The "Shrek" soundtrack is known for its catchy and memorable songs that have become iconic in their own right. Here are some interesting facts about the "Shrek" original soundtrack:
Smash Mouth's "All Star": "All Star" by Smash Mouth is one of the most recognizable songs from the "Shrek" soundtrack. Interestingly, it was not originally written for the movie but was included after the filmmakers heard the song and decided it would be a great fit.
Eels' "My Beloved Monster": This song by Eels, featured in the movie, was originally released on their album "Beautiful Freak" in 1996. Its quirky and offbeat sound added to the film's unique charm.
Rufus Wainwright's "Hallelujah": Rufus Wainwright's rendition of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" is often cited as one of the standout moments of the soundtrack. It is an emotionally powerful song and is used during a key scene in the film.
"I'm a Believer" Cover: The soundtrack closes with a cover of "I'm a Believer" by Smash Mouth. The song was originally written by Neil Diamond and was a big hit for The Monkees in the 1960s.
Original Score by Harry Gregson-Williams and John Powell: While the soundtrack includes popular songs, it also features an original score composed by Harry Gregson-Williams and John Powell. The score captures the whimsical and fairy tale elements of the film.
Parody Songs: The "Shrek" franchise is known for its clever use of parody songs that playfully subvert traditional fairy tale tropes. For example, the opening scene features the song "Fairytale" by John Lithgow, which is a parody of the classic song "Do You Believe in Magic" by The Lovin' Spoonful.
"Bad Reputation" by Joan Jett: Joan Jett's "Bad Reputation" is used during a scene where Princess Fiona takes matters into her own hands and showcases her independence. The song's rebellious lyrics match Fiona's character development.
Award-Winning Soundtrack: The "Shrek" soundtrack received critical acclaim and won several awards, including the Grammy Award for Best Song Written for a Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media for the song "I'm a Believer" by Smash Mouth.
Influence on Future Animated Films: The success of the "Shrek" soundtrack and its use of popular music in an animated film had a significant influence on future animated movies. It popularized the idea of incorporating contemporary music into animated films to appeal to a broader audience.
Multiple Soundtrack Albums: The success of "Shrek" led to the release of multiple soundtrack albums for the various films in the franchise, featuring both original songs and popular hits.
The "Shrek" soundtrack remains a beloved part of the film's legacy, and its songs continue to be enjoyed by audiences of all ages.