Passionada (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

Album Review

For a film dominated by offbeat musical numbers by the likes of Tom Waits and Nick Cave, as well as a cover of "Livin' la Vida Loca" by Eddie Murphy and Antonio Banderas, the fact that an original score even exists is impressive to say the least. Varese Sarabande rescues composer Harry Gregson-Williams' orchestral score for the hit animated film, which at a scant 40 minutes barely has time to register — it was heard even less in the actual film. That's too bad, because Williams, who also worked on the first Shrek, has great fun with the genre. Choirs, Renaissance-style marches, and big-band numbers co-exist with nary an awkward segue, resulting in a finished product that's undeniably superficial, but as mischievous and likeable as the ogre himself.