Teen Ink

As you may know, the Broadway sensation “Mamma Mia!” recently became a movie starring Dominic Cooper, Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried, and Colin Firth. This disco-themed musical features songs from the hit ’70s group Abba.

While the retro beats are outdated for some people’s taste, I found the soundtrack extremely enjoyable. The feel-good songs make you want to jump up and dance. The choruses are catchy and extremely fun to sing to. The disco-inspired lyrics offer plenty of the quirky oohs and aahs that make this soundtrack unique. While most songs are obviously from long ago, some like “Honey, Honey” could definitely be popular on pop stations today.

The voices on this CD are enjoyable, and the talent is somewhat surprising. Amanda Seyfried, an actress who seems at first to have a tiny voice, astounded me with her wide range and powerful lungs. Her costar, Dominic Cooper, offers similar talent with his vocals. Meryl Streep, while not at the same level, delivers her lyrics well and with the enthusiasm necessary for such an album. Pierce Brosnan, who plays opposite Streep, also surprised me with a voice that could easily belong to a successful singer of that era.

While most songs are upbeat, there is a good mix of ballads. “The Winner Takes It All” and “Slipping Through My Fingers” are first-class examples of more mellow though still entertaining songs.

The “Mamma Mia!” soundtrack is an excellent example of how a style from times past can be just as pleasing today. Anyone who enjoys a good beat and cheerful lyrics should check out this CD.