Given the success of the soundtrack of the original Fame movie - the score and title song both won Oscars, and Out Here on My Own was nominated - those involved in the remake had a lot of hard work to do. Unfortunately, much of it was in vain.
The famous theme song has been given a complete makeover. Gone are the famous, piercing electric guitar introduction and Irene Cara's desperate, almost cynical, delivery. In their place are an upbeat, syncopated rhythm and Naturi Naughton's wide-eyed optimism - a reflection on the film. While the original was gritty, the remake makes for squeaky clean, tween-friendly viewing.
Many of the tracks are bland, and some are irritating hip hop numbers about never giving up on your dreams. Newcomer Asher Book sings a couple of piano-led numbers: Someone to Watch over Me, Try and John Legend's Ordinary People. These songs might work in the film, but they sound like audition pieces on the soundtrack.
Highlights include Megan Mullally's You Took Advantage of Me and a version of I Put a Spell on You. This is by no means a bad album. It simply requires the chirpiness evoked by the movie to enjoy it.