William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet – 10th Anniversary Edition
Written by Kristy Weick
Tuesday, 15 May 2007
Various Artists Capitol Records A
If you thought the soundtrack to the movie William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet from 1996 couldn’t get any better, you were wrong.
For the 10th anniversary release of this album, Capitol Records has thrown on the four best songs from the second volume of music from the motion picture, plus a bonus philosophical dictation on life.
In 1996, movie director Baz Luhrmann created a modern version of Romeo and Juliet and made a visual and sonic masterpiece of this tragic tale. The soundtrack, which was put together to compliment the movie, worked like a charm, selling millions of copies worldwide. There was also a second volume of songs released after the popularity of the first. This second volume had additional songs, instrumental versions of a few songs, and pieces by Craig Armstrong, a well-known composer. When Capitol Records released the 10th anniversary edition, they took the best songs from the second volume (except for “Exit Music for a Film” by Radiohead which should have been included), and threw them at the end of the complete first album.
In case you haven’t heard the original album or seen the movie, it is highly suggested you do both. The songs that compliment the film the best are “Whatever (I Had a Dream)” by Butthole Surfers, “Talk Show Host” by Radiohead, “Kissing You” by Des’ree, and “Everybody’s Free (To Feel Good)” by Quindon Tarver.
In this 10th anniversary addition, we are given a fresh look at some of the best songs from the first two compilations. In “Introduction to Romeo,” we get to hear Romeo (Leonardo DiCaprio) give a soliloquy over an orchestral arrangement intertwined with Radiohead’s, “Talk Show Host.” The next track is a tripped out version of “Young Hearts Run Free.” They call it the “Ballroom Version,” but it might be better named the “We’re on Drugs” version because of the opera singing, echoey notes, and odd sounds. Next is an instrumental version of “Kissing You (Love Theme from Romeo + Juliet)” which, while deleting Des’ree’s graceful voice, shows how touching the theme song really is. “When Doves Cry,” also by Quindon Tarver, starts out quiet and reposed, but transforms into a dance hall track. It is a fun addition to the album and we just can’t get enough of his beautiful voice.
The final addition to the album is Baz Luhrmann’s “Everybody’s Free (To Wear Sunscreen).” The life philosophies projected in this song by Lee Perry are smart and funny, and with the music from Quindon Tarver’s version of “Everybody’s Free (To Feel Good) [‘07 Mix]” floating as a backdrop, it really makes you think about your life. Some favorite lyrics include, “Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth. Oh, never mind, you will not understand the power and beauty of your youth until they’ve faded,” “Do one thing everyday that scares you,” and, “Remember compliments you receive, forget the insults. If you succeed in doing this, tell me how.” Great advice!
If you loved this soundtrack the first time around but sold it as a used CD to your local record store years ago, this re-release is a great way to revisit the amazing compilation of songs. Definitely check out the extra songs at the end if you never bought the second volume. Thanks to Baz’s direction, we have a diverse and flowing aural playground to go along with the visually stimulating film he created.
For the 10th anniversary release of this album, Capitol Records has thrown on the four best songs from the second volume of music from the motion picture, plus a bonus philosophical dictation on life. 
