CD REVIEW: ANNIE – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Label: RCA Records

Release Date: November 17, 2014

Rating: 8/10

Reviewed by: Todd “Toddstar” Jolicoeur

Some musical updates and/or remakes should be shelved before they see the light of day, but not this one.  The latest version of Annie updates the old story to take place in New York circa 2014.  Opening with an revamped “Overture,” we quickly get the feeling this update has a fresh vibe attached to it.  “Maybe” stays pretty close to the original version, with an earthy interlude between verses and chorus.  This track features great vocals from child stars Quvenzhané Wallis, Zoe Margaret Colletti, Nicolette Pierini, Eden Duncan-Smith, and Amanda Troya.  Arguably the most famous track from this musical, “Tomorrow,” gets a mild facelift compliments of big vocals from the pint-sized star and titular character Quvenzhané Wallis.  The music is slightly updated, like most of the other tracks here.  “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile” from singer / songwriter Sia gives the song a new feel and vibe altogether.  The music gives this track less of a cheesy Broadway feel and more that of an actual song.  “Little Girls” is one of the showstoppers from the original musical production and Cameron Diaz does her best with the track. While falling a little short of the original, it fits the updated vision of the writers and producers and this collection.  “Opportunity” is a good song with great vocals, but like other originals here, I am not sure what it adds to the story, as I am all too familiar with the original.  The disc closes with a version of this performed by Sia.  The final original track on the disc is “Who Am I?” and features Jamie Foxx, Diaz and Wallis.  This is a beautiful song that captures the identity issues Annie faces in the original version of this story, so I can assume this fits well within the storyline.

“It’s The Hard-Knock Life,” while similar to the classic version, is updated with a modern sound and feel from opening to closing note again featuring the vocals of Wallis, Colletti, Pierini, Duncan-Smith, and Troya.  “I Think I’m Gonna Like It Here” is almost unrecognizable from the original until the vocals kick in.  The lyrics have been slightly altered and other added, but not to any detriment of the track.  Original song “Moonquake Lake” featuring Sia and Beck doesn’t add anything to the sequence of the disc without more information from the movie, but the track fits within the style and groove of the soundtrack.  “The City’s Yours” features Quvenzhané Wallis dueting with lead vocalist and co-star Foxx.  This original track is another song that enhances the revision of this story and its music with its sound and vibe.  “Easy Street” is hands down my favorite track from the original Broadway cast recording, as well as the movie version.  This remake is really good and spotlights Bobby Cannavale’s vocals as well as vocals from Cameron Diaz that are better than her earlier appearance on the soundtrack.  “I Don’t Need Anything But You” is a fun update to the original track that combines classic and modern in a fun mix that helps close out this disc with an upbeat feeling and groove.  The final cast piece is the reprise of the classic “Tomorrow.”  This gives the disc a Broadway feel in its closing with a full vocal and orchestration.

ANNIE (MOTION PICTURE) LINKS:

OFFICAL SITE

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

Category: CD Reviews