Regina Spektor and the songs of 'Prince Caspian'

Three new and original songs grace the soundtrack to "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian," all helping to fill out the credits of the family-friendly fantasy film (the credits are indeed long enough for three full songs).

While the tunes never break from mid-tempo and are graced with the type of polish and lushness required for a Hollywood blockbuster, the songs of "Prince Caspian" aren't without at least one surprise. Additionally, the "Prince Caspian" tunes handle themselves quite well, especially when compared to other pop music entrants from recent fantasy fare.

Whereas the first film in the series tapped eccentric singer/songwriter Imogen Heap and then the more mainstream Alanis Morissette for balance, "Prince Caspian" has cast Regina Spektor to sing the first credit song, followed by the lesser-known Oren Lavie.

The soundtrack, released today, can be previewed on the official Disney site, and Spektor's showcase song, "The Call," is a piano-based balled with a moderate temperance of orchestral flourishes. It brings the film -- and the audience -- back to reality with a bittersweet feel.

Like the songs from the first "Narnia," it strays from fantasy film music cliches and avoids a New-Agey feel (see "The Golden Compass," "Lord of the Rings"), but is also isn't overly ornate (see "Beowulf").

In fact, it's not too far removed from Spektor's own music. Her vocals are a bit more strong and upfront, and the orchestral arrangement more grand than subtle, but she handles her first blockbuster song with grace, even if the track plays it a little safe. It's certainly not a showcase for Spektor's personality, as it comes across as a song made for a gala.

Newcomer Lavie follows, and I confess to being ignorant of his work, but his "A Dance 'Round the Memory Tree" worked well in wrapping up the fantasy film. It's a short, lullaby-like number, with hushed vocals mixed in with a surprisingly deft touch of strings.

Sans vocals, there are even moments the orchestration could have worked in the film, and I wasn't expecting to hear such a dreamy number in the Disney-distributed blockbuster.

Finally, bringing the credits to a close is Switchfoot's "This is Home." But expect this song to get a heavy promotion.

The band will perform it tonight on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," and already previewed it last month at gospel's Dove Awards. It's a pretty straight-ahead, overly-earnest rocker, and its association with "Narnia" is purely to move some soundtrack units.

Photos: "Prince Caspian," courtesy Disney; Spektor, courtesy Getty Images

Comments

[Paige Terryberry]

What is the song that plays at the very end of the movie? It goes on in the credits also. Thanks!

[Shaq]

'This is Home' by Switchfoot

[karl michael villa]

i like the team song of narnia!!i like it!!

[Kayla]

Regina Spektor-the call

[Jenna]

I was trying to find the song that was being played when they are on the beach in Narnia, in the beginning of the movie. Anyone know the name of it?