MY VIEW
Music: 'Shark Tale Motion Picture Soundtrack'

By Jessica Labrador
Special to The Advertiser

The Verdict: Let's hope the movie isn't nearly as bad. THE RATINGS 5 — Outstanding: Add it to your collection now. A must-have. 4 — Great: Buy it or rent it — definitely listen to it. 3 — Good: Worth listening to despite some flaws. 2 — Fair: Unless you're a fan of the group or singer, don't bother. 1 — Poor: Save your money (and your ears).

Released: Sept. 21, 2004.

Style: Rap and R&B.

Rewind: None.

Skip it: All.

My view: For a movie aimed at kids, some lyrics in the soundtrack seem to require a more mature audience. The best example has to be Avant's "Can't Wait," in which he laments his sexual frustration with such touching words: "Can't wait to get it on/ 'Cuz it's been too long." Not to mention all of this piled upon a cheesy R&B tune. Where does this fit in with PG-rated, playful underwater creatures?

Christina Aguilera's updated rendition of the 1970's hit "Car Wash" would be all right and not so laughable if it didn't feature Missy Elliott proclaiming the song to be a "2004 phenomenal hit." One can only hope this prophecy to be false.

The raunchy rapper then goes on to spurt out silly phrases about sharks and fish irrelevant to the original lyrics. What makes this even more comical is Missy's reputation as a dirty-mouthed sex icon.

"Lies & Rumors" by D12 is one of the few tracks that actually sounds like it belongs on the album. Surprisingly, the amusing hip-hop number revolves around sea creatures and would be enjoyed by kids. Other songs falling into the "suitable" category are "Got to Be Real" by Mary J. Blige featuring Will Smith; and The Pussycat Dolls' "We Went As Far As We Felt Like Going." What makes these so appropriate is that they are upbeat and fun, unlike their low-toned rap counterparts. Also, the songs are free of adult references.

"Get It Together" by India.Arie is the only track with lyrics that must have required any thought during its initial stage. India.Arie's soulful voice speaks of overcoming personal problems at a much different level from any of her fellow artists. This positivity is something kids should hear rather than obnoxious nonsense and sexual innuendos.

Overall, nothing on this soundtrack can really be taken seriously, and everything funny about it isn't supposed to be. Fans of rap and R&B may be disappointed with their favorite artists rapping about their aquatic friends' underwater antics. Perhaps this is because it is meant to appeal to children, but even that is a questionable assumption with all the underlying adult themes. The music is a bad joke I'm not sure even kids will find engaging.

Jessica Labrador is a senior at Waialua High School.

Have a video game or CD you want to review? Reach Island Life deputy editor Dave Dondoneau at ddondoneau@honoluluadvertiser.com.