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X-Files: The Album

Artist: Various
Genre: Alternative
Year: 1998
Rating: 6 / 10

With X-Files: The Movie on its way, we can officially welcome the arrival of X-Files: The Album, one of the most promising soundtracks to come out in recent years. The album features fourteen tracks, including two covers and the X-Files theme. All were performed by some of the hottest alternative acts of the day, none of whom were allowed to see the movie before their songs were performed. These artists were told to write songs that contained an air of mystery and murkiness, reminiscient of the series. What results are some true gems that make this album a memorable one.

The album opens with "One," a cover by Filter, which was the only song commissioned by series creator Chris Carter. In one episode, Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) ad-libbed the line "One is the loneliest number," and the inclusion of this song on the album was sealed. While decidedly murky and creepy, this opener leaves a little to be desired in terms of quality and clarity. Fortunately, the album quickly changes momentum, and the soundtrack is off and running.

Tonic's "Flower Man," the first of eleven original songs, has a decidedly alternative feel to it, featuring a driving guitar force that officially welcomes the listener to the album. "Walking Through You," the Foo Fighters song which one publication referred to as the only pop song on the album, offers yet another change of pace, but one which is short-lived. Ween's "Beacon Light," which, along with "Walking," has received radio airplay, returns the album to its elusive, grinding beat.

One must not understate the difficult task that was presented to these artists by Carter. The eclectic mix of songs and themes is the natural result of the blinded approach by which these songs were derived. The album dazzles with some stellar work by mainstream favorites, yet with a markedly different tone to them. Better Than Ezra delivers what for me is the highlight of the album with "One More Murder," a clear change-of-pace from their mainstream hits such as "Good" and "In the Blood." Sting, dueting with Aswad, delivers a superb number in "Invisible Sun," a treat for new and old Sting fans alike. Not much of a Cure fan myself, I was also quite impressed with "More Than This," yet another of the many pleasing tracks on this soundtrack.

For all of the different musicians used, it is really quite startling that the album flows as it does from start to finish. The closing track, "The X-Files Theme," performed by the Dust Brothers, leaves a little to be desired, but it should take nothing away from the overall quality of X-Files: The Album. As a final note, for those interested in further revelations about the movie and the series' on-going conspiracy theories, pay close attention at the end of one of the songs' tracks (but I am not telling which one): Chris Carter includes a five-minute spoken word monologue, a revealing experience for any level of fan. So give the album a try. I cannot think of a better way to get oneself prepared for the movie event of the summer. And remember - the truth, as is the case with this album, is out there.

Submitted 6/18/98.