Personnel: John Legend (vocals, piano); Kelly Rowland, Philip Bailey, Sleepy Brown (vocals).

Audio Mixers: Nealhpogue; Manny Marroquin; Tony Maserati; Toby Gad.

Audio Remixers: Ian Sugarman; Vincent Di Pasquale.

Recording information: Larrabee North Recording Studios, Los Angeles, CA; Luminous Sound, Dallas, TX; Magnet Vision Studios, Santa Monica, CA; Morning View Studios, Malibu, CA; Sony Music Studios, New York, NY; Stewchia, Los Feliz, CA; The Dungeon, Dungeon East Recording Studios, Atlanta, G.

Arrangers: Earth, Wind & Fire; John Legend; Charles Stepney.

The soundtrack to Will Smith's 2005 theatrical release of the same name features a brilliant survey of soul and R&B over the past three decades. Nu-soul, new jack, classic soul, Motown, disco, and hip-hop all make appearances in one form or another, with the first three songs being from relatively new artists Amerie, John Legend, and Kelly Rowland and Sleepy Brown backing up an Earth, Wind & Fire that still packs a punch. Legend's cover of Stevie Wonder's "Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing" doesn't come close to the original, but treats it with the appropriate reverence that will make those who remember the original reminisce fondly about it and new listeners want to seek it out. But the strongest suit in Hitch's deck lies in its middle section, with soulful classic contributions from the O'Jays, the Temptations, Jimmy Cliff, Martha Reeves, and Earth, Wind & Fire (reappearing with their classic ballad "Reasons"). While the new tracks are impressive and enjoyable, it's this combination that makes Hitch an enjoyable listen, with something for everyone -- regardless of age -- to enjoy. ~ Rob Theakston

Given that Will Smith's lead character in HITCH is a suave romance coach for hapless guys looking to attract the fairer sex, it's no surprise that the film's soundtrack is chock full of sleek, romantic songs (especially given Smith's involvement as executive music producer). Philly soul and Motown are represented via the O'Jays' infectious "Love Train" and the Temptations' gritty plea "I Can't Get Next to You," respectively. If the latter song casts any doubts about the chances of success in the game of love, then Jimmy Cliff's optimistic "You Can Get It If You Really Want" lights the flame of hope, while Heavy D & the Boyz seal the deal with "Now That We Found Love."

There's plenty here from a younger generation of talent as well; John Legend's spot-on cover of Stevie Wonder's "Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing," the summit meeting between Destiny's Child's Kelly Rowland, Outkast collaborator Sleepy Brown, and Earth, Wind & Fire on the slinky "This Is How I Feel." Most impressive is the uber-funky "1 Thing," a song rooted in a sample of the Meter's syncopated masterpiece "Oh, Calcutta" that synchs up perfectly with Amerie's Janet Jackson-like phrasing.

Rolling Stone (No. 969, p.115) - 3 stars out of 5 - "[S]weet new tracks from Earth, Wind & Fire and John Legend mix with soul classics."