Once: Music from the Motion Picture

This album covers all the highs and lows of being in love. Definitely a record worth getting.

Despite having enjoyed 'The Committments' lo those many years ago, I had little interest in this film or its music. Until, of course, I broke down and watched it under duress, and was thrown into a bewilderment of emotions I could not have believed possible. Such a little film with such a big heart; I abhor blatant sentimentality, but this was something genuinely special, in no small part because of the awkward charm of this score/soundtrack. Neither of these two have particularly good voices, even by folksinger standards; the piano and guitar are relatively generic; and even the lyrics are not overly original. And yet everything together is so honestly beautiful that I can't recall the last time I was so touched by a fusion of music and imagery.

I also think this album stands alone fairly well, but I am biased because of the connection I feel to the film upon listening to it. I wonder what somebody who heard these songs who hadn't seen the film would think. Therefore, I would say that seeing the film makes the experience complete and enriches the music.

A month later, I am still thinking about the music and the film together. My only cavil about this album is that I would have loved to have the 'recording' of the first song they bash together in the music shop.

Like the movie , this soundtrack is full of beautiful and emotional songs from Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, two of the most talented singers- songwriters. The movie is also brilliant, 5 stars on both.

Love it! It conveys such yearning and humor and reality all at "once". I recommend the movie too.

I loved the movie and this soundtrack. I can't believe how much feeling goes into these songs. They are uber talented!