“Annie”, a timeless Broadway classic, has made its grand return to the silver screen.  Based on the comic strip “Little Orphan Annie”, “Annie” is a heartwarming tale of an orphan trying to find her family. The soundtrack—produced by Greg Kurstin, who is best known for his work with Lily Alan, Sia and Kelly Clarkson—features fabulous songs from cast members Jamie Foxx, Quvenzhane Wallis, Cameron Diaz and singers Sia and Beck. As wonderful as the movie is sure to be, the soundtrack is just as amazing.

Each track is as fun and uplifting as the film itself. Given that “Annie” was given the 21^st century treatment, many of the songs had to be given an update as well. For example, “It’s The Hard Knock Life” has an upbeat, R&B sound. Many fans of the film’s co-producer Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter may notice that it sounds like his similarly titled single. “I think I’m Gonna Like it Here” has a bit of a pop rock/R&B harmony, with Quvenzhane Wallis and Rose Byrne adding their own little touches to this cute track. “Tomorrow” has the same innocence as the Broadway version, but with an updated beat and more relaxed melody.

The opening track “Overture” is a mash up of “Tomorrow” and “It’s The Hard Knock Life”, with city sounds and a pop rock beat. Cameron Diaz’s updated rendition of “Little Girls” is up beat and easy to sing along to. “Opportunity”/”Opportunity (Reprise)”—sung by Quvenzhane Wallis and Sia respectively—are moving and poignant songs that may reduce the audience to tears. “Maybe” is a heartbreaking story of Annie longing for her parents. The audience will feel compelled to reach through the screen and comfort Annie. “The City’s Yours” is a sweet duet with Jamie Foxx and Quvenzhane Wallis in what appears to be a father-daughter moment between the two.

“Annie” has warmed the hearts of many since its first inception as a comic strip in 1924. The soundtrack will have the same effect on the audience as the movie, Broadway performances and comic strip. Quvenzhane’s rendition of “Tomorrow” will melt your heart and make you want to take Annie home with you. This sweet, fun filled soundtrack is certainly worth every second.

Final Grade: A+

About The Author

Lauren Beverly

Music Reviewer

I love to write and have been doing so since the age of eight. Fictional stories have always been a favorite of mine, because it gives me a chance to be creative and to express myself in a multitude of ways. On more than one occasion, a song proved to be the inspiration to several stories I have written. Believe it or not, some of those songs were on soundtracks! That’s mostly what I listen to, aside from hits from the 1950’s up to the 1980’s. I’ve learned that anything can be the inspiration to a story, even a poster from the 1990’s or a DVD cover.

I’ve lived in Upper Marlboro all of my life and spent much of my childhood watching cartoons of all kinds, and listening to my older sister’s cassette tapes. Growing up, I listened to everything Jackson related, Paula Abdul, Elton John, and even the controversial group Milli Vanilli. As a teenager, I continued to listen to old-school hits and that was pretty much all I liked, aside from listening to all of Michael Jackson’s music. To this day, I still love old-school hits. That hasn’t changed.

I own a variety of CDs from artists such as Styx, The BeeGees, Michael Jackson, Queen, The Yellow Submarine Soundtrack, and many others. When a soundtrack comes out, there will always be one specific song from that album that I’ll love. It never fails.

I’ve graduated from Bowie State University in December 2013 with a B.A. degree in English.

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