Track Listing

1. Searchin' My Soul
2. Ask the Lonely
3. Walk Away Renee
4. Hooked on a Feeling
5. You Belong to Me
6. Wildest Times of the World
7. Someone You Use
8. End of the World
9. Tell Him
10. Neighborhood
11. Will You Marry Me?
12. It's in His Kiss
13. I Only Want to Be With You
14. Maryland

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #9309 in Music
• Brand: Sony
• Released on: 1998-05-05
• Number of discs: 1
• Format: Soundtrack
• Dimensions: .23 pounds

Amazon.com
Like most "overnight sensations," Vonda Shepard had been slogging away for quite a spell--more than a decade's worth of touring, and three previous albums, to be precise--before getting to grab the brass ring via the hit TV show Ally McBeal. This disc reprises most of the cover songs Shepard performed during the series' first year, from the ubiquitous "Hooked on a Feeling" to a lovely reading of the '60s nugget "Walk Away Renee." But to Shepard's credit, the smattering of originals don't suffer too much in comparison: in fact, her "Searchin' My Soul" is one of the album's strongest moments. --David Sprague

Customer Reviews

A fun-filled party from start to finish
Those of you obsessed with dancing babies, Fishisms, and being haunted by Al Green will no doubt fall in love with this release, the first volume of the soundtrack to the hit television series "Ally McBeal." Choosing some of the best songs performed by Vonda Shepard during the show's first season, the album has an energy and spirit that are nothing short of irresistible.

Whether she's belting out the likes "It's in His Kiss (The Shoop Shoop Song)" or gently caressing a classic ballad like "You Belong to Me," Vonda Shepard's interpretative skills are in top form here. In the hands of a lesser singer the songs she's handed for each episode could easily sound like a karaoke-fest; however, Vonda's warm vocal personality and obvious affection for the material makes them individual statements in their own right; it's very telling that Vonda's fabulous version of the 60's girl-group hit "Tell Him" gets just as much audience enthusiasm at her concerts as any of her originals.

Speaking of originals, we're treated to the full-length version of the show's theme song, "Searchin My Soul," not to mention an infectious rocker by the name of "Will You Marry Me," boasting one of Vonda's strongest hooks. All in all, whether you've a taste for killer renditions of classic pop tunes or a tasty handful of Vonda Shepard originals, "Songs from Ally McBeal" is a treasure for fans of Ally, Vonda, or music in general.

Songs chalk-full of soul
This CD is unsurpassable. You don't have to be an Ally Mcbeal fan to enjoy the music. Vonda Shepard recreates some touching oldies with lots of heart and soul. Walk away Renee, Ask the Lonely, The End of the World and Maryland are excellently done. It's mood music- there is a variety of songs to hear when "you're world is empty and blue " and upbeat, lively songs (Tell Him, Hooked on a Feeling) to hear when you're in a joyful state. Its soulful. Vonda's voice calls up your first love, your sad memories, nostalalgia and that's the essence of the music behind this CD. So if you like soul, hear this.

Awesome Ally et al
While her work may not be original, the re-makes of days gone by is second to none. If people would take the time to listen to lyrics, and match them to the characters, the result is a heart rendering tale of a longing for love and acceptance in this world. I do not believe that anyone can not see themselves in the main theme of "Heart and Soul" somewhere in the songs. Outstanding...but you need to listen...and put yourselves there. By putting old songs in the context of the pursuit of happiness they have new meaning. After all....all people are in the pursuit of happiness. Isn't that what life is all about.