Original Soundtrack - Napoleon Dynamite (CD)

All Music Guide

Napoleon Dynamite's soundtrack works on the same mix of awkward and sweet that typifies the film. It's sprinkled liberally with soundbites of Napoleon himself (Jon Heder) and those in his life, such as quotable comebacks like "Yeah right, who's the only one who knows the illegal ninja moves from the government?," or Kip's (Aaron Ruell) declaration of his plans to become a cagefighter. Napoleon Dynamite also takes a page from the Rushmore soundtrack by sequencing composer John Swihart's suitably quirky score amidst the handful of indie pop and 1980s faves that anchor the set. Rogue Wave fans will note a live version of the Out of the Shadow standout "Every Moment," and Figurine's "New Mate" is a gem from the trio's 1999 revivalist synth pop album Transportation + Communication = Love. Though the music here is united by a certain offbeat quality, relationships family, friends, love, self are the real focus. It gives listeners the range, from the swagger of Bow Wow Wow's "I Want Candy" ...to the crackling souljazz and bootstraps message of Money Mark's "Sometimes You Gotta Make It Alone." There's also a touchingly heartfelt cover of Cyndi Lauper's "Time After Time," and less often heard '80s standouts from Yaz ("Only You") and Alphaville ("Forever Young"). With its movie quotes, endearing score (including Swihart's version of "The ATeam Theme"), and wellchosen musical cues, Napoleon Dynamite is a comprehensive keepsake of a film likely destined for cult favorite status. - Johnny Loftus, All Music Guide Read more Less