(05 September 2005) The new film Just Like Heaven released nationwide September 16, 2005 is supported by music by various artists. The soundtrack from this movie, Just Like Heaven - Music From the Motion Picture (Columbia (USA) ACK97696, 2005) arrived a few days prior to the nationwide film premiere. The movie is a romatic comedy starring Reese Witherspoon, Mark Ruffalo and Jon Heder. The soundtrack features music from rising stars and established artists performing some original songs as well as new versions of classic pop and rock songs.

This romantic comedy, based on French novelist Marc Levy's book, If Only It Were True, is set in San Francisco. It is a romantic tale of love across the boundaries of our physical and metaphysical worlds. The music for Just Like Heaven echoes and mirrors the film's narrative and emotional arcs, providing a subtle counterpoint to the movie's action while illuminating the characters and their motivations.

The title track is sung by critically acclaimed singer Katie Melua. She was Britain's highest selling female artist in 2004 and was also awarded Best International Newcomer at Germany's ECHO Awards in 2005. Her fabulous voice transforms this alternative rock cover from The Cure into a real standout. Katie's delivery is emotionally taut, with a stunning, memorable sound (feature).

The soundtrack includes original songs by Philly's soulful singer/songwriter Amos Lee ("Colors") and pop wizard Beck("Strange Invitation") alongside contemporary artists performing other recognizable covers of numerous well-known pop, rock, punk and alternative classic singers. Alt/rock singer/songwriter Pete Yorn sings The Temptations' "Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)" followed by former Letters to Cleo singer Kay Hanley performing the Iggy Pop/David Bowie song, "Lust For Life."

British singer/songwriter Imogen Heap (review) imparts a sultry rendition of the Classics IV's "Spooky"; Bowling For Soup deliver a rollicking take on Ray Parker's "Ghostbusters"; hip-hop singer Kelis resonates with her version of The Pretender's "Brass In Pocket"; and the guitarist and vocalist for Tonic, Emerson Hart, performs his interpretation of "Bad Case of Lovin' You," a John "Moon" Martin piece made popular by the late Robert Palmer.

This album includes some easily recognizable classic hits such as "Good Times Roll" from The Cars 1978 hit, "Jungle Fever" by Chakachas (1971), and "I Put a Spell on You" by Screamin' Jay Hawkins (1956). The film's score was composed by Rolfe Kent, whose resume includes more than thirty films including "Fight Club" and "Wedding Crashers." He was also nominated for a Golden Globe for his music for "Sideways" and earned BMI Film Music Awards for "Legally Blonde," "Legally Blonde 2" and "Freaky Friday." He provides five of his creations on this soundtrack: "Her Picture," "David Alone," "I'm Seeing Someone," "Machines Don't Know Everything" and "I Remember You."

The music choices certainly complement the theme of this motion picture with covers of classic soul tunes and recognizable modern rock classics. There's something for everyone with the potpourri of music showcasing the hot numbers from the new and well-known artists featured on Just Like Heaven - Music From the Motion Picture.--Audrey Elliot in New York