WaterTower Music (Warner Media) releases Lucifer: Original Television Soundtrack to Seasons 1 to 5. The popular Netflix show, starring Tom Ellis, follows the Fallen Angel after he leaves his throne and teams-up with an L.A. detective to help punish criminals. But there are some unscrupulous individuals who seek to bring forth Lucifer’s true nature and tap into his power. The series is based on DC characters created by home grown writer Neil Gaiman and others. The music is composed by Emmy Award-winning Jeff Russo – whose previous work includes Fargo, Lucy in the Sky, Mile 22, Star Trek: Picard, Star Trek: Discovery, and Cursed – and Emmy Award-winning Ben Decter, whose work includes CSI: Cyber, We Live in Public, Lethal Weapon, Operation Homecoming, and Shut Eye...

This is a collection of thirteen songs – or snippets of songs – ranging from seven seconds (yes, you read that correctly) to just over three minutes. The well-known songs covered – or I should say, emulated – are 'Sinnerman'; 'Heart and Soul'; 'All Along the Watchtower'; 'Eternal Flame'; 'Fever'; 'Luck Be a Lady'; 'I Will Survive'; 'My Way'; 'Creep'; 'Wonderwall'; 'Someone to Watch Over Me'; 'I Want to be Evil'; and 'Crime Solving Devil'. The genres undertaken here are quite diverse, ranging from Easy Listening, Jazz, Nightclub, Soul, through to Blues and Indie Rock. The songs are sung by the series stars Tom Ellis, Lauren German and Lesley Ann-Brandt – as well as guest star Lindsey Gort, and performer Skye Townsend.

This is a bizarre idea, and I must say I don’t know what to think about the concept. The big question is why? All that has happened here is a bunch of other people’s songs have been sold on the weight of the TV series Lucifer, using the gimmick of having some of the actors sing (and I use the word advisedly, because most of these are average at best). Some great songs have been utilised, but they are not strong renditions. Having tastes leaning heavily into Rock and Metal, I fully expected to enjoy 'All Along the Watchtower' (by Jimi Hendrix) and 'Wonderwall' (by Oasis), but 'Fever' and 'Creep' were stronger. The latter, by Radiohead, is a great song and displays voice versatility and control. This version sung by Tom Ellis is not perfect, but at least he has a go.

I know a couple of people who absolutely love the show. They are among many others, so it’s a sad indictment to short change the fans when it’s really only them who will consider purchasing this collection – a release short on both running time and ideas.

3

Ty Power