Various Artists

Ever wanted a collection that includes, a Celine Dion take on a Bond theme, a sing-along with Dolly Parton, a show tune, and a beautifully voiced choir singing “balls” with all the gusto they can muster?

If that concoction sounds like your perfect Saturday night (Chimichanga included of course) then Deadpool 2’s Original Motion Picture Soundtrack may have just fulfilled your wildest dreams. If on the other hand, you loathe 1980s pop, and blue language turns your cheeks red, then this offering is not going to be your jam
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The official soundtrack often feels like an old school mix tape of, feel-good karaoke and overlooked gems. Pat Benatar’s ’We Belong’ proves itself to be an underplayed treat, ‘Tomorrow’ from Annie is a quirky left turn, while A-Ha’s ‘Take on Me’ is a standout as a rare acoustic version.

Cable’s Time Slider is in full effect as the blasts from the past keep on coming with the apt and obvious choice, ‘If I Could Turn Back Time’ and Air Supply’s enjoyable one hit wonder ‘All Out Of Love'.

The tracks may be older than a lot of the target demographic, but they create the best moments on this curated project. While the record delves into some more contemporary rap, and typically cheeky hijinks, the album is never so strong as when it is on its nostalgia trip.

While, serving predominantly as a compilation album it’s one of the new offerings that leaves a lasting impression with the listener, in the form of Celine Dion’s ‘Ashes’. The leadoff song is surprisingly poignant for a Deadpool film with its lyrics focusing on heartbreak and rising from despair.

The Canadian artist brings vocal power and sincerity to the ballad. With the film’s 007 style title sequence you could almost be forgiven for thinking the effort of the, My Heart Will Go on singer was for the latest Bond adventure, rather than a quirky action comedy. Almost forgiven, because after you read the, shall we say, unconventional title credits you’ll be in little doubt that the Merc with a Mouth is not exactly on her Majesty’s Secret Service.

Elsewhere, tailor-made fair ‘Deadpool Rap’ and ‘You Can't Stop This Mother F****r’ might raise a chuckle or two, but the listener shouldn’t expect to be falling about the place.

In more bad news, despite getting a couple of airings from the lead character during the film, there is no room on 14 tracks for Yentl’s Do You Want To Build A Snowman. Or should that be Frozen’s Papa Can you Hear Me?
On second thoughts that might be the other way around? They just sound so similar, don’t they?