Rufus Wainwright / Smash Mouth / Eels / Baha Men / Others
Shrek - Music From The Original Motion Picture
Rare & Collectible Vinyl Records

2019 pressing with insert. The Original Motion Picture was released in 2001 as the official soundtrack to DreamWorks' animated film "Shrek." This collection stands out for its eclectic mix of pop, rock, and folk tracks, both contemporary and classic. The soundtrack opens with Smash Mouth's now-iconic cover of "I'm a Believer," which quickly became synonymous with the film's offbeat humor and irreverent tone. Other notable inclusions are Rufus Wainwright's rendition of "Hallelujah," and The Proclaimers' "I'm On My Way," both of which enhance the movie's emotional and comedic beats. The album also features artists like Eddie Murphy, who lends his voice as Donkey on the track "I'm a Believer," further blurring the line between the film and its music. Rather than relying on original songs written specifically for the film, the producers opted for recognizable pop and rock tracks, leveraging their mass appeal to attract both younger and older audiences. This approach influenced subsequent animated movies, which started incorporating more mainstream music into their soundtracks. The album itself achieved commercial success, charting on the Billboard 200 and earning critical praise for its fresh and unconventional selection of songs. Its legacy endures, with several tracks remaining closely associated with the Shrek franchise and enjoying continued popularity independent of the film.