Shrek 2 (2004)

Any soundtrack to a family movie that includes classic tracks from Tom Waits and Nick Cave isn't just making a creative statement -- it's doing a public service. It's equally exciting to expose America's preteens (and post-middle-agers) to strong new songs from the Eels and Joseph Arthur. The Shrek 2 CD also offers a terrifically theatrical redo of ''Changes'' by David Bowie and young Australian chanteuse Butterfly Boucher, plus a snappy new single from Counting Crows. As animated accompaniments go, this one rivals the sophistication of ''The Simpsons.''