Album reviews

Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

'Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time'

(Universal Music)

Some soundtracks are made to stand on their own, fantastic in both theatrical and musical regards, and then there are those simply made to blend in with the film. This is of the latter breed. Composer Harry Gregson-Williams (Golden Globe nominee for the first "Chronicles of Narnia" film) brings the audience a soundtrack that's as manufactured as the Jerry Bruckheimer-produced, Hollywood blockbuster it was made to accompany.

The 19-track-long OST falls back repeatedly on the same theme: heavy brass and Middle-Eastern influences build up to crash into a hushed, languid, wind-instrument melody. And the film, panned for its all-Caucasian cast, ends no better musically with the unfitting, uninspired original by Alanis Morisette.

/ Ines Min

Celine Dion

'Taking Chances World Tour Live'

(Sony Music Korea)

Legend Celine Dion's year-long tour from 2008 to 2009 saw her perform in 25 countries on five continents. Revisiting past hits such as "The Power of Love" and newer hits from her 2007 album "Taking Chances," Dion wows audiences worldwide with a stage including a conveyor belt, eight background dancers, large LED screens and the second highest-grossing solo-artist's tour following Madonna.

In a CD/DVD package, fans can relive a night of Dion's tour with her 2-hour live concert in Boston. Featuring several outfit changes, a duet with Andrea Bocelli ("The Prayer") and an entertaining show punctuated with her classic facial expressions, Dion reminds viewers that she is, indeed, a star.

Jack Johnson

`To the Sea'

(Brushfire Records)

It's hard not to like Jack Johnson. He strikes you as the sort of guy you'd like to hang out with, knock back a couple of beers with, or strike up a bonfire with under the stars.

His new album, the fifth from this surf-minded, guitar-strumming singer-songwriter, is what you'd expect from this easygoing, insta-friend. His rhythms are familiar, and the melodies _ well, you seem to already know them even if you've never heard them before. By the time you give them a second listen, you're already singing along as you bob to the softly tropical vibe.

Perhaps that's where the genius is. Johnson's songs are so accessible, even when there's an edge to his lyrics such as in the opening ``You and Your Heart.'' His grooves are upbeat, and his tunes are a fun ride.

/ Associated Press