Album Reviews

Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

`Nine'

(Universal Music Korea)

The ``Nine'' soundtrack is comprised of songs from its star-studded cast: Daniel Day-Lewis, Penelope Cruz, Nicole Kidman, Kate Hudson, Marion Cotillard, Judy Dench, Sophia Loren and Fergie.

As the lead actor, Day-Lewis does well in ``Guido's Song.'' Cotillard, who plays his wife, shines in ``My Husband Makes Movies,'' while his mistress played by Cruz oozes sex appeal in ``A Call from The Vatican.'' Hudson creates a playful atmosphere in the 60s-inspired track ``Cinema Italiano.'' Fergie, lead singer of the Black Eyed Peas, seduces listeners with the engaging ``Be Italian.'' While most of the cast prove to be able singers, the songs themselves are not very impressive.

―Cathy Rose A. Garcia

`Avatar'

(Warner Music Korea)

The outstanding visual effects of director James Cameron have made ``Avatar'' a blockbuster hit, but the music by award-winning composer James Horner has made it even more memorable for viewers.

Horner has managed to create an exotic and otherworldly soundtrack, yet classically orchestral. The music transports listeners to the enchanting world of Pandora and the Na'vi people. ``Jake's First Flight'' captures the high spirits of the character as he learns to fly, while ``Destruction of Hometree'' is hauntingly sad. British singer Leona Lewis sings the lovely theme song, ``I See You.''

Various

`Music From the Vatican: 'Alma Mater' Features the Voice of Pope Benedict XVI'

(Universal)

In stores is a new album of serene music from the Vatican, titled ``Alma Mater'' or ``Great Mother'' in veneration of the Virgin Mary.

The recording includes the Marian litanies, hymns and prayers recited by Pope Benedict XVI, set to music by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Philharmonic Academy of Rome and Cappella del Coro in St. Peter's Basilica.

``I am convinced that music really is the universal language of beauty which can bring together all people of good will on Earth,'' Pope Benedict XVI once said, and indeed, tracks such as ``Regina Coeli'' (Queen of Heaven) brim with beauty and peace.

―Lee Hyo-won