Analyze That (CD - 2002)

Personnel: Stephen Hilton (guitar, keyboards, programming); Phil Mossman (guitar); Dave Jensen (saxophone); John Wheeler (trombone); Scott Kinsey (piano, electric piano, organ, keyboards).

Recording information: RPM Sound Studios, New York, NY.

David Holmes' soundtrack for Analyze That, the sequel to Harold Ramis, Billy Crystal, and Robert DeNiro's hit mobster and shrink comedy Analyze This, finds the Irish composer operating on autopilot, or at least below the standard he set for himself with the distinctive music he wrote for Out of Sight and Ocean's 11. Tracks such as "Opening Credits," "Sushi Bar," and "Have a Nice Day" have some of the funky, moody appeal of Holmes' better soundtrack work, but just aren't especially memorable in and of themselves. Granted, this music is supposed to function as a backdrop to the film's action, but outside of that context, it's not an especially interesting listening experience. Now and then, however, Holmes' creativity bubbles to the surface, particularly on "Restaurant Background," an ironic take on swanky restaurant Muzak that ends up being one of the score's more distinctive pieces because of its intentional facelessness, and on the perky, pseudo-lounge music of "Car Showroom." "Strip Club," with its breathy female vocals and wah-wah guitars, is an effective audio caricature; throughout the album, Holmes seems to be the most inspired by sending up different styles of cheesy music and with scoring the film's climactic scenes. "Drive to the Heist," "The Chase," and "The Heist" are prime examples of the Lalo Schifrin-meets-Isaac Hayes style Holmes brought to his other scores, and his die-hard fans won't be disappointed by these tracks. Overall, though, Analyze That is missing that extra sparkle of Holmes' best work, and the soundtrack's somewhat short length of just over 30 minutes adds to its slightly disappointing feel. ~ Heather Phares minimize