Toy Story [Remaster] (CD - 1995)

Producers: Frank Wolf, Don Davis, Jim Flamberg, Randy Newman.

Composer: Randy Newman.

Lyricist: Randy Newman.

Personnel: Randy Newman (vocals, piano, harmonium); Lyle Lovett (vocals); Dean Parks, Mark Goldenberg, Mark Goldberg, John Goux, Danny Parks (guitar); Gabe Witcher (violin); Jim Keltner (keyboards, drums); Randy Kerber (keyboards); Luana Jackman, Bobbi Page, Yvonne Williams (background vocals).

Audio Mixers: Frank Wolf; Rik Pekkonen.

Recording information: Conway Studios; Ocean Way Recording; Signet Sound Studios; Sony Pictures Studios.

Randy Newman wrote and sang three songs in his characteristic style for the soundtrack of the first computer-animated children's movie, Toy Story, along with a sprightly, stirring score that reflected the film's fun, adventurous spirit. "You've Got A Friend In Me," performed both as a solo by Newman at the start and as a duet with Lyle Lovett at the end (reflecting the theme of emerging friendship between toys Woody and Buzz Lightyear), earned an Oscar nomination; "Strange Things" was a comically ominous song used to express Woody's feelings about being supplanted by Buzz; and "I Will Go Sailing No More" was a wistful lament for Buzz when he made the agonizing discovery that he was a toy, not a space hero. Newman's winning score helped set the mood for the charming film that was a box office champion for Christmas 1995. ~ William Ruhlmann minimize