From the top, I should disclose that I have yet to see Wild Thornberrys, so this review is strictly on the musical qualities and not either the film or how well the soundtrack corresponds to the film.

Wild Thornberrys: Music from the Motion Picture is a mostly upbeat walk through a jungle of musical diversity, with everything from African artistry to Rock & Roll.

Paul Simon opens the soundtrack with his very distinct style, in “Father And Daughter.”  His vocal delivery noticeably makes use of volume dynamics.  The instrumental features a mix of accoustic and clean electric guitar, complementing the song well.  There's an overall folk feel to the piece.

“Iwoya” is a lively song on which Angélique Kidjo and Dave Matthews sing to a catchy, syncopated beat.  The hook's verse, “you don't have to be old to be wise” rings true.  Angélique Kidjo lends an African flava' to the song.  While outside the North American mainstream, her music's worth checking out.

“Dance With Us” is an upbeat track featuring Diddy, Brandy, Bow Wow, and a monstrously fuzzed bassline.  If you don't count talking, Brandy by far does most of the work.  (Well, you know how Diddy does!)  Brandy's vocals have the same electronic sound as in Full Moon; definitely not the purest you'll ever hear her, but a good club banger nonetheless.

Next, Peter Gabriel brings us “Animal Nation,” a quizzical song that speaks of the intelligence of (other) animals.  The instrumental is of a rather unique style that might only roughly be termed rock.  It's quite intricate and interesting, if not a bit heavy at points.  While not by any means a ‘jungle beat,’ it does intangibly have a jungle feel to it.

The next song, “Happy,” is much more clearly rock, and fairly loud rock, at that.  It's still enjoyable if you take the precaution of keeping the volume good and low.  The theme of breaking out of the monotony of typical life is a good one.

Alas, I am at least for the time being sufficiently language-deprived to not be able to tell you the exact story behind “Motla Le Pula (The Rainmaker),” but what I can say is that it has a happy, upbeat feel to it.  The African-style choir is nice.  Mind you here I have to point out that my calling it “African” style is out of sheer ignorance; there are many cultures in Africa and styles as different as rap is to country.  Well, whatever it is, it's nice.

“Monkey Man” is a rather silly song that's a cross between rock and carnival.

“Don't Walk Away” is a striking contrast from the last track; it's quite serious, with a slow, moody feel.  Youssou N'Dour and Sting sing of how a society's problems must be addressed instead of ignored.

The contrasts continue with “Accident,” having a fast-paced soca style.  The use of samples from old driving instructional materials to support the car accident theme is cute.

Nick Carter throws in some fairly heavy rock with “End Of Forever.”  When it comes to rock, I am more partial to the slightly more sedate variety; however, this still isn't bad.

Peter Gabriel, Youssou N'Dour, and Shaggy make for an unlikely but very effective combination.  The vocal medley and thick but laid-back instrumentals in “Shaking The Tree (O2 Remix)” both work well.

In “Get Out Of London,” the lead vocalist is not exactly singing, and not exactly rapping either; it seems to be smack dab in the middle of the two.  Well, whatever she's doing, she's doing it with an attitude.  The rock instrumental, while on the loud side, seems pretty suiting here.

I'm used to hearing the style heard in “Africa Ilá Ré Waiscó” from the West Indies; it has an African twist on the vocals, but is otherwise practically indistinguishable from island music.  It's a very lively song.

“Awa Awa” closes out the soundtrack on a strong note.  The atmospheric instrumentals and choir vocals are particularly effective.  My present language deprivation again yields me rather useless in relating the subject matter.

Wild Thornberrys: Music from the Motion Picture is possibly the most varied soundtrack I've ever heard.  That proves to be a good thing, contributing to this being a thoroughly enjoyable soundtrack overall.