Star Wars Soundtracks (Spoilers)

[Greylock Crescent]

What did everyone think of the score to TFA? How did it compare to the others in the series? What do you think might happen in the next films?

Personally, I initially found the score to be underwhelming, mostly because it lacked that easily-identifiable and iconic theme (Duel of the Fates, Imperial March, Force Theme, Ewok March, Battle of the Heroes, Across The Stars, etc.). Considering that this has long been a Star Wars tradition, I do think that's a drawback.

However, I've been listening to it for the better part of a day, and it's filled with thematic material that becomes more recognizable and enjoyable with each listen. Rey's Theme is a standout - and it's used as the backbone of the score, offering a rich, versatile theme. Finn's theme and Poe's theme are suitably heroic. There's a Resistance March, and I can pick up Ren's (two) themes now. And I love all the callbacks to the Rebel Fanfare, the Force, Leia, and Han & Leia.

It's become quite an enjoyable score to listen to!

For a more detailed review, there's this (keeping in mind that it does come from jwfan.com).

Anyone else enjoying the score? Or has that lack of singular theme proven to be too much of a barrier?

 

[Saga]

i felt the same way at first. i think i was used to there being an identifiable theme, so when there wasn't one i was disappointed. there are a lot of callbacks, mostly to New Hope. after listening to it several times i've grown to really like it.

 

[ATimson]

During the movie, while I thought John Williams did a great job reusing existing themes where appropriate, there wasn't any new material that grabbed me. I look forward to hearing it again on disc in standalone form, though.

 

[Greylock Crescent]

^ The soundtrack really does improve on repeated listenings.

Here are some highlight tracks, along with the thematic material they feature:

Rey's Theme
[yt]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65As1V0vQDM[/yt]

Rey's Theme (starting at 0:37)
[yt]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3YcCLaTnBE[/yt]

Kylo Ren's Theme (starting at 0:52)
[yt]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRRPCjr1Ito[/yt]

Finn's Theme (starting at 1:11)
[yt]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLipUMfiiC8[/yt]

Finn's Theme (starting at 0:10):
[yt]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8_2K7QNtpI[/yt]

 

[Cutter John]

I think perhaps he's been composing for too long. He's started leaning towards more subdued classical compositions rather than the more 'in your face' themes that a SW film needs.

 

[Trek4Ever]

I missed his bombastic scores from the PT. Flawed as they were each film in the trilogy had a distinct sound and theme that were recognizable. That is something that was missing in TFA, could that be Abrams' fault? Maybe he told Williams to tone it down and just provide background music. At this point, who can credibly replace Williams for future installments?

 

[Greylock Crescent]

I'm not sure I'd want him replaced - assuming he's healthy and willing enough to continue scoring. True, this score lacks that Big Theme™ we're used to hearing. But otherwise, it's quite good, IMO. And it definitely sounds like Star Wars to me. The new themes are quite solid (Rey's Theme, especially), and the use of traditional themes is nicely balanced.

I'd say Williams' writing is closer to Howard Shore's for The Hobbit films - well-written, despite not being as obvious about its intended craft.

 

[The Wormhole]

I missed his bombastic scores from the PT. Flawed as they were each film in the trilogy had a distinct sound and theme that were recognizable. That is something that was missing in TFA, could that be Abrams' fault? Maybe he told Williams to tone it down and just provide background music. At this point, who can credibly replace Williams for future installments?

I can't see why Abrams would ask John Williams to do less bombastic when he seems perfectly okay with Michael Giacchino doing that in your face uber-bombastic theme for his Trek movies.

 

[{ Emilia }]

I'm not sure I'd want him replaced - assuming he's healthy and willing enough to continue scoring. True, this score lacks that Big Theme™ we're used to hearing. But otherwise, it's quite good, IMO. And it definitely sounds like Star Wars to me. The new themes are quite solid (Rey's Theme, especially), and the use of traditional themes is nicely balanced.

I'd say Williams' writing is closer to Howard Shore's for The Hobbit films - well-written, despite not being as obvious about its intended craft.

I might be biased because I think the prequels were a pile of banta shit but I prefer stuff like Rey's theme over the big melodramatic stuff from TPM. It's more nuanced.
This score actually sounds more like the old movies.

 

[MacLeod]

At the moment my feeling is underwhelmed by the music. However that's only after seeing the film once when i hear the music from the previous films esp the OT i can see the sceneit plays to in my minds eye.

Perhaps after more viewings my feelings will change.

 

[ATimson]

At this point, who can credibly replace Williams for future installments?

Michael Giacchino

Bear McCreary (his Human Target score was very reminiscent of Williams)

Brian Tyler

 

[Greylock Crescent]

I might be biased because I think the prequels were a pile of banta shit but I prefer stuff like Rey's theme over the big melodramatic stuff from TPM. It's more nuanced.
This score actually sounds more like the old movies.

Speaking as someone who thoroughly enjoyed the bombast of the PT soundtracks (and TPM, especially), I have to agree that the new score is both more nuanced, and more classic - an overall better companion to (and evolution from) the OT scores.

I mean, one of the critiques of the new film is that its plot is too derivative of ANH. And here we have a score that is, quite literally, a departure - an evolution of Williams' writing. Williams hasn't lost anything in terms of writing. Instead, he's brought the entirety of his experience and talent to bear on this score.

So while I understand that it's underwhelming for some, I disagree that it's a loss (and, especially, that Williams needs to be replaced).

At this point, who can credibly replace Williams for future installments?

Michael Giacchino

Please, dear god, no.

First, a healthy, willing, Williams doesn't need to be replaced. Second, if he had to be replaced (due to health, for example), I'd hope for Alexandre Desplat.

 

[MacLeod]

Well the score is a deapture from the previous films, not that a depature is a bad thing but this is SW for a new generation (as well as older fans) sure I smiled when I heard the old music being used as it brings back childhood memories.

But the music used didn't seem out of place or distract me from the movie.

 

[ATimson]

First, a healthy, willing, Williams doesn't need to be replaced.

Oh, I totally agree. At the same time... well, I don't want to take that for granted.

Second, if he had to be replaced (due to health, for example), I'd hope for Alexandre Desplat.

Hmm. His Harry Potter scores were fine (although I don't remember much in the way of original thematic material in them). I don't think I've seen anything else that he's scored yet, although since he's apparently doing the score for Rogue One I will be soon enough!

 

[Greylock Crescent]

I absolutely loved his DH1 score, which included a Death Eater Theme:
[yt]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqdZcpwyUEc[/yt]

And Luna's Theme:
[yt]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yevdyin2abs[/yt]


DH2 featured this hauntingly beautiful theme:
[yt]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eukcZ5J-3Hc[/yt]

As far as actions cues go, he can clearly write in a Williams-esque thematic style, and even incorporate Williams' themes (love his version of Hedwig's Theme here):
[yt]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zmEgXCTevk[/yt]

And another action cue:
[yt]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVCXjuf1biY[/yt]

 

[Tosk]

Like many, I was underwhelmed by the Ep7 score at first, but it has grown on me very quickly. Rey's Theme and The Jedi Steps being stand-outs. I like March of the Resistance too, although it sounds a lot like it's a lost track from The Last Crusade.

 

[Greylock Crescent]

There is a moment (and I'm not sure it's on the soundtrack) when Rey and Finn are running through the Jakku market that sounds almost exactly like the market scene from Raiders. And I'm pretty sure there's some Jaws-like references going on during "The Rathtars."

So while he was striking some new ground for Star Wars, Williams was certainly providing his own personal callbacks to his previous scores.

 

[Tosk]

There is a moment (and I'm not sure it's on the soundtrack) when Rey and Finn are running through the Jakku market that sounds almost exactly like the market scene from Raiders.

Definitely. It's a little more aggressive/less whimsical, but quite similar.

And I'm pretty sure there's some Jaws-like references going on during "The Rathtars."

I didn't pick that, I'll keep an ear out on the next go.

 

[Greylock Crescent]

^ Keep in mind that I may have been imagining it. I'm not a musician - just an avid fan. So it's entirely possible that I mistakenly filled in the blanks.

 

[{ Emilia }]

Rey's theme has been growing on me more and more over the last couple of days. I think I can legitimately say it's one of my favourite pieces of SW music. It's nuanced and full of interesting changes and moods.