The Next Best Thing (soundtrack)

The Next Best Thing (official title including subtitle: The Next Best Thing — Music from the Motion Picture) is a soundtrack album released on February 22, 2000, by Maverick Records for the film of the same name starring Madonna. Executive-produced by Madonna herself, the album features a handpicked selection of tracks, including two new songs by the singer: "Time Stood Still" (an original ballad co-written and co-produced with William Orbit) and a cover of Don McLean's "American Pie". The compilation also includes contributions from artists such as Christina Aguilera, Moby, Beth Orton, and Groove Armada. Critics generally praised the soundtrack for its cohesive and well-curated tracklist, with many highlighting its dance and electronica influences.

Commercially, the album peaked at number 34 on the US Billboard 200 and sold over 155,000 copies within its first two months. Internationally, "American Pie" became a chart-topping hit in multiple countries, including the UK, Germany, and Australia, while "Time Stood Still" reached the top three in the Czech Republic. The soundtrack also revived interest in McLean's original song and boosted sales for British band Olive's album Extra Virgin (1996). Despite some mixed reviews, The Next Best Thing further solidified Madonna's status as the female artist with the most number-one singles in the UK at the time. The album remains a notable entry in the late 1990s and early 2000s pop and electronic music landscape.