The natural reaction for most people who watch “Pitch Perfect 2” this weekend will be to instantly download the soundtrack before they’ve even left the movie theater. But be warned: What works well in the musical doesn’t sing quite so loudly on the soundtrack.
The mostly a cappella collection (released this week) features the Barden Bellas and the Treblemakers blitzing through so many mash-ups that it feels like a pop-music mugging. “Riff Off” is the most notable example, as it careers through nearly 20 different song snippets (varying from Taylor Swift to Tina Turner) in 4¹/₂ dizzying minutes. Technically impressive though it is, listening to it just feels like an annoyance.
The better moments come from the more definable songs: Jessie J’s “Flashlight” (written by Sam Smith and Sia) is a tender, uplifting ballad that could be a hit in its own right. Ester Dean’s “Crazy Youngsters” is a euphoric dance-pop ode to youth and freedom, and this might be an album worth digging out come December due to Anna Kendrick’s hilariously corny, festive duet with Snoop Dogg. The pair perform a medley of “Winter Wonderland/Here Comes Santa Claus” that ends with Snoop nodding back to his old pimping days by knowingly singing “ho, ho, ho.”
The soundtrack for “Pitch Perfect 2” isn’t strong enough to endure repeated listening, but 2015’s Christmas playlists are going to have an unexpected gangster touch.