Various Artists

These past couple of years have really been big for soundtracks. Last year the soundtrack album for "Romeo Must Die" topped charts and at the end of 2000, Leann Rimes scored big with four new songs featured on the "Coyote Ugly" soundtrack. Now, in 2001, the release of the soundtrack to "Save the Last Dance," a movie starring Julia Stiles, compiles new selections from some of today's biggest names in the rap and R&B worlds. The first track simply called the "Theme From 'Save The Last Dance'" features lead vocals by Fredro Starr, lead singer of Onyx, who stars in the film as Malakai. "I see your true colors shining through," read the lyrics of this song, promoting the movie's main theme of bridging racial barriers. \nUnfortunately, this track is the only one on the album sticking with the movie's theme; the rest of the album is just plain old dance music. A number of tracks in particular stand out. Snoop Dogg and rapper Q-Tip join Lucy Pearl, which combines former members of Tony Toni Toné, A Tribe Called Quest and En Vogue. The song, "You," is a rhythmic number with a catchy chorus and a strong beat. \nK-Ci & JoJo are also featured with "Crazy," a soulful number blending the vocal talents of the two lead singers with electronically enhanced effects, similar to the sounds of Madonna's "Music." Also worth mentioning is Pink's new single "You Make Me Sick," a passionate song from this rising R&B star. \nAlso along for the ride are tracks featuring the late Notorious B.I.G., Montell Jordan, and a smooth track "U Know What's Up," by Donell Jones. In addition, what rap soundtrack wouldn't be complete with a bit of "old school" rap? Ice Cube is the man here featuring the edited version of his now classic "You Can Do It." For those who couldn't keep themselves from grooving in their seats during the movie, this soundtrack is a must have.