September 23, 2002 -- The soundtrack CD for "Scooby-Doo is like many soundtracks, a lot of musical styles thrown together with no real theme. Most, but not all, of the songs are either heard in the movie, or are related to the film in some thematic way. It is not a CD that would appeal to many people who haven't seen the film, or who did not like the film. It is really too light, musically speaking, to stand on its own.

Probably the best song on the CD is a rap version of "Brick House" by Lil' Romeo, featuring Master P. It retains enough the 1979 hit song by the Commodores to have some real kick to it. The rap sections blend in well with the rest of the song. It rocks.

Also good is a retro big band song, "Man With the Hex" by The Atomic Fireballs, dominated by pounding drums, a strong brass section, raspy vocals and a rocking beat. It also features a nice sax solo.

"Thinking About You" by Solange with Murphy Lee is a tolerable soul number with a bit of rap thrown in. The melodic "Words to Me" by Sugar Ray is probably the most conventional song on the CD and it is pleasing to the ear as well. "Freaks Come Out at Night" is decent rap number by Uncle Cracker, featuring Busta Rhymes. "Bump in the Night" by Allstars is a pretty good semi-techno song with strong vocals by this British pop group.

"It's a Mystery" by Little T and One Track Mike is a soft rap number that tells a story about a guy who can't figure out why his girlfriend likes him, but he doesn't mind that kind of mystery at all. "Grow Up" by Simple Plan is a generic rock song, packed with wall-to-wall sound. It isn't bad, but it isn't anything special, either. There have been a million songs just like it. "Scooby-Doo Where Are You?" is the only decent song on the CD with Scooby-Doo in the title. It is an innocuous little feel-good ditty with a nice beat.

This is not a CD I would buy unless I was a huge fan of the movie, or unless I was a big fan of the Allstars (I understand the Allstars CD is not available in the U.S.). I haven't even seen the movie yet (I'm waiting for the DVD), and I never saw "Scooby-Doo" when it was on television. In fact, I've hardly seen any cartoons on television at all. I prefer the live action stuff. I once reviewed a VHS tape of "Scooby-Doo Meets the Boo Brothers," though. That was more than enough Scooby-Doo for me. This CD rates a D.

Click here for links to places to buy this CD. I suggest you shop at least two of these places before buying anything. Prices seem to vary continuously.