“Ninety per cent of music is basically shite. The other ten per cent is soul”. So says Dave Lovelace (played by Chris O’Dowd) in the new Australian film The Sapphires.
Based on the true story of an all-girl, Aboriginal singing group who performed for the troops in Vietnam in the late sixties, the soundtrack for the film is both a wonderful showcase of some of the great soul music that was around and popular at the time. It’s also a sensational showcase for talented singer Jessica Mauboy.
Kicking off with a raucous and sprightly version of the Wilson Pickett track “Land Of 1000 Dances”, the soundtrack is a highly enjoyable mix of covers, originals from the period in which the movie is set, and original tracks that keep in flavour and feel of the time and place.
Highlights include a rocking version of “What A Man”, the immortal and timelessly cool “Soul Man” by Sam & Dave, and the gorgeous “People Make The World A Better Place”, with Juanita Tippens on lead vocals.
“Today I Started Loving You Again”, with vocals shared by Mauboy, Tippens and Jade Mc Rae, would have to be the standout on what is a quality soundtrack.
This is a definite must for all lovers of soul music, a very worthy companion to the successful film and a strong release on its own merit.
– Neil Evans
