Various Artists - One Fine Day: Music From The Motion Picture (1996)

This landed on my doorstep earlier this year as part of a multi-CD "care package" from a long-time reader and friend o' the blog. Never seen the movie so I have no idea what would be on the soundtrack. I'm guessing The Chiffons. Let's slide this thing into the tray and find out.

Peak on the US Billboard Top 200 chart: #57

Tracks:

1. One Fine Day - Natalie Merchant. In which they take fun girl pop and attempt to turn it into a torch song. The arrangement is iffy and Merchant doesn't have the voice for it. Pass.
2. Boy From New York City - The Ad Libs. A swinging tune from the pen of Leiber and Stoller. Released in 1964, it would be the group's biggest hit. I dig it.
3. For the First Time - Kenny Loggins. Nominated in the Best Original Song category for the Academy Awards. Kenny gives it his all, but this song never seems to go anywhere. But that's just me, this song hit #1 on the Adult Contemporary chart: Loggins' one and only AC chart topper.
4. Mama Said - The Shirelles.  A top ten hit from 1961 so it's been around my whole life. And I'm grateful for that. A fun romp.
5. Someone Like You - Shawn Colvin. A tasteful cover of a Van Morrison tune that sounds like it could have been included on any romcom soundtrack in the '90s.
6. Love's Funny That Way - Tina Arena. Australia's answer to Melissa Etheridge? In any case, she's got a great voice. 
7. Have I Told You Lately - Van Morrison. A familiar tune that bears too close a resemblance to track 5 to have been included in the same compilation. To my ears, this elegant 1989 original is vastly superior to Rod Stewart's 1993 overwrought cover.
8. The Glory of Love - Keb' Mo'. Keb' always delivers. I could listen to him all day. And I have.
9. What a Difference a Day Made - Tony Bennett. I'd love to know who arranged this standard for Tony because the strings are sublime.
10. Isn't It Romantic - Ella Fitzgerald. Richard Rodgers could write beautiful melodies and this arrangement is a showcase for Ella's pure tone.Now I want to hear the entire Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Rodgers & Hart Song Book album from 1957.
11. This Guy's in Love With You - Harry Connick, Jr.  The groove is changed a bit, but Harry's smart enough that he doesn't mess with Bacharach's gorgeous harmonies. After a rocky start, the second half of this compilation is turning out to be surprisingly enjoyable.
12. Just Like You - Keb' Mo'. From the highly recommended album of the same name, this song features additional vocals from Jackson Browne and Bonnie Raitt. I'd love to see a concert bill with Keb' and Bonnie on it. 
13. One Fine Day - The Chiffons. There it is in all its glory. 👍
14. Suite from One Fine Day - James Newton Howard. A 9 minute instrumental suite of themes used in the film.

Personal Memory Associated with this CD: None.