Welcome back to Soundtrack Spotlight. In this issue, not one, not two, but three films and their soundtracks are being highlighted. Let’s dive in.
Today, the three movies that are being covered are the notorious trio of “Shrek” movies. Although there are currently four films in the franchise, this only highlights the first three, those being “Shrek,” “Shrek 2” and “Shrek the Third.” The film triad is set in a mythical land full of fairy tale characters. They follow the main protagonist, Shrek, a once-grumpy ogre who lived alone in solitude but is now married to Princess Fiona, who is also an ogre. Shrek is introduced to a world of kings, queens, fairy godmothers and so much more.
The first and original film is the fan-favorite “Shrek,” and it started the franchise off with a bang when it comes to soundtracks. A wide variety of moods are displayed through the many songs featured in the film, including “Escape (The Pina Colada Song)” by Rupert Holmes, “Bad Reputation” by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, and “Hallelujah” by John Cale. The band Smash Mouth was also heavily utilized in the movie with their hit song “All Star,” along with their own cover of “I’m a Believer” with Eddie Murphy.
The second film in the franchise, “Shrek 2,” continued the legacy of amazing tunes. In recapping some of the hit songs, you’ll hear “Accidentally in Love” by the Counting Crows, “Holding Out for a Hero” sung by Jennifer Saunders, “Changes” sung by Butterfly Boucher and David Bowie, “Funkytown” by Lipps Inc. and “Ever Fallen in Love” by Peter Yorn. To top it all off, the movie concludes with a rendition of “Livin’ La Vida Loca” by Eddie Murphy and Antonio Banderas.
Finishing off the legendary trio comes “Shrek the Third.” While not having as deep of a song repertoire, there are still some great hits, including “Live and Let Die” by Wings and, once again, a recital of “Cat’s in the Cradle” by Eddie Murphy. One of the best uses of song over all three movies, though, comes from a scene in the third where both the “Immigrant Song” by Led Zeppelin and “Barracuda” by Fergie are mashed together in an epic scene.
Who knew that an ogre could have such an immaculate taste in music?
