Rock of Ages [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack] (Original Soundtrack)

A silver screen adaptation of a Broadway show that turned MTV metal into a musical, the original soundtrack to Rock of Ages feels like a faded photocopy, deriving its glittery sparkle from a star-studded cast fronted by Tom Cruise. Cruise's lack of connection with rock & roll -- particularly the gutbucket L.A. sleaze variety -- doesn't matter because Rock of Ages is for people who like to dress up and play pretend. Now that the hair metal glory days are firmly in the past -- and no longer carry any sense of sexual danger -- it's totally fine to wear a feather boa and sing along with these songs. The spectacle might be alluring on film or on stage, but on record, it's mere nostalgia. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine