Music And Lyrics

CD Details

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Writer-director Marc Lawrence’s romantic comedy gently satirizes the music industry’s past and present via Hugh Grant’s Alex Fletcher, a has-been Rock of the ’80s icon given another shot at the charts by young pop diva Cora Corman (newcomer Haley Bennett). Grant gives some surprisingly credible–if often gently tongue-in-cheek–performances in his musical debut; indeed, he carries better than half the soundtrack with his earnest vocal charms. The production gets key help from Fountain of Wayne’s Adam Schlesinger, who contributes a delicious, loving send-up of Wham! courtesy of “Meaningless Kiss,” the emotive piano confessional “Don’t Write Me Off,” and two versions of “Way Back into Love,” the comeback ballad/duet that drives the story line. A playful demo version of the latter pairs Grant with co-star Drew Barrymore (playing the florist who becomes Fletcher’s unlikely songwriting foil), while Grant’s ultimate duet with young Bennett evokes contemporary pop conceits with a keen, affectionate flair that also graces the young singer’s Britney-esque “Buddha’s Delight,” “Slam,” and the more obviously snarky “Entering Bootytown.” Rounding out the collection are a pair of complimentary tracks by Swedish pop acts: The Sounds’ bouncy “Tony the Beat” and the club-slinky groove of Teddybears’ “Different Sound.” Highlighted by Grant’s sympathetic vocals and a knowing musical sensibility that never quite lapses into mere parody, it’s a pop-lover’s delight from start to finish. –Jerry McCulley

Product Description

Alex Fletcher (Hugh Grant) is a washed-up 80s pop star who’s been reduced to working the nostalgia circuit at county fairs and amusement parks. The charismatic and talented musician gets a chance at a comeback when reigning diva Cora Corman invites him to write and record a duet with her, but there’s a problem – Alex hasn’t written a song in years, he’s never written lyrics, and he has to come up with a hit in a matter of days. Enter Sophie Fisher (Drew Barrymore), Alex’s beguilingly quirky plant lady, whose flair for words strikes a chord with the struggling songwriter. On the rebound from a bad relationship, Sophie is reluctant to collaborate with anyone, especially commitment-phobe Alex. As their chemistry heats up at the piano and under it, Alex and Sophie will have to face their fears – and the music – if they want to find the love and success they both deserve. The film co-stars Brad Garrett as Alex’s steadfast manager, and Kristen Johnston as Sophie’s sister, Rhonda. Newcomer Haley Bennett plays young, pop-princess Cora Corman. The Soundtrack features Hugh Grant and newcomer Haley Bennett