Never Been Kissed Soundtrack CD

Rem,Beach Boys,Jeremy Jordan, Willis,Smiths,Sonichrome,Swirl

Personnel: Mark Hudson (vocals).
Audio Mixers: Chris Lord-Alge; Alan Moulder; Mark Hutchins; Tom Lord-Alge; Tore Johansson; Bob Clearmountain.
Unknown Contributor Role: Skoti-Alain Elliot.
Arrangers: Mark Hudson; Ron Aniello.
The soundtrack to Never Been Kissed contains several songs that, like the movie, are pleasant but lacking in depth. From the sugary sweet pop of the Moffatts' "Until You Loved Me" and Swirl 360's "Candy in the Sun" to the middle-of-the-road alternative rock of Willis' "Standing By" and Kendall Payne's "Closer to Myself," these songs are catchy but ultimately forgettable. There's even an somewhat sappy, acoustic offering from former Teen Pop one-hit wonder Jeremy Jordan, fresh from a career makeover. Interspersed amid this disposable fare are some strong though previously released contributions from the likes of R.E.M., Semisonic, Jimmy Eat World, and Remy Zero. Also represented here are two of pop music's greatest songwriters, Brian Wilson and John Lennon, with the inclusion of the Beach Boys' classic "Don't Worry Baby" and Lennon's "Watching the Wheels." Overall, this is not a poor collection, but you may find yourself sifting through some filler to get to the good stuff. ~ Michael Frey
The creators of the soundtrack to Never Been Kissed cleverly broadened its appeal by mixing old, new and extremely diverse pop gems. The inclusion of John Lennon's "Watching The Wheels," and "Don't Worry Baby" by the Beach Boys immediately indicate that this isn't your average pitch for teen niche marketing. The fact that the collection is well-rounded casts the contemporary material in favorable relief, and literate, hook-filled tracks by the likes of Willis ("Standing By") and Block ("Catch A Falling Star") hold up well among the classics.
The languid grooves of The Cardigans ("Erase/Rewind"), surreal balladeering from R.E.M. ("At My Most Beautiful") and a freaky booty-mover from kooky Latin ska-heads Ozomatli ("Cumbia de los Muertos") give the set a wonderful breadth and range, while keeping listeners on their toes. Well-chosen and sequenced, the sixteen tracks collected here offer something for almost everyone.