This CD tries to fool you that it is an album by including two versions of several of the songs from the film, the version sung by the actors and included in the movie, and the one sung by (you guessed it!), their creator, Elton John. Surprisingly, although at first I was a little disappointed, I found it interesting to compare the different versions, as they are just that: very different. If anything, the versions from the film are better, or at least more entertaining, particularly "I Just Can't Wait to be King", with Rowan Atkinson providing snide asides to Jason Weaver's highly accomplished main vocal. "Circle of Life" also is more appealing in the movie version, with rich African backround vocals from the gorgeous-sounding Committed Artists Choir, and London Community Gospel Choir, who are really the stars of this recording. The backing chorus of "hyenas" literally makes Alan Rickman's "Be Prepared", to my mind the most musically interesting number on the CD, as they sing countermelodies to the main vocal. But then, everyone always loves a bad guy best! A word about the four instumental tracks on this album: they are superbly evocative, and, in a way the most interesting pieces on the recording. Wonderfully played, it is just a shame that the orchestra doesn't seem to get a credit on the sleeve. At any rate, this CD is well worth buying; as long as you feel that you can put up with the Elton John numbers!