Dr. Suess’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”

Soundtrack

(Interscope Records)

He’s a mean one, but he sure can rhyme.

The opening tune on the soundtrack to the motion picture “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” features renowned hip-hop artist Busta Rhymes collaborating with the Grinch (Jim Carrey) in “Grinch 2000.” It’s an interesting and convincing edition of the classic Dr. Suess tune.

Carrey also performs a humorous and wonderful interpretation of “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch.”

The album brings together a plethora of other well-known artists including Barenaked Ladies, Smash Mouth, ’N Sync, Faith Hill and Ben Folds.

“Christmas Of Love,” performed by Little Isidor and the Inquisitors, is a jazzy little number with a traditional scale of piano progression. Even though the vocals are annoying, it’s a happy Christmas classic.

“Lonely Christmas Eve” by Ben Folds is a sad song written with the thought of the Grinch in mind, complete with a killer piano solo by Folds: “They’ll have more than any one Who could ever eat/Me I’m stuck here with my cream of wheat/’cause there’s no one here to feast with me/on this lonely Christmas Eve/Don’t they all know I’m up here all alone/In my cave up in the hills/how I wish that this would go away/this dreadful holiday/that they call ‘Christmas Day.’”

Smash Mouth, with its knack of writing catchy music, comes through again on its contribution, “Better Do It Right,” while “Christmas Is Going To The Dogs” by The Eels is well put together with an organ and sing-along lyrics.

’N Sync puts together a mellow song about being alone on Christmas Eve called “You Don’t Have To Be Alone,” once again with the Grinch in mind. The melodies are amazing and on cue, and the song is one to be played at many high school dances for years to come.

All in all, Dr. Seuss would be proud.