***
The collection of automotive-themed tracks on this companion to the animated summer blockbuster hangs together surprisingly well, given the breadth of styles— modern mainstream country from Brad Paisley and Rascal Flatts, a chestnut from Hank Williams, propulsive rock from Sheryl Crow, classic doo-wop from The Chords, Randy Newman’s instrumental score and more. Of the new country cuts, Rascal Flatts’ note-for-note remake of Tom Cochrane’s rock hit “Life Is a Highway” is somewhat pointless, while the two new originals from Brad are charming, thoughtful and— best of all for soundtrack songs—make sense within the movie’s context and without it.