Have you ever been in love? Yeah, Celine Dion asked that question on two successive albums, but you've gotta admit, love is the happiest, most inspiring emotion there is. It causes people to say things they wouldn't normally say and do things they wouldn't normally do. All the good things that happen in this world are generated out of love-and a lot of bad things are too. But that's not the point of this review, damn it.

The soundtrack to "Love Actually" is, basically, a love song sampler. The movie, set in London, follows several interweaving stories about love and relationships. As with most movies, the music is chosen to follow the plotline-or in this case, various plotlines. Unlike most movie soundtracks, however, "Love Actually" works as a cohesive whole. All of the songs are tied together by a certain mood, and although I probably wouldn't be as kind to some of these songs if they appeared on the albums of the original artists, this collection is perfect for anyone who feels that emotion and wishes to express it in song-or folks like me, who wish they were in love and had someone to express the sentiments contained on this album to.

This CD strikes a good mix between new songs and old favorites. "The Trouble With Love Is" is a swaying, soul-styled ballad by American Idol alum Kelly Clarkson. It may not be the most artistically credible song on here, but it's pretty good within the framework of the soundtrack and Kelly gives us her best Mariah Carey-oke vocal performance here. Maroon 5's easygoing ballad "Sunday Morning" is a jaunty, chilled-out piano-led joint and is the best song on their excellent debut album. This album's version inexplicably adds about half of another M5 track ("Sweetest Goodbye") for no apparent reason, though.

I really don't want to like Wyclef Jean. However, "Take Me As I Am" proves that 'Clef is adept at creating charming songs. Even though there's an over-reliance on "hood" imagery (on a love song, anyway), Clef gives a good performance on this Gaye/Terrell-styled duet with up and coming Mary J. Blige knockoff Sharissa. Newcomer Lyndon David Hall offers a stirring, gospel-drenched take on The Beatles' "All You Need Is Love", while British faves Sugababes come in with a serviceabe airy Diane Warren ballad, "Too Lost In You". While probably the least exciting of the album's tracks, this track shows Warren trading in her usual bombast for a slightly more mellow approach.

This album also revisits some older tracks, which end up being the best things on the album. I keep promising myself to buy an Eva Cassidy CD every time I hear her voice on a soundtrack. "Songbird" is a gentle Christine McVie written track that spotlights the late Cassidy's ethereal vocals. If I could pick anyone that sounds closest to Cassidy, it would be Norah Jones, who also makes an appearance here with "Turn Me On", a track from "Come Away With Me" which shows off her more bluesy, playful side. Singer/songwriter grand dame joni Mitchell shows up here with her recent orchestral reworking of her classic "Both Sides Now". It's hard to believe that the gravelly-voiced vocalist was the same sweet-voiced chanteuse who sang this song thirty-plus years ago. If any case can be made for the benefits of cigarette smoking, it'll be made once you listen to Mitchell's lived-in rasp of a voice.

The missteps on this album occur when more popular old songs are used. The Calling's "Wherever You Will Go" is completely faceless, nameless rock balladry-and this is coming from a guy who likes Nickelback, Matchbox Twenty AND Three Doors Down. I've also always had plenty of hate for The Pointer Sisters' "Jump (For My Love)". This was a huge pop and dance hit in 1984, and the only jumping it makes me want to do is out of a window.

This album also offers a couple of holiday-themed songs at the tail end. Otis Redding's sublime take on "White Christmas" is worth the price of admission alone, while newcomer (I'm assuming) Billy Mack re-writes The Troggs' "Love Is All Around" as "Christmas Is All Around" (you may also remember the song from covers by Wet Wet Wet and R.E.M). This horrid cover is a reminder that certain things should be left alone. However, Olivia Olson (who??)does a bang-up job with mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas Is You", thankfully avoiding Mariah's oversinging with a subtle, jolly approach.

Listening to this soundtrack is like listening to a really good mix tape. All of the songs blend together well to create a love-filled listening experience. It's rare that a soundtrack makes me want to see a movie (usually it's the other way around), but "Love Actually" is a surprisingly choesive and enjoyable album, perfect to listen to with the one YOU love.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Key tracks: "Songbird"(Eva Cassidy), "Both Sides Now" (Joni Mitchell), "White Christmas" (Otis Redding)

Recommended: Yes

Great Music to Play While: Romancing