Customer Reviews

Boys on the Side

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The years are rolling along and I am still listening to this original soundtrack album, which has the virtue that these songs are actually in the movie. I would agree the soundtrack is better than the film, but you have to appreciate that the album includes the memorably moving moment when Whoopi Goldberg signs "You Got It" because Mary-Louise Parker does not have the strength to continue. This is still one of my favorite love songs. As with most such collections, for me the standout tracks are those I cannot get anywhere else, which includes: Bonnie Raitt's cover of Roy Orbison's "You Got It" (which is both the first and last track on the album in an interesting bookend effect), Melissa Etheridge's "I Take You With Me" (the song that is actually used at the end of the film), and Steve Nicks's "Somebody Stand By Me" (written by Sheryl Crow and Todd Wolf). "Boys on the Side" remains one of the best soundtrack collections of the 1990s and is certainly evocative of the film.

This is such a great cd, where do I start? It goes from rockin' blues of Bonnie Raitt. To the rock of Chrissie Hynde with The Pretenders, who I have been a long fan of. Then to the excellent voice and range of Annie Lennox, who I think has got to have one of the most wonderful voices around. Joan Armatrading, I saw her in concert many many moons ago in Germany. She was not known then in America and she was as good then as she is now.

There is not a bad song on this CD, and that says something this day and age. I plug this CD in when I need some umph to get started doing what ever I need to get done. When I need a pick-me-up get me in a better mood. Or just whenever... and want to hear some good music.

I bought this soundtrack for two reasons: 1 - Melissa Etheridge and 2 - Bonnie Raitt.
I was pleasantly surprised upon hearing a few other choice cuts on this album. The Indigo Girls' "Power of Two" is one of the most intense songs I have heard in ages, and one that I play repeatedly. It possesses a certain magic that most artists in the studio today seem to lack.
I could have done without most of the other songs on this album (including the Whoopi Goldberg cover of "You Got It") but the songs by Etheridge, the Indigo Girls, Stevie Nicks, the Cranberries, and Sheryl Crow most definitely make up for it. If I had it to do all over again, I would run out and buy this album again.

When I got this album, I got it because I had to pick a CD in order to get other CDs (one of those Columbia House deals), and this was the only other title that I thought I would even remotely like on their offer sheet. When I received it, I wasn't expecting very much; however, this compilation is very satisfying. The different artists, some singing originally for the soundtrack, add a variety of mood, spirit, styles, and taste to this album. Bonnie Raitt's rendition of Roy Orbison's "You Got It" is played twice, as the beginning and ending song--not as great as the original, though. Whoopie Goldberg actually sings a slow (and very nice) version of the song also. The Pretenders perform "Everyday Is Like Sunday," a song that seems to be underrated--as most Pretenders' songs seem to be. Not everything on here is appealing, but that just confirms the variety of styles, mood, spirit, and taste that are contained in this album. Consequently, chances are, one will find something one likes in this album.

The sound track from boys on the side is a great album all round. If you like soft rock and pop and just some great songs then you will love this album. It features many well known artists such as: Indigo Girls, Sarah Mclochlan, Joan Armatrading, Bonnie Raitt and even Whoopi Goldberg herself. A great easy listning album all round, a must for those who saw the movie and for people who appreciate good music.

This review refers to the Original Soundtrack Album of "Boys On The Side"(CD)....

You know these strong voices, the soul reaching music, the moving words. And it doesn't really matter whether you are thinking about this album because you are so moved by the way the songs tell the tale of the deep friendship in the film, or because you have found some of your favorite performers here...this is one soundtrack in which every song stands on it's own and the words and music will touch you in some way.

There isn't one song or artist on this delicious album that dosen't belong with the others. Opening and closing with the moving "You Got It" performed by Bonnie Raitt, and with outstanding renditions of "Keep On Growing" (Sheryl Crow) and "Somebody Stand By Me" (Stevie Nicks), and including Melissa Etheridge's "I Take You With Me" and the Indigo Girls "Power Of Two", it is an album you'll want to hear over and over. I play it constantly and nobody else seems to mind!
You'll also be treated to the wonderful Annie Lennox performing "Why", The Pretenders, The Cranberries and Sarah McLachlan.(see buying info for complete list of songs and artists).And Yes!...Whoppi's touching words to her dying friend(1st verse of "You Got It"), from the film are included as well. There are 13 tracks in all.

It's a beautiful album, with which to relive the fun and the heartfelt friendships in the story of "Boys On The Side", or just for the pure pleasure of all these incredible voices and talented musicians that really have something meangful to say.

Go for it and enjoy....Laurie

also recommended:
Breakdown
Magnolia
Women Rock!:Girls & Guitars

All the songs on this album are great songs, performed by great female singers. Then why only 4 stars? Well, I really don't think it was necessary to have 'You Got It' sung by Bonnie Raitt, twice, (not even an alternate version, but the same) especially as it is also sung by Whoopie Goldberg, making it 3 times that that song is featured. I really do love that song, but 3 times on the same album is a bit of an overkill.But apart from that, the album is fine, the highlight being 'Ol' 55' performed by Sarah McLachlan. She states in the liner notes that this song was recorded in the wee hours of the morning after they had consumed a lot of red wine. They had never played it before together, and most of the band only had a vague recollection of the songs existence. The few of them that did know the song were mouthing chord changes to each other. It really does have a special feel to it.

I have loved this CD since the movie came out. It's all women singers. The soundtrack seems as if it tells a story. Great to listen to when you're alone in the car!

this and "City of Angels" CD...

The movie, they can keep. The soundtrack - Love it. This one and "City of Angels" soundtracks are my all time favorite compilation CDs. Maybe even tied for first place. Can't decide.

Bonnie Raitt, not a country fan, but, her song "You Got It" is wonderful. Melissa Eldridge, not a big fan - other than this song "I Take You With Me." Sheryl Crow, Indigo Girls, Stevie Nicks sings "Somebody Stand By Me" love it. Pretenders, Cranberries, awesome. Annie Lenox, couldn't be lovelier with her "Why." Sarah McLachlan - lovely.

this CD is so nice, you don't have to like any one of the contributors, in particular, and you'll love them all together here. Soft, soothing, sensual, earthy, sad but sweet... a perfect CD for bedtime. Or for reading a book and relaxing.

Just lovely. Nothing more to say! Buy it!

I LOVE THIS CD.I WATCHED THE MOVIE , AND BOUGHT THE CD.BUT THERE WAS A SONG I THINK,IT'S CALLED 'SHAME ,SHAME ,SHAME ON YOU' .I CAN NOT FIND IT.SOMEBODY PLEASE TELL ME ,WHO IS SINGING AND WHERE I CAN FIND IT. THANK YOU.