“Frozen” was the big soundtrack of 2014 — but this year, it’s likely “Fifty Shades of Grey” will mirror the success of the movie itself and sell by the bucketload. But the artists included on the album (released on Tuesday) don’t always succeed in achieving the full sexual satisfaction that has long been promised. Which songs make you want to get saucy — and which will make you feel like taking a siesta? Here’s our list of the best and worst.
The best
‘Haunted’ (Michael Diamond remix) by Beyoncé
Queen Bey’s involvement in “Fifty Shades of Grey” has drawn plenty of understandable criticism from fans claiming that it muddies her feminist message — but for what it’s worth, her contribution is at least musically solid. This ghostly remix makes Beyoncé’s vocal feel even more disoriented with lust and, for once, helps the soundtrack sound vaguely engaging.
‘Where You Belong’ by the Weeknd
When you have a voice like Abel Tesfaye (a k a Weeknd), you can make almost anything sound sexy. On “Where You Belong” (one of two from the Canadian featured on the album), his soulful tones and the track’s atmospheric build into a guitar-soaked climax work effectively.
‘Beast of Burden’ by the Rolling Stones
The Stones’ classic feels like a ringer among the mostly modern acts on “Fifty Shades of Grey,” but it’s ironic that Mick and the boys sound sexier than almost all the other songs without even a fraction of the effort.
The worst
‘I Know You’ by Skylar Grey
On this meek piano ballad, the Wisconsin singer-songwriter is meant to be embodying a lovelorn Anastasia Steele as she pleads with Christian Grey to open up his heart. But she sings with all the conviction of a mouse with a passing crush and comfortably misses making any sort of emotional impact.
‘Salted Wound’ by Sia
“You’re safe, you can do it,” coos Sia, seemingly from the perspective of Christian Grey himself. It’s an interesting spin on lyrics, but the way the Aussie moans and groans through this wispy ballad borders on the comical. You’d expect much better from someone with her talent.
‘Meet Me in the Middle’ by Jessie Ware
The rising electro-soul singer possesses a hypnotic voice, but on her jazzy contribution she just sounds bored. Such run-of-the-mill material is well below the usual standard the Brit sets for herself.