Meet the Robinsons [An Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack]

Disney's animated adventure may be driven by themes of futuristic time traveling, but its musical score is a delightful, pop-driven hybrid that turns on decidedly back-to-the-future sensibilities. Rob Thomas' hook-rich single "Little Wonders" and the All-American Rejects' collaboration with Danny Elfman "The Future Has Arrived" give the collection an immediate contemporary edge. But just as winning are disparate pop performances from Rufus Wainwright (the Nilsson-esque opening gem "Another Believer" and lilting "Motion Waltz"), while nouveau UK crooner Jamie Cullum turns in a swinging, piano jazz take on Wainwright's "Where Is Your Heart At?" as well as an inviting cover of "The Simple Life" in the same vein. Elfman's orchestral score returns him to the vibrant milieu of his early Tim Burton collaborations, supercharged here by a manic energy that seems equal parts Simpsons, Bernard Herrmann and Carl Stalling. Bringing the collection full circle is a big-band cover of Disney's vintage "There's A Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow" theme performed with loopy big-band charm by They Might Be Giants and the Jonas Brothers more disposable Kim Wilde update, "Kids of the Future." --Jerry McCulley