Original Soundtrack - Toys [Geffen]

In addition to original compositions by Trevor Horn and Hans Zimmer, such as the melodic "Closing of the Year," there are a number of well-known musicians whose songs are included in the Toys soundtrack. They range from the gently moving "Ebudae" by Enya to a percussive "The Happy Worker" that is given an erotic spin by Tori Amos. Attention for receiving the most radio airplay during the film's release goes to Thomas Dolby's version of "The Mirror Song." It's more challenging to spot the stars in the instrumentals: Frankie Goes to Hollywood performs on the sweeping, martial arrangement of "Welcome to the Pleasuredome" that incorporates several of the film's recurring musical themes. Renowned jazz guitarist Pat Metheny also appears on the instrumental version of "Let Joy and Innocence Prevail." Both the film and the album have an intentionally quirky focus. With Robin Williams in the lead role, madcap whimsy does indeed weave through it. Yet perhaps the most out-of-left-field cut on the album is the vocal arrangement of "Let Joy and Innocence Prevail." Why? Because it's by Grace Jones. The Grace Jones that listeners might expect to find dancing on some guy's back in spike heels. She is just about the opposite of who would ordinarily be looked for with the sweetness-and-light lyrics. Even so, the song melds effectively with the overall theme of the album. Jones has a lovely, powerful voice. As startling as it is to hear her on this style of song, she gets it to work. Since Toys has Christmas scenes, that gives it seasonal reshowing/replaying impetus. Indeed, the album is well worth having for "Closing of the Year" alone, and then listeners get so much more to go with it. Definitely recommended for fans of the movie, and for those who enjoy both seasonal and soundtrack style compositions. ~ Murrday Fisher, All Music Guide

Name Credits Alexys Schwartz ? Andrew Richards ? Andy Richards ? Anne Dudley ?, Vocals Armin Steiner ?, Engineer Barry Levinson Executive Producer Bob Daspit ? Bruce Fowler Orchestration Bruce Woolley Vocals Chris Bruce ? Cole Ynda ?, Vocals Curt Bisquera ? David Palmer Vocals (Background), ? Enya ?, Performer, Vocals Eric Caudieux ? Frankie Goes to Hollywood ?, Performer Gary Gersh Executive Producer Grace Jones Performer, ?, Vocals Hans Zimmer Performer, Vocals, Producer Ian Hunter ?, Choir, Chorus James Flamberg Music Supervisor Jane Siberry Vocals, ? Janey Clewer ? Jay Rifkin Mixing, Engineer Jeff Rona ? Jill Sinclair Executive Producer Joan Cusak ? John Isham ? Johnathon J. Jeczalik ? Julia Migenes-Johnson ?, Performer Kevin Savigar ? Lisa Coleman ? Lisbeth Scott ? Lol Creme ? Louis Jardim ? Malcolm McNabb ? Matthew Walden Music Supervisor Michael Fisher ? Michael Gambon ?, Performer Michael Stevens Vocals, ? Nicky Ryan Producer, Mixing Pat Metheny ?, Performer, Producer Peter Gabriel Vocals, ? Peter Haycock ? Richard Greene ? Robin Hancock Mixing Robin Williams Performer, Vocals, ? Seal ?, Performer, Vocals Shirley Walker Performer, Orchestration, Conductor Steve Howe ? Steve Lipson ? Susannah Melvoin ? The International Childrens' Choir ? Thomas Dolby ?, Performer Tim Pierce ? Tim Weidner Engineer, Mixing Tori Amos Performer, ?, Vocals Trevor Horn Mixing, Producer, Editing Wendy & Lisa Performer Wendy Melvoin ? Wendy Sherman Design