Jars of Clay toy with acoustic pop on "Everything In Between," on their version of the "Prince of Egypt" soundtrack

"The Prince of Egypt" soundtrack may be swarming with Hollywood's top-tier movie and music personalities, but the main soundtrack is strangely uninspired. For starters, there's the much-hyped but ultimately very overrated original soundtrack, which features the schmaltzy signature duet "When you Believe" from musical monarchs Whitney Houston and Carey.

Interspersed with thundering, dramatic instrumentals that pound home the momentousness of Moses' story, the soundtrack includes two somber compositions from normally effervescent Israeli folk singer Ofra Haza and a dainty duet by actress Michelle Pfeiffer and backup singer Sally Dworsky. Like much of the soundtrack, "I Will Get There," the ponderous track from Motown's top-selling act Boyz II Men, drags on far too long, leaving you hoping that the guys will finally just arrive and go away (the version on the inspirational soundtrack is far better).

Houston and Carey's single may be believed to be the breakout hit from the album, but the far better, and more subdued, track is "River Lullaby," a gorgeous ballad from Christian-pop performer Amy Grant.

For all its über-production, the soundtrack is curiously bland, and its bombastic hymns quickly become grating. Remember the quirky, endearing tunes on "The Little Mermaid"? You won't find anything even remotely as captivating as Sebastian the singing crab on this album, which is very earnest in conveying A Very Serious Message. This isn't a soundtrack for children, but for election campaigns needing inspirational anthems.

The Nashville spinoff soundtrack, on the other hand, is marvelous, a true auditory bonanza -- albeit one for very adult country fans. Wynonna's "Freedom" is a moving, forceful anthem, while Alison Krauss' delicate "I Give You To His Heart" is a tender paean to a higher power. Pam Tillis croons out a groovy "Milk and Honey" and Alabama delivers a punchy "The Voice." But a word of warning to country fans -- if religion isn't your bag, pick another soundtrack. These tunes pay homage to the lord. With its13 platinum-selling performers, the Nashville soundtrack should be a shoe-in stocking stuffer this season.

And then, of course, there's the inspirational soundtrack, which turns out to be the best of the three. By far the most natural and uninhibited of the soundtracks, the inspirational one is the most genuinely passionate of the trio. Clearly not the focal point of zealous producers, this album captures the true essence of the movie, with blazing performances transplanting listeners into a fervent gospel church on a Sunday morning.

A cappella sextet Take 6 delivers a rousing rendition of "Destiny," while gospel goddess CeCe Winans' "The River" is simply a beautiful creation, a truly splendid fusion of energetic gospel and sultry blues. Brian McKnight's "Father" is hauntingly simple, Jars of Clay toy with acoustic pop on "Everything In Between," and dc Talk offer up a catchy little rock ditty called "My Deliverer," about as far from traditional Christian rock as anything recently released.

Those having to choose between the three albums should pledge allegiance to country and God.

-- From Donna Freydkin