Possibly the best "Ally" soundtrack album (Heart & Soul - New Songs From Ally Mcbeal - Vonda Shepard - Soundtrack)

Member Name: Wezzo

Product:	Heart & Soul - New Songs From Ally Mcbeal - Vonda Shepard - Soundtrack
Date:	01/06/08 (88 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Generally excellent material

Disadvantages: Not for everyone

David E. Kelley's comedy-drama "Ally McBeal" was the frequent use of popular music - in particular, canon pop and easy-listening tunes re-jigged by middle-tier soulstress Vonda Shepard. Most episodes would end with the titular Ally reflecting on the episode's events while a lyrically-appropriate Vonda ballad played; while Vonda herself would frequently show up in to perform more upbeat tracks in the local bar.

Turn-of-the-century legal-cum-relationship drama "Ally McBeal" was renowned for, amongst other things, its extensive use of music. More than any other show before or since, tunes played a key role in the narrative thrust of the show. While in other programmes pop was restricted to an end-of-season montage, or backing music at a birthday party, in "Ally" several songs were heard in nearly every single episode, often lyrically or thematically tying-in to on-screen events. The songs used were a combination of old standards and newly-written middle-of-the-road easy listening tracks; Vonda Shepard, a previously unknown soulstress 'discovered' by show creator David E. Kelley, was typically behind both. Appearing both on-screen, in the lawyers' local bar, and off-screen, as the story's narrative continued visually, Shepard was a key part of the show's appeal. This CD, "Heart and Soul: New Songs From Ally McBeal", goes a considerably way to proving that.

"Heart and Soul" is the second of what would go on to be four "Ally" soundtrack albums released, and the last to focus solely on Vonda Shepard (later releases would utilise songs by other cast members and original versions of popular hits alongside Vonda's cuts). It's also arguably the most consistent of the four - I imagine many would argue the first was the original and best, but for me this album is marginally stronger overall. There are 14 tracks present here, all from the first three seasons of the show. Vonda Shepard is the lead singer on all, though she's joined by guest vocalists on two occasions.

"Read Your Mind" kicks things off with a mid-tempo-sized bang. One of the most memorable tracks here, it's slightly surprising to learn it's one of an increasing number of Vonda Shepard originals: it sounds like it's been pulled straight out of the '60s girl-group Wall Of Sound era, and that's no bad thing. The lyrics are typically wistful and yearning ("If I could read your mind, I hope I'd find the same love I have in mine") but the music is pretty upbeat. There are some nice tempo changes and plenty of hooks throughout. Definitely the kind of song that yells out to be released as a single, although for no clear reason Columbia never issued any Vonda singles.

"100 Tears Away" is the album's second track, considerably more downbeat than the first - much more a ballad than a poppy singalong - but still an excellent listen. Another Vonda original, it was originally used in the "Ally McBeal" episode of the same name - a personal favourite of mine - and while we're in familiar territory lyrically, the analogy of happiness just being "a hundred tears away" is a sweet one, and the backing strings are marvellously cinematic while somehow managing the song to retain a personal, quiet, reflective mood.

After two originals, we're treated to one of the most-covered soul songs of all-time: "Someday We'll Be Together", originally by Johnny & Jackey and made famous by Diana Ross & The Supremes. Anyone remotely familiar with '60s R'n'B will know the song well, but it's given a nice modern sheen here, with some great backing vocals and an impressive up-tempo production. It's not an album highlight but it's certainly listenable.

Vonda is joined by Al Green on "To Sir With Love", a cover of the theme tune to the 1967 film of the same title originally performed by Lulu and The Mindbenders. It's given quite a radical reinterpretation here, with some lyrics changed and some rearranged; the presence of Green ensures it's among the most soulful tracks on the album. I prefer the poppier side of Vonda so it's not quite my cup of tea but it's still well-done material. "Sweet Inspiration" is next, a cover of the mid-tempo Supremes track. One of the more forgettable tracks here in my book, it's notable only for a nice call-and-response section halfway through. Otherwise, it's pleasant as it plays, but quite forgettable.

Thankfully track seven, "Crying", reverses that trend. A cover of the classic Roy Orbison track, Shepard manages to outdo Orbison's wonderful version of the track with an amazingly impassioned, powerful vocal performance. Soaring strings and guitars prove worthy backing music too, as the song reaches its emotional climax perfectly. A stellar version of Don MacLean's "Vincent" also proves worthy. It's impressive in its restraint, much like the original; Vonda doesn't show off her vocal talents but gives the song the calm, subdued rendition it warrants.

We're back to mid-tempo pop Vonda with "What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted?", originally by Jimmy Ruffin, although apparently most successful here in the UK when performed by Robson & Jerome, of all people.. Vonda's version is rather better than theirs, with some nice male backing vocals as Vonda is able to demonstrate her considerable vocal prowess.

"A World Without Love" maintains the quality, a cover of a Peter & Gordon #1 written by Paul McCartney. A traditional '60s ballad with simple but moving lyrics ("I don't care what they say, I won't stay in a world without love"), the arrangement here is excellent and Vonda is more than up to the task.

My favourite track of the CD - and perhaps my favourite Vonda Shepard song, full stop - is the original "Confetti". Lyrically, Shepard shows a Springsteen-esque penchant for "poetry of ordinary life" heretofore unrepresented on her albums ("Skinny little brats, walking down Avenue A / Dangling their cigarettes, their independence day"), while the chorus revolves around the wonderful conceit of our narrator's "words [being] like confetti, and you never pick them up..". Musically, we're on fantastic form too, with a fantastic driving verse, a calm bridge and ridiculously catchy chorus with a funky Chamberlin keyboard. It's nothing short of criminal that this track isn't more well-known: it easily surpasses many of the standards Vonda covers here.

The next track, another Vonda original, also stands head and shoulders above many of the old standards here: "Baby Don't You Break My Heart Slow". A genuinely heartbreaking track, which Vonda performs with Emily Saliers of The Indigo Girls, musically it's your standard ballad but the lyrics are among the most powerful on the album: the chorus of "I'd rather take a blow, at least then I would know - but baby don't you break my heart slow" is genuinely gut-wrenching.

The torrent of Vonda originals continues with "This Is Crazy Now". It doesn't quite live up to the two tracks that preceded it but it's still a pleasant listen, vaguely reminiscent of "Maryland" from the first "Ally" soundtrack album to start with before a more melancholy piano kicks in. Not really a highlight but Vonda's voice can bring life to even the blandest songs - and it's really a push to call this "bland", at any rate, as it's pretty sharp lyrically.

A cover of the Isley Brothers' "This Old Heart Of Mine (Is Weak For You)" brings things back up-tempo, and with it we're back up to top-tier Vonda, as it's yet another standout with some wonderful layered vocals and a lovely, singable catchy chorus. Its position on the album does it a bit of a disservice as it's rare to find a standout in the second-from-last track position (seriously, they're few and far apart in my experience..) but it's unquestionably a wonderful song that Vonda does proud.

The final track here, "I Know Him By Heart", takes us back to original ballad territory - though thankfully it's among the best ballads on the CD, with yet another stellar vocal performance by Shepard. Instrumentation is suitably sparse, the lyrics suitably wistful and hopeful. A powerful, calm moment to end the album with.

The CD can be found for under £5 easily on Amazon marketplace or PlayTrade (mine was found on the former for £3.12 including P&P). As with the first "Ally" soundtrack, there's nothing special about the packaging - standard jewel case, including a booklet with the lyrics.

If you're a fan of "Ally", this is a must-buy. If you're a fan of easy listening and mid-tempo pop, this is a must-buy. If you fall into neither of those categories, you're unlikely to enjoy much of the material here - though you should still do yourself a favour and seek out "Confetti", it's genuinely one of the best songs recorded in the past decade.

Summary: Recommended