(Atlantic)
by Jen Beatty
When I list off movies like Grease, Saturday Night Fever, Reality Bites, Singles, Flashdance, Footloose, and Dirty Dancing, do you recall first a scene from the movie or a song from the film? I thought so. Soundtracks are a major selling point for movies. Hence, Lollipop received four this month for review.
Batman Forever (Atlantic) – The pick of the litter and the best of the three Batman movie soundtracks, mostly because Danny Elfman was not used as producer. The first soundtrack could have been called The Great Prince (or, “man formerly known as Prince”) Experiment. His second effort was immemorable. Produced by Jolene Cherry, Joel Schumacher and Gary LeMel, Batman Forever is chock full of sensual, seductive and moody ballads. Highlights are Seal‘s “Kiss From A Rose,” U2‘s “Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me,” and “Where Are You Now?” by the young soul maiden Brandy. The Offspring do a fine job stomping through the middle of the compilation with “Smash It Up.” Michael Hutchence goes solo from INXS. Sunny Day Real Estate gain exposure. And rounding things out is a tune from the Flaming Lips that was hilarious when set to action by Jim Carrey.