Sex and The City Original Motion Picture Soundtrack - Review
Artist: Various
Album: Sex and The City Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Label: Universal Music
Release Date: May 27, 2008

Reviewed by: Rosemary Newton (Vancouver Correspondent - Canada)

I was pleasantly surprised with the Sex and the City Soundtrack. Soundtracks can sometimes have the tendency to be forgettable or hokey; this effort, however, is seriously smooth, easy and, well, sexy. The album features an eclectic mix of funky tracks, uplifting girl power songs and emotional ballads. The result is a perfectly balanced, diverse and extremely easy to listen to album.

Highlights include a contribution by the always soulful India Arie; her song "The Heart of The Matter" is my absolute favourite of the entire album. This track is easy, soulful music at its best. I've already made room for it on my IPod, and, to be completely honest, I'm singing along to it (rather poorly) right now. Other stars contribute to this album, including the always over the top Jennifer Hudson, who also stars in the film as Carrie's new assistant. She channels Aretha Franklin in her bold and funky song "All Dressed in Love". Al Green's "How Can you Mend a Broken Heart" is another soulful and sultry highlight, as is "How Deep is Your Love" (these two are close runner ups for best song on the album). 

It's not all easy listening, however, there are also funky, upbeat hits, like "Mercy" by breakout star Duffy, who lends her contemporary hipster appeal to the album. Fergie's contribution, "Labels of Love" is the only questionable part of the album. I initially disliked this song, it's somewhat shrill and rough on the ears. After a few listens it grew on me a little, but despite its thematic match, ("Manolo and Louis, it's all I'm thinking of" she sings), it isn't instantly relatable to Sex and the City. This is a shame, because it was written specifically for the movie (Fergie admits to being a huge fan). "Walk This Way" by Run D.M.C. is also included, it may seem a little odd amongst all the lovely-dovey girl power songs, but it does add a little life and a lot of funk.

The only downfall of this soundtrack is that some of the tracks are slightly on the whiny side. My disclaimer; if you aren't big on sentiment, leave this on the shelf and head for something else.

Overall this is a strong album. It is well thought out and compliments Sex and the City perfectly (I can just see Carrie, Miranda, Samantha and Charlotte strutting the big city streets to the dance-able "New York Girls" by Morningwood). This album is perfect easy listening for when you're lounging around; or, thanks to some of more quick paced songs, for getting ready to go out with the girls. There's a little but of something for everyone, which is arguably what is behind the appeal of Sex and The City itself, and there are no particularly weak tracks. This is a soundtrack definitely worth checking out, particularly if you're a fan of the show and are counting down the days until the movie's release. 

Play list: (artist: "song")
1) Fergie : "Labels of Love"
2) Jennifer Hudson: "All Dressed in Love"
3) Duffy: "Mercy"
4) Nina Simone : "The Look of Love"
5) Morningwood: "New York Girls"
6) The Weepies: "All This Beauty"
7) Kaskade: "I Like the Way"
8) Jem: "It's Amazing"
9) The Bird and The Bee: "How Deep is Your Love"
10) India Arie: "The Heart of the Matter"
11) Mairi Campbell, Dave Francis: "Auld Lang Syne"
12) Bliss: "Kissing"
13) Al Green: "How Can You Mend a Broken Heart"
14) Run D.M.C., Aerosmith: "Walk This Way"
15) Pfeifer Broz Orchestra: "Sex and The City"