Pop culture fans probably would've liked this set to include
Waylon Jennings' original television theme, but
Willie Nelson's autopilot remake is probably satisfactory for this broad and snickering, nostalgia-aping film adaptation. Disregarding
Jessica Simpson's insultingly horrible rendition of "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'" -- it doesn't even sound like music, it's just blips and sliced-up fiddles behind
Simpson's feathery nothing of a lead vocal -- the Dukes of Hazzard soundtrack is an enjoyable, if somewhat obvious collection of Southern rock and AOR staples that takes the occasional country or left-field detour. "Call Me the Breeze" fulfills its
Skynyrd quota, as does the
James Gang's "Funk #49" for classic rock. The prideful country -- rock of
the Charlie Daniels Band's "South's Gonna Do It Again" is a more novel choice, and the big dumb stomp of
Ram Jam's 1977 novelty "Black Betty'" will probably never get old, and it doesn't here. (Note: Dukes includes the non-radio-edit version; it includes an
Edgar Winter-like guitar breakdown.) "Hillbilly Shoes" is
Montgomery Gentry's 1999 country radio breakthrough, and
Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble's "Pride and Joy" is perfect for those scenes of Daisy Duke tending bar. A more unlikely inclusion is "Change My Mind" from
the Blueskins, Wakefield England young'uns who rip like
Yardbirds revivalists. The Blues Explosion gets in on the act too, contributing "Burn It Off" from 2004's Damage. Dukes of Hazzard is also bookended by jokes from
Nelson's Uncle Jessie. ~ Johnny Loftus