Overview
Devised by pop producer Glen Ballard (Alanis Morissette, Christina Aguilera) and composer Alan Silvestri (Forest Gump, Back to the Future), the cheerful soundtrack for The Polar Express beckons listeners to sip some cider and sit back in their comfiest seats for a smooth ride. Tom Hanks -- or rather his digitally animated double -- stars in Robert Zemekis' glowing adaptation of the beloved Chris Van Allsburg book about a little boy who doubts the existence of Santa Claus. Hanks makes his motion-picture singing debut by performing the title track and a jazzy '40s-style number, "Hot Chocolate," while vocal sensation Josh Groban croons the inspirational "Believe" (thankfully, not the Cher megahit). Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler (in a star turn as an elf) scats out the rollicking "Rockin' on Top of the World," sounding a lot like David Lee Roth at his most jaunty. Also showcased are such seasonal favorites as the Andrews Sisters' "Winter Wonderland" and Perry Como's "It's Beginning to Look Like Christmas," as well as heartwarming chestnuts by Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra. Despite its Arctic title, The Polar Express is full of holiday warmth.
