Customer Reviews

Toy Story 2: An Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I bought this CD for two songs specifically: "You've Got A Friend In Me" and Sarah McLachlan's melancholy ballad "When She Loved Me". The first song will stir memories of the first Toy Story, and if you've already seen Toy Story 2 (and shame on you for listening to these songs without seeing the movie first!), then "When She Loved Me" will no doubt bring chills to your skin and a tear to your eye. The instrumentals are also fun to listen to, as well as the cool 50s TV showtune, "Woody's Round Up". I love this movie, and Pixar should be commended for capturing the spirit of what toys *truly* are: an extension of a child's imagination; not pieces of supposed gold for old money-hungry collectors.

Well, I was one of the people who bought the soundtrack before I saw the movie,particularly because I'm a Sarah Mclachlan fan.I expected this CD to be just like any other cartoon soundtrack album-1/2 filled with some kiddy tunes and perhaps a ballad or two, but it turned out that i simply loved it! The different styles of music, suitable for both the old and the young, and touching rendition (including the instrumental pieces)of each song is certainly a good reason to get this soundtrack.Regardless of weather one caught the movie,one would very much like this soundtrack. :)

The soundtrack for Disney's Toy Story 2 is simply beyond all my expectations. Pure entertainment. Happy songs and melodies. Here, there and everywhere all over the entire cd, it's very easy to find the most joyful, pleasant and funny tracks possible. They really help you to enjoy and to live the magic of the movie itself as you've never dreamed before. They take you inside the magic. I myself am a fan of Disney movies since childhood and still today I just can't miss not even one release and buy all the soundtracks and other Disney stuff. "Lion King" and "Beauty and the Beast" are my very favorite. Masterpieces. Unforgettable. This particular one has been included in my list too, with honors. For sure, it's a must-buy. Just like the movie that inspired it.

First of all, you should know that this isn't a CD with a lot of singing. If you watched the movie, you'd probably catch onto that because only three songs are sung, and they are all on the CD. The rest is Randy Newman's awesome fantasy world. Track #14 is so perfect....it honestly takes you to another place with its catchy tune which is just as cute and mysterious as "The Cleaner" himself. Track #18 begins with the exciting Woody-the-hero melody blaring in the brass with a bold cowboy sound. It sounds almost like Aaron Copland at times, but with a little toy-flare to it.

This CD seriously just makes you smile! The Sarah McLachlan song in the beginning is probably the saddest song on the CD, but it is absolutely charming and sweet. If you like any of Randy Newman's instrumental music ("Maverick" and "A Bug's Life"), you won't be disappointed by this CD. However, if you somehow thought that Woody and company sang songs throughout the movie, you probably won't like it. For the rest of you, it's incredible! :)

This soundtrack is truly a piece of art. Randy Newman has done some great things with this album. "When She Loved Me" is a beautiful song that I can't help but listen to over and over again. The instrumental part (which makes up the majority of the album) is exciting yet very soothing and enjoyable. If you've seen the movie, and paid any attention to the music at all, the soundtrack is a must. I put it in my CD player, sit back, and relax. I'll listen to this one for years to come.

The Toy Story 2 soundtrack, like the film itself, far surpasses the original. Randy Newman, who thankfully leaves the vocalizations to others this time around, has created a score that moves beyond Disney's easy soundtrack sell of rehashing, ie. variations on the theme of the hoped for Oscar winning ballad. From the eerie percussion of "Woody's Dream" to the playful and slightly Elfman-esque strings of "The Cleaner," Newman offers music that is entertaining even without the accompanying images--a noteworthy feat for any soundtrack.

And speaking of Oscar hopeful songs, Sarah McLachlan's haunting and painful performance, with the perfect hint of a Jessie "yodel," on "When She Loved Me" is beautiful, fragile, and perfectly rendered. This is one of the things an Oscar-nominated song should do--develop the plot of the film, with lyrical and narrative force, not with adult contemporary radio airplay. And trust me, if Phil weren't so popular, Sarah would be on the radio every five minutes in the dentist's office, also. But, then, we all know it's better that she isn't!

What can I say? This is a great, great soundtrack--score and songs soar!

I really like the CD. I am just disappointed that Randy Newman doesn't sing the song "You've Got A Friend In Me," like he does in the first movie of Toy Story. I wish there was a CD movie soundtrack for that movie like there is for the second one.

During my 9th pregnancy I would have this playing in the car while driving my 4 yr old Woody and 2 yr old Buzz around on errands. After Abby was born I would have to bring her along with us, and the first time she became fussy in the car I started the cassette. As soon as the first note of the first song played, Abby stopped crying. When she was 3 months old we had to drive from VA to New Orleans, and everytime Abby got upset, we had to play it. (ALOT! Through several states and back!) But it calmed her EVERY TIME! Now she is 14 months old, and it still soothes her, especially "When She Loved Me." Thanks to all creative forces behind the Toy Story movies!

Or, more to the point, your ears have a friend in Randy Newman. Granted, his singing leaves a lot to be desired (he makes Tom Waits sound like Andrea Bocelli), but thankfully he leaves the vocalizing to others on this CD. Instead, he focuses all his energy on creating a magical score that takes its cues from various genres (gotta loves Track Number 4, which opens similar to "Also Spach Zarusthra" from 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY). Simply put, this is a great listen, although geared more towards adults than children, who no doubt would be hard pressed to sit through 40 minutes of musical score.

There are three songs preceding the score section. First is a fun but inconsequential homage to 1950s cowboy TV shows. Second is the song that deserves to win the Oscar for Best Song this year, "When She Loved Me" by Sarah McLachlan. Third is a swinging rendition of the previous film's big hit, "You've Got A Friend In Me," performed by Robert Goulet (CAMELOT). All in all, this is a solid listen from beginning to end.

My son loves his TS2 cd. We listen to it over. He likes to tell me what part of the movie the songs are for.