When the soundtrack to the original version of the movie Sparkle was released in 1976, it boasted eight songs that were sung by Aretha Franklin and written and produced by Curtis Mayfield. The collaboration led to it reaching No. 1 on the Billboard R&B Albums chart. But for the remake for the film, which will be in theaters beginning Aug. 17, 2012, the powers-that-be wisely decided against following directly in the original soundtrack's footsteps, and charted a somewhat different path. The result, which was released July 31, 2012, features song contributions by multiple stars of the film, including Jordin Sparks, Cee-Lo Green and the late, great Whitney Houston. Although it's far from an instant classic like it's predecessor was, it does have a fair number of literal and figurative high notes.
Well-Polished
You might an expect a movie soundtrack featuring Whitney Houston, Cee-Lo Green and Jordin Sparks to generate excitement due to the above-mentioned artists' name recognition and vocal firepower. And yes, the soundtrack to the upcoming remake of the 1970s movie Sparkle does have its share of good moments thanks to the big-name artists. But the surprise here is that a woman who's not a household name in the United States -- British-Nigerian actress Carmen Ejogo -- manages to outshine nearly everyone else at one point or another, with the exception of Ms. Houston. Carmen's only solo performance on the soundtrack, on the song "Yes I Do," is a crisp, clean and clear track with a 1950s doo wop vibe that fits perfectly with the album's retro feel. Vocally, it's the equal of -- or superior to -- each of the other 10 songs here, with the big exception being Whitney Houston's powerful and moving remake of the Gospel hymn "His Eye is on the Sparrow."
Although it's not surprising that the young and talented Jordin Sparks' songs on the soundtrack would lean more toward well-polished pop, the fact that two artists not previously known for conforming to the musical tastes of the mainstream -- Cee-Lo and Goapele -- both have songs on the soundtrack that sound like they were generated at a hitmaking factory. Cee-Lo's "I'm a Man," which kicks off the album, is almost disappointing in how tame it is, since it's well documented by now how capable he is of turning non-traditional and sometimes oddball songs, into hits.
Although it's not surprising that the young and talented Jordin Sparks' songs on the soundtrack would lean more toward well-polished pop, the fact that two artists not previously known for conforming to the musical tastes of the mainstream -- Cee-Lo and Goapele -- both have songs on the soundtrack that sound like they were generated at a hitmaking factory. Cee-Lo's "I'm a Man," which kicks off the album, is almost disappointing in how tame it is, since it's well documented by now how capable he is of turning non-traditional and sometimes oddball songs, into hits.
Does 'Sparkle' Shine?
Goapele's contribution, a song called "Running," makes a little more sense. Although it's a somewhat traditional song about love gone wrong, it has an upbeat, retro '60s vibe that fits in perfectly with the film's Motown-era setting, and it doesn't contrast too much with the singer's previously established vocal style and persona. As far as the other material, none of it's particularly memorable, although Jordin Sparks and some of the other singers deserve credit for being brave enough to sing remakes of four songs Aretha recorded for the original film -- "Something He Can Feel," "Jump," "Hooked on Your Love" and "Look Into Your Heart," -- knowing that comparisons to the '70s versions were inevitable. The soundtrack's high moment comes at the end, with the duet "Celebrate," featuring Whitney and Jordin. The song, which was written and produced by R. Kelly, is a fun, upbeat, family-friendly song with universal appeal. If this and "His Eye is On the Sparrow" wind up being among the last two newly-recorded songs by Whitney that ever see the light of day, they'll be worthy additions to her already-legendary legacy. But overall, this soundtrack is not a must-have for any of the artists it features, except maybe Jordin Sparks, who appears on seven of the 11 songs. Although it has its moments, the "sparkle" of this album doesn't really shine spectacularly.