Rugrats In Paris - The Movie (Music From The Motion Picture)

Album review

Music supervisor George Acogny assembled some of bubblegum pop's heavy-hitters -- Jessica Simpson, No Authority, and Aaron Carter, among others -- for the soundtrack to Rugrats in Paris: The Movie. For the most part, the songs here offer an hour's worth of Top 40 and R&B confections that are sure to be lip-synched by kids at sleepovers, playgrounds, and schoolyards. Acogny successfully hits the preteen target audience with his selection of artists. There are a few highlights to Rugrats in Paris that do break away from the teenybopper fare. Sinéad O'Connor delivers soft and ethereal vocals backed by a prominent bassline, angelic choruses, and warm chord progressions on "When You Love." This song remains consistent with the set's overall R&B tone, musically; however, O'Connor's skilled vocals and the advanced lyrics up the ante. "When You Love," which was co-produced by Wyclef Jean, would be right at home on Top 40 and adult contemporary radio stations and offers one of O'Connor's finest career moments. Younger kids, ages four through eight, will really enjoy "Chuckie Chan" by Isaac Hayes with Alex Brown. The Oriental musical sweeps have the power to incite marshal arts mimicking by kids on living room floors the world over. Hayes' and Brown's energetic vocals sound as if they were lifted from the television themes of yesteryear (think Batman and Superman). Cyndi Lauper sings the childlike "I Want a Mom That Will Last Forever." Acogny made a wise choice in picking this talented and oft-underrated singer to perform the soundtrack's ballad. Lyrically, its simplicity is sweet and sounds as if a ten-year-old were speaking. This song captures the true essence of a young child and his or her view of what a mommy should be. Lauper's innocent delivery and the beguiling lyrics make for the album's most endearing moment.

© Liana Jonas /TiVo