VA - Sing - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack [Deluxe Edition] (2016)

A misguided theater owner, a one-time stage starlet and an ensemble of average citizens with extraordinary talents clamoring for center stage: The new 3D animation movie, Sing, could've been a tacky vehicle to preoccupy restless kiddies before the end of winter break, but instead it's a heartwarming tale about the power of living one's dreams. Older songs and newer grooves surface alternately in Sing's musical soundtrack, combining instantly-recognizable favorites and fresh new ditties that will linger long after the credits roll.

It can delightful, or somewhat disturbing, to watch an ambitious koala bear (Matthew McConaughey), a pig (Reese Witherspoon), a mouse (Seth McFarlane), a crested porcupine (Scarlett Johansen), a mountain gorilla (Taron Egerton) and an Indian elephant (Tori Kelly) go through the motions of putting together a stage show, but that's what one experiences in Sing. Egerton enthralls with a spirited revamp of Elton John's 80s hit, "I'm Still Standing," and "Set It All Free," heartily delivered by Johansen, is an upbeat and inspiring rock ode to surviving personal storms (no spoilers here, gotta see the movie for that one). Nick Kroll, who voices a flashy and flamboyant pig dancer in the film, is paired with Reese Witherspoon for a fun and flashier version (if you can imagine that) of Taylor Swift's "Shake It Off,” and for all of his character's snark and saltiness on-screen, McFarlane's version of "My Way" is unexpectedly poignant. "Faith," featuring the super-bad Stevie Wonder with Ariana Grande, is saucy and soulful, as expected, but when Tori Kelly's uber-shy character privately belts out the traditional "Hallelujah" and then, on-stage, pours all of her verve and vitality into Wonder's eternal 70's smash, "Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing," it's as empowering as it is explosive.

Jennifer Hudson's exquisite appearance as a suffolk sheep, wagging-butt bunnies and an alligator as Humpty-Hump...can it get any more entertaining than that? 2017 has surprises as yet undiscovered, but in the meantime, nothing wrong with joining in with the rest of the animals, throwing back your head and...starting to Sing. Highly Recommended