This collection of tunes "from and inspired by" the film Evan Almighty couldn't be any less inspired. The religious-themed family comedy, starring Steve Carell as a modern-day Noah, utilizes two versions of the
CCR classic "Have You Ever Seen the Rain," a cover of the oft-used "Spirit in the Sky," and the now wholly redundant "Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)" -- the latter is the lazy Hollywood "go-to" song for supposed laugh-filled, irony-fueled dance numbers. Even the inclusion of the
ZZ Top classic "Sharp Dressed Man" conjures up a predictable onscreen scenario. Toss in the upper-class/rural sounds of
Martina McBride,
LeAnn Rimes,
Jo Dee Messina,
Hal Ketchum, and
Blue County and you've got the soundtrack equivalent of your favorite fast-food combo meal. Recommended for those without access to FM radio. ~ James Christopher Monger