Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit

Review by Thomas Glorieux:

We all know it, Sister Act was a great success, it brought back Whoopie Goldberg to stardom and it really made for a fun film and fun soundtrack. So naturally some people would watch the inevitable sequel and naturally it would not match the original, even though it isn't that bad. The soundtrack is a different matter, no Shaiman composing the music since Miles Goodman wrote music for the film. However, there is no score to be found on the album and is one of the very few releases I have that doesn't contain even 1 track of movie music. But regarding how well the songs worked in the first film, you'd think the same of this album. It however was fun to hear Marc Shaiman's few portions of score through Sister Act, because it was simply fun music. Here he adapts and supervises the music, and its easy to hear his voice in the songs because its just so clearly his style. However, here the songs are different, just a few of the sisters songs and several of the new group's choir, backed up with several ordinary pop songs, and that's a shame. It are the original songs for the film that again are the best, and several really show true vocal talents. Naturally, we all know now who Lauryn Hill is today, but that time she wasn't the star yet, and her duet with piano and strings is vocally brilliant in 'His Eye is on the Sparrow' along with Tanya Blount. I'm talking here about the 2 girls performances because it are strong voices they carry, the song is somewhat heavenly inspired and is nice, but its especially a song to listen to without singing with it, if you know what I mean. The other great song is 'Oh Happy Day' and that's because for several reasons, the choir and Ryan Toby start subdued, shy and when occasionally Whoopie adds some voices to that, they grow until they explode with a true typical Sister Act finish, and here Ryan Toby sings sensationally with the choir, which makes it true Sister Act fashion.

The sisters are backed up in 'Get Up Offa that Thing / Dancing in the Street' but isn't really that special, then I like more the powerful and groovy 'Ball of Confusion'. Occasionally we hear sisters who in fact can't sing, but the knowledge how well they accompany each other in group is why Sister Act worked, and now this song works for Sister Act 2. 'Ode to Joy' is a typical true and faithful version while the final version of 'Joyful, Joyful' by The St. Francis choir is at times quite innovating and sparkling, but misses a key tone in it to make it equal the other songs. The other songs are typically the more recent affair, and don't really inspire much, the 'The Greatest Medley ever Told' however adds numerous classic songs in a fun demise and listens fast but fun, and when they add "Hallelujah", "My God" and "I will Follow Him" to it, the true spirit of the original score returns. This all is found in a non score released album. I don't know Miles Goodman's music and frankly, I don't know if we ever will hear it, but why Marc Shaiman couldn't' write the music for the songs and for the film is strange, because he did a great job with the first film. However, his true voice is heard especially in the first song and to hear him supervise and support the original songs is what especially makes those songs work. That the non Shaiman songs don't work much is what makes it overall sad to hear it together with more then acceptable Sister Act fashion songs, and especially that the vocal performances of the actors is of supreme excellence in Sister Act 2: Back in Shaiman's Habit.

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Tracks

Single Disc

1. The Greatest Medley Ever Told: Whoopie & the Ronelles (4.03)

2. Never Should've Let You Go: Hi-Five (4.42)

3. Get Up Offa That Thing / Dancing In Street: Whoopie & the Sisters (3.21)

4. Oh Happy Day: The St Francis Choir * (3.59) Excellent Track

5. Ball Of Confusion: Whoopie & the Sisters (2.28)

6. His Eye Is On The Sparrow: T. Blount & L. Hill (4.30) Excellent Track

7. A Deeper Love: Aretha Franklin ** (4.05)

8. Wandering Eyes: Nuttin' Nyce (3.43)

9. Pay Attention: Valeria Andrews & Ryan Toby (4.30)

10. Ode To Joy: The Chapman College Choir (1.33)

11. Joyful, Joyful: The St Francis Choir *** (4.21)

12. Ain't No Mountain High Enough: Whoopie and the Cast (3.02)

* Featuring Ryan Toby

** Produced by C&C Music Factory

*** Featuring Lauryn Hill

Total Length: 44.46

The use of artwork or photos is posted for non profitable reasons

=== Link to Composer Site: Marc Shaiman ===