Rating:
Genre:
Soundtrack
Release Date: 04/24/2007
The
soundtrack to
Hope Floats, the
Forest Whitaker romantic comedy designed as a comeback vehicle for
Sandra Bullock, is an excellent collection of
contemporary country and rootsy mainstream
pop assembled by
Don Was. Most of the record focuses on popular artists, with contributions from cult artists
Gillian Welch and
Jonell Mosser tossed in for good measure, but the quality of the music is so strong, it doesn't really matter. Much of the record features brand new material, whether it's originals like
Deana Carter's
"What Makes You Stay" and
Sheryl Crow's
"In Need," or covers from
the Rolling Stones (
Jimmy Scott's
"Honest I Do"),
Trisha Yearwood (
Dylan's
"To Make You Feel My Love"),
Bob Seger and
Martina McBride (
"Chances Are"), and
Lyle Lovett (
Tony Bennett's
"Smile"). There are a couple of dull moments scattered throughout the record, but overall, it's one of the finest various-artists
soundtrack collections in recent memory. [The 2007 reissue includes five bonus tracks.]
~Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide