The Big Easy: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

The purpose of any review is to say why a CD/movie/book is good or bad, not saying something like "don't waste your time" because "I, a person with 'credentials' says so" (oh, the arrogance of some folks!). As a person without "credentials" but with great taste in music and common sense regarding the rules of professional criticism, I would like to state why I happen to think this CD is good.

A) Because it covers a euphonious, rhythmical landscape filled with a wide range of music (and eras), including R&B, Cajun, Zydeco and Gospel. That makes it interesting and flavorful, as well as good listening for those who are fans of those musical genres. B) The music was picked by the filmmaker to create certain moods for certain scenes. So while some of the songs aren't necessarily the best overall representations for those kinds of music, they do have a strong impact of their own for anyone who has seen the film. It goes without saying, if you liked the film, you'll love the...Read more

Being a Minnesotan, I wasn't exactly weaned on the musical traditions of New Orleans. I am a big fan of the movie, though, and on a whim purchased this soundtrack. Hundreds of listenings later, I can say that it is one of the finest musical compilations I've heard. I'm grateful to the movie's creators for exposing me to this fine genre of American music and highly recommend this disk.

And who would have guessed that Dennis Quaid could sing?

This is the one and only soundtrack I have ever purchased, and I purchased it because of the music in the movie. The movie had 18 songs credited to it. I was disappointed when I purchased the CD and found so many (8)songs missing. Then to confuse me more, there are 2 songs on the CD that I cannot find in the video. The quality was good, better than the video, and the music itself makes me want to dance. I can smell the food and taste the beer and feel the roots of the music when I listen to the CD. I consider it a good sampler of Cajun/Louisiana type music.