Nascar 3D: The Imax Experience Soundtrack CD

Collective Soul/Sheryl Crow/ P.O.D./Leann Rimes/Allman Bros

NASCAR 3D: The IMAX Experience depicts racing excitement in large-format photography for added thrills and chills. Musically it's what you'd expect from a NASCAR-branded product, built mostly from alt-metal, Southern rock, country music. P.O.D.'s "Boom" might end up being the only survivor of the late-'90s rap-rock phenomenon, since its powerful chorus is so perfect for highlight films and sporting events; on NASCAR 3D it's a more than effective opener. Serviceable classics from Skynyrd ("Sweet Home Alabama") and the Allman Brothers Band ("Firing Line") follow, and Sheryl Crow's rowdy "Steve McQueen" is another track born for a comp like this. There are excerpts from Eric Colvin's score, LeAnn Rimes performing "The Star Spangled Banner" (as well as Rimes' "I Got It Bad," included as a bonus track), and filler from Collective Soul and Smash Mouth singer Steve Harwell. NASCAR 3D: The IMAX Experience also gets a little adventurous, including Mississippi bluesman Robert Belfour's incredible "Hill Stomp" and a decent cover of ZZ Top's "La Grange" from singer/songwriter Wes Cunningham. ~ Johnny Loftus