KICK ASS 2 - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (2013)

We had really wanted to shower more love for Jeff Wadlow’s sequel to the surprise hit Kick Ass. The action comedy film turned out rather, well, lukewarm and we couldn’t help but think things could have gotten a lot more wackier. How does the soundtrack to the movie fare then? Does it lack the energy and fun that was sorely missed in the movie starring Aaron Taylor Johnson, Chloe Mintz Plasse and the very underused Jim Carrey?

The 41 minute album kicks off with guitarist James Flannigan’s “Yeah Yeah”, a catchy and vigorous cue that sets the mood for the soundtrack. The key member from pop rock band Stiff Dylans performs a track that complements the theme of the movie aptly. Following that is Los Angelesbased singer songwriter Hanni El Khatib’s “Nobody Move”, a song that will please fans of indie rock. Englsh boy band Union J’s “Carry You” is next, a nice radio friendly addition to the compilation of songs.   

So far so good. Elsewhere, Canadian rock band Danko Jones performs the heavily rhythmic “Dance”, complete with shrills and screams. The Bees bring on the folksy “A Minha Menina”, while The Go! Team exemplify indie styled garage rock with the big band piece “Bust Out Brigade”. St Snot gives the beloved “When the Saints Go Marching In” an edgy feel that suits the soundtrack plastered with a “Parental Advisory – Explicit Content” label.

The rest of the album features varied cues like Scottish indie rock band Glasvegas’ soaring “Euphoria, Take My Hand”, American rock band Ozma’s brash “Korobeiniki”, Marco Polo and Toare’s hip hop “Danger” and DJ Fresh’s club worthy “Motherquake”. The album closes with another radio friendly tune “Hero” by Jessie J. Those looking to inject a little oomph and energy into their playlist would be pleased with this collection of songs. 

ALBUM RATING:

Recommended Track: (8) Bust Out Brigade – The Go! Team 

Review by John Li