“Just another British, Indian, Muslim, Arab, Christian, lesbian romantic comedy”

The independent film I CAN’T THINK STRAIGHT is romantic comedy where girl meets boy, plan marriage, girl meets girl and reality hits. The real kick in the story is that the protagonists are of Middle-Eastern descent which opens up a wealth of opportunities music wise. And by and large those opportunities are used very well indeed.

The opening song, ‘Alabina’ (Alabina & Los Ninos De Sara), sets the scene with an exuberant burst of Easterm instrumental and vocal music which is beautifully produced, and sounds brilliant. Nadine Khouri performs (and wrote) the next song ‘Number One Boy’, a darker, slow-moving, sensual soul ballad that on any album would draw praise. Its contemplative nature makes me believe that the film’s plot is unfolding rather quickly… ‘Hey Girl’ is next and ups the pace and sonic vibe while providing more information about the film’s plot and a person’s need to ‘get to grips.’ It’s an excellent R&B track with acoustic guitars, powerful bass rhythm and very effective hammond moments. Next up is a singer/songwriter Leonie Casanova, herself a product of a multi-cultural relationship and who has already written an excellent song for the film THE UNSEEN WORLD. ‘Little Feeling’ was not written (by Casanova) for the film but suited the film’s plot to a tee. It’s a sweet, gentle acoustic number beautifully performed by a young lady who I think we’re going to be hearing a lot more from in the future.

‘Mirror, Mirror’ is an atmospheric, darker, slow-burner with close-mic vocal that is very effective. Together with the tremendous acoustic instrumental arrangement and a strong melody, this song is very likeable. ‘Ma Fini Fakker’ then arrives in sharp contrast
with its loud and proud Eastern instrumentation alongside a fabulous vocal by Mena. At this point in the album I’m tempted to go see this movie because of the soundtrack alone…

Later in the album Natasha Atlas provides two great songs (’Kidda’ and ‘Ghana Bossanova’), Nadine Khouri provides two more excellent acoustic tracks while Leonie Casanova delivers my pick of the bunch with the glorious ‘Holy Daughter.’ Then there’s the lovely piano-led Raimond Mirza instrumental track ‘Love Theme’ with its dark underbelly before Jill Sobule performs her song ‘I Kissed A Girl’ which sounds much better than the global smash-hit from you-know-who…

The film has already won acclaim and awards from from the gay global community and on the evidence of this excellent soundtrack it’s hardly surprising. A multi-cultural music feast? You Bet!

4/5