POP ALBUM REVIEW : ‘Commitments’ Sound Falls Flat

The appeal on film of the young working-class Irish soul music fanatics who perform cover versions of American soul gems in the film “The Commitments” is their obvious love for that style of music.

But songs themselves--including “Chain of Fools,” “In the Midnight Hour” “Bye Bye Baby” and “Try a Little Tenderness”--require powerful R&B; voices.

Yet thin, pop-style vocals--often barely on-key--is just about all the Commitments can muster. Even the most effective singer, Andrew Strong, sounds like a poor imitation of David Clayton-Thomas of the ‘70s jazz-soul-rock band Blood, Sweat and Tears.

So what is often appealing on film falls flat on record. This sound track might have been somewhat intriguing if the group had tried off-beat interpretations of these songs, which would have better suited their limited vocal talents. But that approach would not have been true to the film’s storyline, which calls for the group to mimic the original versions.

If you enjoyed the movie and want to relive the experience and performances, you might like this album. Otherwise, forget it. You’ll be better off tracking down the originals.