The Soundtrack of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) Film!

Welcome to a SPECIAL EDITION of the Piece of Advice Newsletter!

Good morning! Today we are taking a look into 2000’s “How the Grinch Stole Christmas Soundtrack! I was even lucky enough to ask a couple of questions to two of the musicians who worked on and recorded on it; Jon Oliva (Trans- Siberian Orchestra) and Greg Camp (Smash Mouth)!

The 2000 live-action film “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”, directed by Ron Howard and starring Jim Carrey, came with a soundtrack that was as eclectic as the movie itself. Released by Interscope Records, the album mixed original songs with contributions from pop, rock, and holiday-themed artists, creating a festive but distinctly early-2000s musical backdrop. Rather than relying solely on traditional Christmas carols, the soundtrack blended contemporary styles with whimsical touches to match the film’s over-the-top visual style and Jim Carrey’s manic performance as the Grinch.

One of the most notable tracks came from Smash Mouth, who performed “Better Do It Right” as well as a version of “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.” Their high-energy sound was a natural fit for the movie’s playful tone and helped introduce the classic Dr. Seuss story to a younger, MTV-era audience. Meanwhile, Faith Hill contributed the film’s central ballad, “Where Are You, Christmas?,” which became a radio hit and remains one of the more enduring songs associated with the movie. Written by James Horner, Will Jennings, and Mariah Carey, the track gave the soundtrack its emotional anchor.

Adding to the album’s range was Trans-Siberian Orchestra, known for their dramatic, rock-infused holiday music. Their contribution, “Christmas Canon,” brought a soaring, symphonic presence to the tracklist, while the “Whoville Medley” showcased composer James Horner’s ability to capture the quirky, celebratory spirit of the Whos themselves. The medley wove together playful, choral themes that echoed classic Seussian whimsy, serving as one of the soundtrack’s strongest ties to the film’s fantastical setting. Alongside other contributions, from Busta Rhymes and Jim Carrey’s comedic rap “Grinch 2000” to traditional-inspired arrangements, the album embraced both modern pop and storybook charm.

Although reviews of the soundtrack were mixed, it performed well commercially and gave several of its songs a long afterlife during the holiday season. Faith Hill’s single charted on Billboard, and Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s track helped further cement their status as a staple of modern Christmas playlists. The “Whoville Medley,” though less of a radio presence, became a fan favorite for capturing the musical heart of the film. Today, the “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” soundtrack stands as both a quirky companion to the movie and a snapshot of the diverse musical styles that shaped holiday music at the start of the 21st century.

Bonus Questions:

Giancarlo: What was it like working on “Whoville Medley”?

Jon Oliva: It was a lot of fun. It was hard, but it worked out fine.

Giancarlo: What was it like working on “Better Do It Right”?

Greg Camp: It’s one of my favorite Smash Mouth songs! When I got the opportunity to write a song for “The Grinch” I wanted to make it kind of dangerous sounding but still fun. Dr. Seuss stories normally have a dark side and sometimes a villain but always a bright side and a happy solution. Fun movie, fun song.

Piece Of Advice:

Giancarlo: What is this best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Jon Oliva: Best advice was to always believe in what you’re doing and never give up.

Greg Camp: Never second guess your art, music, or song. Finish what you start even if you think that nobody will like it. If you like it, then you have success.

Thank you for reading! Have an amazing day and we will catch you again soon!

-Giancarlo