Shall We Dance? [Soundtrack]

Gabriel Yared, Peter Gabriel, Jamie Cullum | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 12, 2004)
• Original Release Date: October 15, 2004
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Soundtrack
• Label: Casablanca
• ASIN: B0006213IU
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (46 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,199 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #69 in Music > Miscellaneous > Comedy > General AAS
  • #73 in Music > Miscellaneous > Comedy > General

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

This remake of the 1996 Japanese film that set unlikely box office records in its native country turns more on a sexy, cinematic dance revivalism than the charms of stars Richard Gere and Jennifer Lopez. While its soundtrack never veers far from that noble task, it gratifyingly jolts its familiar rumbas and tango rhythms with a few modern musical kicks all its own. Pussycat Dolls' crisp, sensuous take of the standard "Sway" may subtly juice tradition, but Gotan Project's "Santa Maria" gives those familiar Latin rhythms a downright savory electronica makeover. Producer/arranger John Altman underscores tradition via his versions of chestnuts both lively ("Happy Feet") and ethno-apropos ("Espana Cani," "Perfidia," "Andalucia") and even a suitably schmaltzy cover of Mancini's signature "Moon River." Altman's sturdy musical background helps focus songs as diverse as Peter Gabriel's bittersweet "The Book of Love" and Gizelle O'Cole/Pilar Montenegro's vibrant, modern Latin-inflected title song, Jamie Cullum's club-beat-meets-lounge take on "I Could Have Danced All Night" and Miya's slinky, hip-hop seasoned remake of Bowie's "Let's Dance." --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

78 of 80 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars happy feet, October 22, 2004

By 

D. Farrell (the Sunnyside of Louisville) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Shall We Dance? (Audio CD)

If you left the movie barely able to control the urge to dance, this soundtrack is for you. If the movie did not make you want to dance, stop right here -- I don't even want you reading my review! If you haven't seen the movie yet, rent the original Japanese version on video first. It will allow you to appreciate a quality remake, very faithful to the original but with small changes that make it very significantly American. Then buy the soundtrack and a single red rose for your sweetheart...and dance him or her to the end of time.

64 of 69 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars SEE THE MOVIE, November 23, 2004

By 

Mars Trader - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Shall We Dance? (Audio CD)

True, the music CD sells itself. But please don't judge or criticize a movie you haven't seen. I was not a fan of Gere or Lopez, but I have been so pleasantly surprised by dance movies that have a gentle storyline (like Strictly Ballroom) that I went and loved it. I came away very impressed by Lopez - she can act and she can dance - wow - and Gere was good too. He's not a champion dancer but he is right for the person designed for the story, believable and sincere. Hey, no sex, no violence, but lots of good honest passion, friendship and some real love too. The entire cast was well chosen, and the story came together with a natural feel. Updated November 2011. A couple of years ago while strolling through Heathrow I heard Lunático by Gotan Project (Audio CD - 2006). Gotan did one of the tracks in Shall We Dance. I highly recommend you pick up Lunático! Really good, powerful romantic music.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Forget the movie, just get the soundtrack!, February 20, 2006

By 

Jay "SweetestTrini" (Brooklyn, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Shall We Dance? (Audio CD)

The movie was amazing, I loved it! BUT THE SOUNDTRACK IS FAR TOO UNBELIEVEABLE FOR WORDS! And having said that, I can't say much more about it. It's just that good. Especially Santa Maria by GoTan Project. I know that song alone is worth the money.