Phenomenon (soundtrack)

The Phenomenon soundtrack is a compilation album by various artists released for Reprise Records, who contributed to the music score of the 1996 American romantic fantasy drama film Phenomenon, starring John Travolta.[1] The soundtrack features performances by international music stars including Eric Clapton, Bryan Ferry and Peter Gabriel, and went on to be a high-selling soundtrack release. The single "Change the World", performed by Eric Clapton, which was released off the album became a global hit and helped to promote the soundtrack's sales figures.[2] "Everyday Is A Winding Road", from Sheryl Crow's 1996 self-titled album, was featured in the film, but not on the soundtrack.

Phenomenon
Soundtrack album
ReleasedJune 1996 (1996-06)
GenrePop
Length44:50
LabelReprise
ProducerRobbie Robertson

Reception edit

The soundtrack album topped the Billboard 200 album chart and sold more than 1.5 million copies while on chart, gaining a Platinum disc from the Recording Industry Association of America.[3] Critics from the MovieTunes website called the release "more than simply an aural souvenir of a magical movie experience. It is the cutting edge of a collaborative art-form whose time has come".[4] In his review for the music website AllMusic, journalist and critic Stephen Thomas Erlewine notes:

Designed for adult contemporary listeners, the soundtrack to the John Travolta movie Phenomenon has a cross-section of singer/songwriters, mellow blues, and synthesized soul-inflected pop. Out of all the contributors – which include such heavy hitters as Peter Gabriel, Bryan Ferry, John Hiatt, J.J. Cale, Taj Mahal, and a duet between Aaron Neville and Robbie Robertson – the standout track is "Change the World", a song Babyface wrote and produced for Eric Clapton. The two musicians work surprisingly well together, creating a laid-back, soulful number that is quietly seductive. Nothing on the album works quite as well, but it is a pleasant listen, if not a particularly memorable one.

— Stephen Thomas Erlewine, AllMusic[5]

Track listing edit

Phenomenon track listing[5]
No.TitleWriter(s)Performer(s)Length
1."Change the World"Gordon Kennedy · Wayne Kirkpatrick · Tommy SimsEric Clapton3:56
2."Dance with Life (The Brilliant Light)"Bernie Taupin · Martin PageBryan Ferry6:14
3."Crazy Love"Van MorrisonAaron Neville · Robbie Robertson4:30
4."Corrina"Jesse Ed Davis · Taj MahalTaj Mahal3:00
5."Have a Little Faith in Me"John HiattJewel4:24
6."I Have the Touch"Peter GabrielPeter Gabriel5:27
7."Piece of Clay"Gloria Jones · Pam SawyerMarvin Gaye5:11
8."Para Donde Vas"Joe Cabral · Rod HodgesThe Iguanas3:18
9."Misty Blue"Bobby MontgomeryDorothy Moore3:39
10."A Thing Goes On"J.J. CaleJ.J. Cale2:38
11."The Orchard"Thomas NewmanThomas Newman2:33
Total length:44:50

Certifications edit

Region Certification Certified units/sales
Canada (Music Canada)[6] Platinum 100,000^
United States (RIAA)[7] Platinum 1,000,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

References edit

  1. ^ "Phenomenon – Soundtracks – IMDb". Internet Movie Database. Amazon.com, Inc. Retrieved November 28, 2015.
  2. ^ "Various Artists – Phenomenon: Music From The Motion Picture – Amazon.com Music". Amazon.com. Amazon.com, Inc. Retrieved November 28, 2015.
  3. ^ Applefeld Olson, Catherine (July 11, 1998). "Soundtracks Spark Chart Heat" (PDF). Billboard Magazine. 110 (28): 84. Retrieved November 28, 2015.
  4. ^ "Soundtrack Album: Phenomenon". Movie Tunes. Hollywood, United States: The Band Info. June 1996. Retrieved November 28, 2015.
  5. ^ a b Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "Phenomenon – Original Soundtrack | Songs, Reviews, Credits | AllMusic". AllMusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved November 28, 2015.
  6. ^ "Canadian album certifications – Various Artists – Phenomenon - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack". Music Canada. Retrieved December 14, 2022.
  7. ^ "American album certifications – Soundtrack – Phenomenon". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved December 14, 2022.