"Curious George 2: Follow That Monkey" Soundtrack Lyrics

"Curious George 2: Follow That Monkey (Music from the Motion Picture)" Soundtrack Description

Questions & Answers

Is there an official soundtrack album?

Yes. “Curious George 2: Follow That Monkey (Music from the Motion Picture)” was released March 2, 2010 and is available on major streaming services.

Who handled the music?

Original score by Heitor Pereira, with new songs by Carbon Leaf, a title cut by Jackie Greene, and “California Sun” performed by Brian Wilson.

Are any songs reworked for the movie?

Yes—Carbon Leaf’s “Life Less Ordinary” and “Let Your Troubles Roll By” were re-recorded lyrically to fit the film’s story beats.

Does the soundtrack lean more pop or orchestral?

It blends sunny acoustic pop/rock songs with light, melodic orchestral cues—think travel-montage energy plus gentle character scoring.

Where can I hear Brian Wilson’s “California Sun” in context?

The song is featured in promotional film clips and underscores the westward, California-minded stretch of the adventure.

Is this a theatrical or direct-to-video release?

Direct-to-video in the U.S. (2010), with theatrical runs in parts of Europe; the album accompanied the U.S. home release window.

Overview

What happens when a cross-country caper needs music that’s equal parts sunshine and curiosity? This sequel leans into bright, road-trip pop and feather-light scoring. The result: a kid-friendly set that still winks at parents with classic-pop DNA.

Heitor Pereira’s gentle cues carry the story’s sleight-of-hand (there’s a stage magician, an elephant, and a chase), while Carbon Leaf’s acoustic strum supplies momentum and warmth. A cheerful curveball arrives with Brian Wilson’s “California Sun,” which tilts the palette toward surf-pop optimism just when the journey points west. As a package, the album is breezy and functional: songs mark friendship and motion; score stitches scenes without stealing focus.

Additional Info

• Score by Heitor Pereira; songs by Carbon Leaf; special title song by Jackie Greene; “California Sun” performed by Brian Wilson.
• Carbon Leaf re-cut lyrics for “Life Less Ordinary” and “Let Your Troubles Roll By” to match the film’s themes.
• Original album release date: March 2, 2010; later digital distribution notes list Back Lot Music for streaming editions.
• Runtime of the 2010 album edition is roughly ~34 minutes (varies slightly by platform).
• The film’s U.S. release was direct-to-video; select countries received a theatrical run.

Notes & Trivia

• Song blend: surf-pop lineage (Brian Wilson) meets jam-tinged acoustic pop (Carbon Leaf) with Pereira’s orchestral glue.
• Two Carbon Leaf cuts originate from the band’s Indian Summer era, but were lyrically tweaked for the story.
• Title phrasing and cue names (“Going East,” “Zoo”) mirror specific plot beats—handy breadcrumbs when listening to the score.
• The album arrived day-and-date with the U.S. DVD (March 2, 2010) to maximize preschool-family discovery.
• Later streaming copies often credit Back Lot Music (Universal) for the digital release imprint.

Genres & Themes

Acoustic pop/rock & jam-folk: movement, friendship, and “keep-going” optimism—perfect for chase-lite sequences and train rides.

Surf-pop classicism: a west-coast, blue-sky mood that signals destination and reunion.

Light orchestral score: clarinet and strings sketch curiosity and gentle suspense around magic-show set pieces and animal-park reunions.

Tracks & Scenes

“California Sun” — Brian Wilson
Where it plays: Featured in official film clips and promotional materials tied to the California leg of the journey; in-film it underscores west-bound, sun-splashed travel imagery (diegetic use not indicated).
Why it matters: Injects Beach Boys–adjacent sparkle; announces “we’re headed west” with unmistakable surf-pop DNA.

“Life Less Ordinary” — Carbon Leaf
Where it plays: Used within the film’s song set; aligns with upbeat “let’s go” momentum around travel and togetherness.
Why it matters: Re-lyricized to the movie’s themes, it frames the adventure as a choice toward friends and experience.

“The Friendship Song” — Carbon Leaf
Where it plays: A warm, mid-tempo cue associated with George’s bonds (non-diegetic).
Why it matters: The title says it all—this cut does character work, softening transitions and supporting reunion beats.

“On a Roll” — Carbon Leaf
Where it plays: Pairs naturally with train-ride action and “keep moving” sequences (non-diegetic).
Why it matters: Rhythmic strum mirrors locomotion; a classic montage driver.

“Let Your Troubles Roll By” — Carbon Leaf
Where it plays: Heard among the film’s song placements; tonally suited to wind-down reflections after mishaps.
Why it matters: Teaches little viewers the story’s gentlest lesson—shake it off and keep going.

“Walking in the Sun” — Carbon Leaf
Where it plays: A bright cut fitting arrival and outdoor sequences (non-diegetic).
Why it matters: Leans into sunlight and reunion imagery; feels like a “we made it” button.

“Follow That Monkey” — Jackie Greene
Where it plays: The album’s title track; tied to the chase/caper identity of the film and used in the official OST program.
Why it matters: Title-calling earworm that brands the sequel’s playful pursuit energy.

“Going East” — Heitor Pereira (score)
Where it plays: Underscores direction-switching and travel pivots after a mid-journey course correction.
Why it matters: Cue title maps directly to a plot beat; Pereira’s writing quietly steers geography and mood.

“Zoo” — Heitor Pereira (score)
Where it plays: Animal-park sequences and reunions, supporting warmth and wonder.
Why it matters: Orchestral colors set a safe, celebratory tone around Kayla and family.

“Moon Man” — Heitor Pereira (score)
Where it plays: Night-scene contemplation and gentle curiosity interludes.
Why it matters: Lullaby-adjacent textures give younger viewers a calm pocket between escapades.

Music–Story Links

• Westward = surf-pop: dropping “California Sun” signals destination and brightens the stakes from “lost” to “let’s reunite.”
• Montage logic: Carbon Leaf’s strummy grooves grease the wheels—trains move faster, mishaps feel softer, and friends stick together.
• Score as glue: Pereira’s cues (“Going East,” “Zoo”) literally narrate the itinerary—turns, arrivals, and goodbyes.

How It Was Made

The sequel keeps the first film’s sunny spirit but swaps Jack Johnson’s folk-pop with Carbon Leaf’s acoustic engine. Heitor Pereira returns on score duties, balancing light tension (security chases, stage illusions) with cozy reunion cues. The album also folds in a surf-pop moment via Brian Wilson—an on-brand nudge for a California-aimed plot—plus Jackie Greene’s title track to stamp the “Follow That Monkey” identity.

Reception & Quotes

“Cross-country caper with mild peril is OK for preschoolers.” Common Sense Media

“Better than the majority of direct-to-video product.” Animated Views

“Kids’ music that parents can enjoy too… an excellent compilation of tunes.” This Is Modern

Availability: Streaming widely (Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music); physical CD editions circulated at release.

Technical Info

• Title: Curious George 2: Follow That Monkey (Music from the Motion Picture)
• Year: 2010
• Type: Cartoon / animated movie soundtrack
• Composers: Heitor Pereira (original score)
• Song Artists: Carbon Leaf; Brian Wilson; Jackie Greene
• Original Album Release: March 2, 2010
• Label / Distribution notes: 2010 OST release; later digital editions credit Back Lot Music for streaming distribution
• Selected notable placements: “California Sun”; “Life Less Ordinary”; “The Friendship Song”; “On a Roll”; “Let Your Troubles Roll By”; “Walking in the Sun”; “Follow That Monkey”; score cues “Going East,” “Zoo,” “Moon Man.”
• Release context: U.S. direct-to-video; selected European theatrical runs

Canonical Entities & Relations

Sources: Wikipedia; AllMusic; Common Sense Media; Discogs.

October, 30th 2025