The soundtrack to Hope Floats, the Forest Whitaker romantic comedy designed as a comeback vehicle for Sandra Bullock, is an excellent collection of contemporary country and rootsy mainstream pop assembled by Don Was. Most of the record focuses on popular artists, with contributions from cult artists Gillian Welch and Jonell Mosser tossed in for good measure, but the quality of the music is so strong, it doesn't really matter. Much of the record features brand new material, whether it's originals like Deana Carter's "What Makes You Stay" and Sheryl Crow's "In Need," or covers from the Rolling Stones (Jimmy Scott's "Honest I Do"), Trisha Yearwood (Dylan's "To Make You Feel My Love"), Bob Seger and Martina McBride ("Chances Are"), and Lyle Lovett (Tony Bennett's "Smile"). There are a couple of dull moments scattered throughout the record, but overall, it's one of the finest various-artists soundtrack collections in recent memory. [The 2007 reissue includes five bonus tracks.] ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide