Customer Reviews

Sahara

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

The soundtrack to this movie was excellent. Some great classic rock (sure it's mostly pop favorites, but nonetheless a nice, tight little collection). As some reviewers have pointed out, the music is what really kept this movie afloat by adding energy to the action sequences and distracting the viewer from the cheesy, sub-par plot. The added material here isn't that great, and I always thought it sort of silly when they add music not from the movie to the soundtrack with the "inspired by" heading. Even so, it's a good soundtrack if you like classic rock... great car music that I'm sure will make it into my rotation during commutes to work.

One thing that needs clarification, apparently, is that this is a soundtrack NOT a score. There is a difference. Soundtracks consist of pop-music-type songs that appear in movies but were not written expressly for the movie (for the most part), whereas the score is the music composed FOR the movie. I have not heard the score for this movie (though it is available, and Clint Mansell is an excellent composer, so I'm sure it rocks), but I tend to think much of the African music was part of Mansell's score. So if you're looking for that, check out the score CD, rather than the soundtrack.

For a rock and roll album this has some good tunes but what brought me to look for the album was the great music with an african sound. There is only one cut with this beat. The producers missed a good opportunity to be unique.

I personally was excited for the CD to come out but like many, was disappointed not to see any African artists highlighted considering it takes place in Africa. (I don't count the last song since it's not even credited to an African artist.)

Although I didn't stay for the movie credits, I did recognize a few songs and can recommend a couple more Malian artists. Check out the following albums: "Niafunke" by Ali Farka Toure, "Sou Ni Tile" by Amadou & Mariam, "Baro" by Habib Koite, "Mouneissa" by Rokia Traore, "Moffou" by Salif Keita, and "Tassoumakan" by Issa Bagayogo. These are just a few of my favorites from Mali.

The excellent african tracks that were included in the credits at the end of the movie have been omitted from the soundtrack. Those pieces of music were the essense of the movie. 70's rock tunes are great, but didn't have much to do with the vibe of the plot. This is strictly a commercial album and should probably have A Pepsi ad on the cover.

First thought while watching the movie? Hmmm, this is better than anticipated. Second though? Please, let there be a soundtrack! Thoughts now? How loud can I crank the speakers in my car w/out blowing them? Enjoy! ;o)

If you're looking for the wonderful contemporary African music featured in the film as well as the classic American tracks, don't look here. None of these wonderful pieces are included.

I was also a bit disappointed that only one of the African-themed songs made it to the Sahara soundtrack. I also could have come up with some better Souther Rock choices to fill out the soundtrack, but overall it is a great sounding soundtrack.

As for the African-themed music, there is hope coming soon in mid-June with the release of "Sahara; Original Motion Picture Score" from the Bulletproof label. While the web site lists a May 10, 2005 release date, the label e-mailed me with a mid June 2005 release date.

Please contact me if you'd like the REAL soundtrack, with the African songs, seeing as how the movie was set in Africa. I have the track listings with artists names. I think from there, a 'mix' cd can be made (iTunes), since there doesn't seem to already be one. It's been forever but I found it!

Just like the movie, this soundtrack CD is bright, upbeat and full of adventure. What wonders it does for a movie when it is scored exceptionally well, this score by the English, Clint Mansell. Now let's get one thing quite clear before we delve into the inner workings of this fine compilation.

It is a soundtrack, not a score.

Confusion sometimes ensues whenever the music to a movie is released, like this one. THIS soundtrack contains songs from and yes, inspired by, the movie. The score is something very different. It is what you're looking for if you seek those delightful African instrumental beats. Unfortunately many people seem to have been confused by this occurance and therefore, they foolishly give this fine product an undeserved bad mark due to their frustration. Let me assure you that this CD is a 5 star item. If you loved the movie, you will love the soundtrack.

From the beginning, "Stay With Me" is my favorite track on this CD. Performed by Rod Stewart and Faces, it is just full of energy and has great harmony-don't let its hard rockin' nature fool you. If you saw the movie, it was the last song, just before the credits, and it's actually what made me want this soundtrack in the first place. Grand Funk Railroad contributes with their classic "We're an American Band". Most of you probably know this one. And if you're from the South, or you just like Lynrd Skynrd, then you will be very pleased with the appearance of "Sweet Home Alabama". At first when I saw this movie and the part when they play this song on the radio, I thought it was kind of out of place here. Afterall, they are in the boiling Sahara! But gradually I began to realize that these songs really did gel well with the overall feel of the movie, which was a little bit like an "Indiana Jones". If you haven't seen it, you should. Moving on, "Magic Carpet Ride" by Steppenwolf is one that everybody loves. Again the song fit the shoe perfectly. And who can forget that intro song by Dr. John, "Right Place Wrong Time". It was absolutely perfect. I mean it just gets you in the mood, and I for one love the good doctor. There is "Never Been Any Reason" by Head East which is good, and a pleasant surprise by The Kinks in their song "Time Loves a Hero". There is also "I'm On Fire" by the Dwight Twilley Band, and "On the Road Again" by Canned Heat. The addition of Little Feat's "Time Loves a Hero" is a master stroke. Out of all of these songs I think this one tells the story best. Just listen to the lyrics. You'll like it. "Fire On the Mountain" can at first seem a stretch for the movie, but of course it's a great song. And finally I was pleasantly surprised by the addition of an instrumental piece of that 'African' music that was so good. "Boat Montage" is short but very good, from that sequence of them all riding down the Niger River in the Admiral's unfortunate boat.

This is one of the better soundtracks I've heard, bearing in mind of course, that it is mostly music 'inspired by' the film. It is all still great. Check it out, you'll be glad you did and it will make you want to watch the movie again.

If you like classic rock, this is the soundtrack for you. When I saw the movie in the theater I made a point to find the soundtrack--it was that good. There are two soundtracks for this movie so be sure you pick the one that has the classic rock songs like "Sweet Home Alabama" etc. Keep it in your car because it's perfect for a road trip.