The soundtrack for The Crow helped to set the standard by which soundtrack success is measured today. Oh sure, we knew that a soundtrack to something like The Bodyguard could sell, propelled mainly by the mainstream clout of the artists - but a collection of songs from bands like Pantera, My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult, and Rollins Band? Well, it did sell - and it sold well - perhaps doing more for the film in terms of promotion than the death of Brandon Lee.
So, when the sequel for The Crow was announced, the next soundtrack was inevitable. And in many respects, the soundtrack for The Crow: City of Angels is a worthy successor to its predecessor. It certainly has that edgy "alternative" feel to it, with artists like PJ Harvey, Hole, and Iggy Pop (who also has a staring role in the film) lending their talents to the proceedings.
Overall, the album works. As with the original soundtrack, newer acts like NY Loose share time with established groups like Hole, and the general feel of the album reflects what we can only assume the film's atmosphere will be. I mean, let's be honest here - nobody really expects this film to be bright and sunny, do they?
There, perhaps, is one of the problems with the album. It almost seems as if they used the first soundtrack as a template for this one. Can't get The Cure back for your dark, brooding song? Then get Bush (?!?!), with "In A Lonely Place", a song that fits that spot perfectly. Need something along the lines of Jane Siberry's "It Can't Rain All The Time"? Get Linda Perry and Grace Slick to come in and do "Knock Me Out".
But there is one major difference between this soundtrack and the soundtrack to The Crow, and it's not necessarily a good one in term of sales. On The Crow, there was a little song called "Big Empty" that got much radio and helped to boost sales of the album - which of course translated into ticket buyers for the film. But on the soundtrack for The Crow: City of Angels, there is no such hit. Sure, Hole is getting good rock and alternative radio with "Gold Dust Woman", and odds are Toadies "Paper Dress" will also make a good single. But mass market radio will not warm up to any of the tracks on this album like they did for "Big Empty".
Why? Well, most of the bands on the album that could get airplay aren't doing their usual shtick. White Zombie does K.C. and the Sunshine Band's "I'm Your Boogie Man", but after about the fifth listen, the novelty has worn off. Tried and true radio acts like Bush step a bit off their own beaten path with "In A Lonely Place", and it's probably not a direction most of their fans will want to go in.
I'm not saying that this is a bad thing. But let's all be honest with ourselves here - as a movie, The Crow: City of Angels has a couple of strikes against it before it even gets into the batters box. There is a general feeling of skepticism about this movie that has been sitting around quietly simmering since it was announced last year; the only time it ever boiled was when it was announced that Jon Bon Jovi was up for the lead although that could have produced a radio hit had he gotten the part.
But when looked at as an album instead of a marketing tool, the soundtrack for The Crow: City of Angels does work. The songs do - for the most part - flow together well. But is it as good as the soundtrack for The Crow? Alas, no. But then again, the movie probably won't be, either.
