On ‘Next Best,’ Madonna Hosts Chic Little Record Party

** 1/2 VARIOUS ARTISTS

“Music From the Motion Picture

‘The Next Best Thing’ ”

Maverick

Leave it to Madonna to make a seemingly inexplicable idea work. For the first single from the soundtrack album to her latest film, the pop maestro has refashioned the earnest classic-rock chestnut “American Pie” as an irresistibly frothy electro-pop confection, co-produced by Madonna and her choice collaborator of the moment, techno wizard William Orbit. Madonna and Orbit share production and writing duties on another likely single, the warm, gently plaintive “Time Stood Still.”

Both songs are highlights of this alternately playful and wistful collection of electronic-based tracks, which includes previously recorded material by such critics’ darlings as Moby and Beth Orton and lesser-known but equally hip acts such as Groove Armada and Manu Chao. There’s also Olive’s elegant but hardly exciting new version of the 10cc hit “I’m Not in Love,” and an original offering from Christina Aguilera: the perky “Don’t Make Me Love You (‘Til I’m Ready),” on which the teen queen gamely apes Mariah Carey (an increasingly popular practice among young female singers).

In general, though, this album plays like the soundtrack to a private party at a chic club, with some interesting guests and a dynamic hostess.

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