William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet: Music From The Motion Picture (1996 Version) [Enhanced CD]

Although I like Volume 2 better, this soundtrack is the one that most "Romeo + Juliet" aficionados will want to own. This soundtrack is the one with all the complete songs on it, including some really great songs by some great artists.

Garbage's "#1 Crush" is a pop-goth song that stays true to the feel of the movie, and "Young Hearts, Run Free" is a great techno song by Kym Mazelle. I can't stand to hear "Lovefool" by the Cardigans one more time, but for many, it might be the highlight of the album. "Little Star" by Stina Nordenstam is a trippy minimalist delight, and "You and Me Song" by the Wannadies is one of those pieces of pop fluff you think you heard in "So I Married an Axemurderer" and not "Romeo + Juliet".

The tracks I mostly appreciate, and that make the album worth checking out are: "Kissing You" by Des'ree (the love theme of the movie, and a truly beautiful sappy romantic...Read more

Another old favorite of mine, this soundtrack combines many different styles of music. Garbage, which is one of my favorite groups, appears on the very first track with their now-famous "#1 Crush" (Think: "I would die for you, I would die for you...".) And this is also the CD that made the Cardigan's "Lovefool" (Think: "Love me, love me, say that you love me...") a hit. Des'ree's romantic "Kissing You" will remind you of everything the Romeo and Juliet legacy stands for, and other songs such as Kim Myzelle's "Young Hearts Run Free" and the Wannadie's "You and Me Song" will make even the shyest among you start dancing! Mundy's "To You I Bestow" is very romantic and noble. This is not one of those soundtracks with one good song worth listening to and the rest throw-away-able. Almost every song is great, and this is a CD you will want to hold on to- I know because I have had it for a really long time. :)

Romeo + Juliet is THE best soundtrack I've ever owned. It does envoke a very specific mood...but you can definitely let it all out when you're singing along with this. There is a sense of darkness throughout, lightening at times, but ever present.

For the most part, the album is upbeat. "Young Hearts Run Free" may even provoke a smile. The real treasure lies in the dark reality of songs like "Local God", "Whatever", and "To You I Bestow" (arguably THE best song on this album). "Kissing You" is a wonderful love song, appropriately placed, and "Little Star" provides a calming lift after the turmoil of the rest of the album.

This album is unquestionably a must for anyone who shows even a remote interest in music. Romeo + Juliet is a tool to help you deal with the chaos that is life.