
Reviewed by Joe Montague
Not having seen the movie The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (to be released December 9th) I feel a bit disembodied when it comes to discussing the soundtrack. It is a little bit like discussing the song "I'll Say A Little Prayer" from the movie My Best Friend's Wedding without having the benefit of that glorious restaurant scene with the cast singing. Nevertheless let me give this a go.
When you assemble some of the best artists on the face of the planet and ask each of them to contribute a song to the eleven tracks to a stellar album you expect good music. When you add to that mix the excellence and creativity of producers such as Ed Cash, Aaron Sprinkle, Jay Joyce, Shaun Shankel and a whole host of others then you get outstanding music. What we got with this CD is a work of art.
As if great music isn't enough the soundtrack comes packed with other goodies. There are six different movie clips to be viewed including, a film trailer, and interviews with the recording artists, actors, producers, director and special effects people.
The CD features the musical touches of Jars of Clay, Steven Curtis Chapman, Jeremy Camp, Bethany Dillon, Delirious?, Rebecca St. James, tobyMac, Nichole Nordeman, David Crowder Band, Kutless, and Chris Tomlin.
Teen Sensation Bethany Dillon lends her emotive vocals to "Hero" a tribute to Aslan, the C. S. Lewis character who created Narnia. The CD features a brief interview with Dillon and she continues to impress as both an artist and a person. She is mature well beyond her years. Watch for this song to climb the charts rapidly.
What can one say about the incomparable Rebecca St. James that hasn't been said before? St. James was asked to author the stylistic rock tune "Lion" another song about the movie's hero Aslan. St. James is always at her best when she reverts to her rock roots and this song proves why. She creates another masterpiece that will be added to that long list of hall of fame songs that she has shared with us over the years. Knowing our favorite Aussie she won't dwell on the song's success but simply move on to new challenges and determine new ways to get the message of Christ in front of those who still do not claim Him as their personal savior.
My personal favorite and a very pleasant surprise is the David Crowder Band's "Turkish Delight". This surrealistic pop song comes complete with psychedelic tones that befit the fantasy world of Narnia. "Turkish Delight" may very well be the song that defines the David Crowder Band for the rest of their musical careers. The song demonstrates imagination and is different from anything else you will hear in 2005. Crowder has the added bonus of being hitched to a potential blockbuster movie. Crowder and Ed Cash made good use of horns and strings when creating this splendid tune. The song also features some funky drumbeats that are generated rather than hand played but they work well with this track.
My thoughts concerning this CD -- based on the movie clips and interviews combined with a soundtrack that demonstrates imagination and a lot of thought you should make the movie The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe a holiday outing. As the Christmas season approaches stick the CD in someone's stocking. In fact you may not want to wait until Christmas and decide to build some seasonal excitement by purchasing the album in advance of the movie's release.
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2005Reviewed by Brian A. SmithDisclaimer: I have not seen this movie yet. My preconceptions are formed strictly from having re-read the Chronicles several times over. Tracks 1-13 are the score of the movie, as composed by Harry Gregson-Williams. "The White Witch" is suitably ominous, as would be expected when that character makes her entrance. "To Aslan's Camp" struck me as appropriate, as the music here is alternately…
