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1. Seal's rendition of "Mona Lisa" is oddly reminiscent of Nat King Cole, as one reviewer noted, and is a terrific opener for the CD. After hearing it, you anticipate the CD being as great as the opener. And it is.

2. Tori Amos has covered "You Belong to Me" with a wonderful result. The introduction of the song with its chorus of "ba das" is fabulous, and Amos purrs the lyrics without hesitation, sounding every bit the classic 50's crooner, and leaving you wanting to hit 'repeat'.

3. Celine Dion covers' Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered' with a voice smooth as silk and sings with such emotion as the music swells that I'm lead to think that it's not Celine, but rather a singer from long ago.

4. Elton John's new song "The Heart of Every Girl" is a bouncy, jazzy tune that has sweet lyrics and a great rhythm.

5. Usually I can't stand the raspy voice of Macy Gracy but her 'Santa Baby' has grown on me. I particulary enjoy the opening chorus with it's "ba boom" throughout the whole song.

6. Tori Amos' "Murder Baby" is catchy song with clever lyrics and a range of vocals. Amos pulls it off without pause, switching from a slow ballad to a beat-ridden song with wonderful accompaniment.

7. My favorite song by Chris Issak is "Wicked Game" and Issak brings the same raw sexiness in his voice to "Besume Mucho" and leads you wanting more.

8. Mandy Moore performs a soaring and sweet cover of Doris Day's "Secret Love" with a wholesomeness like that of Day herself.

9. Perhaps my favorite track, Alison Krauss sings Irving Berlin's "What'll I Do?" with a sadness in her voice and brings forth a breathtaking ballad.

10-11. The Trevor Horn Orchestra's "Isanbul" is a great new arrangement of the song, with the same chorus as the other tracks. And a lovely female voice sings "Sh Boom ( Life Could Be a Dream )" along with the orchestra in track 11, a fitting tribute to the tone of the film, particulary the dancing scenes.

12. Kelly Rowland, of Destiny's Child fame, strikes out on her own with "I'm Beginning to See the Light" a jazzy, upbeat melody that is is perfected by her soft voice not interrupting into high volumes, but rather staying the sweet lilty voice throughout the whole song.

15. Rachel Portman of "Legend of Bagger Vance" among others, has composed a haunting suite to this film that only reverberates the time and characters of the film.


As a concept album, this soundtrack's excellent.   December 3, 2003
 10 out of 11 found this review helpful

When I first heard this in the bookstore where I work, I didn't know that Seal was the person singing the first track on the album, "Mona Lisa." I thought it was Nat King Cole because, as an act of impression or as a tribute, Seal's voice is amazingly like Cole's on the track.

Looking at the rest of the album and seeing that it allowed several modern musicians an opportunity to channel singers from the 1950's, I was impressed at how dead-on a lot of the songs were.

Tori Amos' "Murder, He Says," originally performed by Betty Hutton in one of the old MGM musicals, is an amusing, catchy tune. Celine Dion manages, with "Bewitched," to remind me of how talented she is - though her solo albums are frequently overproduced, tacky and annoying. Kelly Rowland and Mandy Moore offer up stunning, period-evoking covers of "I'm Beginning to See the Light" and "Secret Love," respectively. Chris Isaak's "Besame Mucho" is lush and romantic. And Macy Gray's "Santa Baby" catches the right mood, echoing sensuality and good humor.

I've recommended this to all sorts of people. With the flux of swing-revival albums coming out lately, from Rod Stewart's to Cyndi Lauper's, the soundtrack to "Mona Lisa Smile" deserves special attention. It's spectacular.


Fabulous Covers of '50 songs   January 5, 2004
 9 out of 10 found this review helpful

What a CD! It's so much better than the movie. You definitely do not have to see "Mona Lisa Smile" to enjoy these covers of '50 songs.

For the movie, a number of contemporary artists covered '50's songs. The beauty of this CD lies in hearing one great interpretation of a classic after another.

Some highlights:
Seal covered "Mona Lisa"--at first, you think it is Nat King Cole. Then you hear and appreciate the subtle differences.

Tori Amos (who appeared in the movie) covers both "You Belong To Me" and "Murder He Says." I was humming "Murder" all day. Her voice gets very deep and gravelly.

Celine Dion (whom I normally can't stand) sings "Bewitched." I didn't even recognize her voice when I heard it the first time and I was stunned when I read her name on the jacket. She should do an album dedicated to this era.

Macy Gray covers "Santa Baby." Now there are a lot of versions of "santa baby" out there-hers may not be the best but it is definitely very interesting.

I have only included a sample of the treats in this CD...I know it sounds cliche but if you only buy one CD (this week, this year etc) then make it this one.


Soundtrack Has Never Sounded This Good   January 29, 2004
 9 out of 9 found this review helpful

Well, some may think that reviewing this soundtrack has been too old for now, but not for me. Beside this film hasn't been played in my country yet, this album is an everlasting gold, a precious diamond that will sparkle forever.

Honestly, I bought this soundtrack not because of the film (again, it hasn't been played on my country yet). Not because the kind of music too, as I was unaware of what kind of `mona lisa' it would be. It was just Tori Amos who led me here. I saw there were tracks renditioned by Tori here, so I just gave it a little try with little expectations (as I have almost promise myself not to buy anymore soundtrack by the time I have experienced many disappointing soundtracks).

But soundtrack is not always bad... And "Mona Lisa Smile" taught me that precious lesson.

Listening to this album feels like going back to those '50 days. With great bands and an atmosphere set to make you feel like you're in a place to soothe yourself after a whole bunch of tiring days (remember those Ally McBeal series ?). And the songs....hmmm...beautiful.......

1. "Mona Lisa", Seal = 9/10 = Well, I'm not a fan of Seal but this song brings forth his great ability to cover songs like this. His `sultry' and smoky voice makes this song a great appetizer for a `mona lisaful' journey.

2. "You Belong To Me", Tori Amos = 9.5/10 =My first reaction of this song is `Is this Tori?' because it doesn't heard like the usual Tori (who sang "Precious Things" or "Mary"). And I was, honestly, a little disappointed. But later, I have to admit that Tori has a voice who's truly dedicated to these kinds of songs. Tori made this song special, especially after the `ba da da da..'

3. "Bewitched, Bothered, Bewildered", Celine Dion = 9.5/10 = I had three albums of Celine Dion (Her `best of', "A New Day Has Come", and "One Heart") and none keeps me with it more than 3 weeks. But this track is different. She sang with a clear which reminds me to Hayley Westenra. Beautiful.

4."The Heart of Every Girl", Elton John = 8/10 = Well, I ain't his fan and this doesn't make me his fan. I don't like this, though some may truly disagree.

5. "Santa Baby", Macy Gray = 9/10 = I'm not a fan of Macy too, but, just like in most cases, I love this piece. She sang it `playfully' and I think her voice suits this song.

6. "Murder, He Says", Tori Amos = 10/10 = My favorite song. It has wonderful tunes and Tori's playful singing style makes this song perfectly perfect. She whistles, `du du's, and anything else. Very thrilling.

7. "Besame Mucho", Chris Isaak = 8.5/10 = His song, "Wicked Game", is perfect. This one has its rawness, but I still prefer Diana Krall's version, which is less tango-like and much more melancholic.

8. "Secret Love", Mandy Moore = 9/10 = This one is almost (almost) as beautiful as "Bewitched.." but I still prefer that one. Mandy's voice is girlish and pretty, but maybe this song will be better performed by Connie Francis, though it was Doris Day who sang it.

9. "What'll I Do", Alison Krauss = 9.5/10 = This one heard quite similar to Mandy's, but I prefer this one. Alison's voice heard more powerful than any other song of hers, like "Stay".

10. "Istanbul (Not Constantinopel)", Trevor Horn Orchestra (THO) = 9.5/10 = The male voice is beautiful and a little hilarious, but they make it to suit this playful song. They're wonderful.

11. "Shh Boom (Life Could Be Dream)", THO = 10/10 = Another favorite of mine. I kept wondering how they could do the great and fast `lalalalalala...". The woman's voice is weak but cute. I like it.

12. "I'm Beginning To See The Light", Kelly Rowland = 9/10 = With no arrogant shapes, Kelly Rowland heard perfect and sultry. If she made an album with songs like this, I believe I'll buy it.

13. "I've Got A World On A String", Lisa Stansfield = 9/10 = Very Linda-Eder-like. I quite like this one as it has beautiful lyrics and great music.

14. "Smile", Barbra Streisand = 10/10 = It's one of Barbra's greatest. It took her no `very-high-notes' but, just like Celine Dion's case, she doesn't need to scream. Being natural is beautiful, and this is a great quote for both of them.

15. "Suite", Rachel Portman = 9/10 = Beautiful, that's all.

All the singers performed real seriously here that each song is their greatest rendition. Truly recommended even if the film got worn-out. This album worth a praise.