Smallville: The Metropolis Mix Soundtrack Review
Written by Craig Byrne - KryptonSite Webmaster

The musical selections and style on Smallville have changed since the release of the very first Smallville soundtrack, the Talon Mix, nearly three years ago.

Some bands have stuck around; some new choices are now included in the true WB flavor-of-the-month style.

The first Smallville soundtrack is one that I still listen to to this day, mostly because it seemed, especially in that first season, that the music was such an integral part of the show. Seasons 3 and 4, with the exception of a few choices like Lifehouse's "You and Me" in "Spirit," were mostly forgettable as far as music goes. Which could explain why it's been three years since we've had a new CD mix. The characters of Smallville are growing up and moving toward the big city - so, a new soundtrack was surely in order.

A specific memory of the music in Season Five came the night I watched the fifth season premiere, "Arrival." That whole last 3 minutes had the Depeche Mode's "Precious" behind the final scenes. It was such a unique and different sound; even different from what the same group provided in their heyday 15 years ago. (Gosh, I'm old for remembering that and realizing a good part of the Smallville audience was in diapers when their original stuff was popular) Now, when I hear "Precious" on the radio, it brings back memories of that terrific final sequence that brought James Marsters to the show. Now, I can just pop in the CD and be reminded.

Another favorite track on the CD is "The Girl's Attractive" by Diamond Nights. A local indie rock station here in Los Angeles, 103.1, had been playing it for a while so I admit that's my first thought associated with the song; but now that the WB has been including it in many Smallville promos, that may change.

Fans of the Clana ship will be happy that "You and Me" by Lifehouse is one of the few Season 4 selections on this CD soundtrack. You might also remember that this song was voted Best Song in the 2005 KryptonSite Awards. Unfortunately for me, this song reminds me of one of my complaints about the music selections in general - I'm SO tired of being told "everything she does is beautiful" when it comes to Lana. It was a long-awaited scene, and I'd much rather have happy-Clana than angst, but, like Maroon 5's "She Will Be Loved" (which mercifully is not on this CD), we *get it.* She's pretty. It's kind of like the constant references to Clark's possible future that Lois spouts out every week. Yeah, he'll be Superman. The anvils are getting old.

Some tracks on the CD, like Stereophonics' "Superman," may reference the iconic character, but Five For Fighting it's not. Was this song specifically written to pander to the creators of Superman TV shows or movies? Kinda felt like it.

Luckily that cuts into the All-American Rejects and "Dirty Little Secret" which is much better. Next we have Josh Kelley reminding us again about why we should love Lana. Moving on...

Track #7 is the Dandy Warhols and "All The Money Or The Simple Life Honey." Though this song was heard in the episode "Aqua," it still kind of represents the fast pace of Metropolis to me, but still isn't my kind of sound. This one doesn't sound even close to the greatness that is the Dandy Warhols' "We Used To Be Friends." But then again, I'm rather partial to that song...

"Cold Hands, Warm Heart" by Brandon Benson, originally heard in "Exposed," oddly sounds the most like music you'd hear in the show's early seasons. It's comfortable. I like it. The next track "I'm A Human" by Flashlight, is really great, and before Smallville I'd never heard it. Thumbs up.

Next up are two remakes of classic songs. "Other Side Of The World" by KT Tunstall (you know, the song that went "I want to fall in love"), and "Hungry Heart" by Minnie Driver. Both are unique and new takes, like Eva Cassidy's "Time After Time" in the Talon Mix soundtrack. I like.

The last track on the Metropolis Mix is "Feels Like Today" by Rascal Flatts, and that wraps up the 14-song mix. Of the 14, I still liked over half of the mix; so if those odds are good for you, then maybe you should get yourself a copy.

Oh, and before this is all over - I have to comment on the design and interior sleeve of the Metropolis Mix - while the cover isn't the best thing I've ever seen, the inside mini-booklet has some publicity photos inside, including some stuff as recent as "Exposed." That is VERY cool.

Now if only the Smallville Powers That Be would release a CD full of the incidental music created by Mark Snow for Smallville. His work has been so beautiful and appropriate at times, it's only right that someday we get a formal release. So how about it?

Note: The views of Craig Byrne don't necessarily represent the thoughts and feelings of everyone at KryptonSite.

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