Apocalypto [SOUNDTRACK]

James Horner (Artist)

Product Details

• Audio CD (December 5, 2006)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Soundtrack
• Label: Hollywood Records
• ASIN: B000K7UH3S
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #84,334 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

James Horner's approach to this soundtrack is as unconventional as Mel Gibson's take on adventure movies. The percussion- and flute-heavy arrangements eschew the usual big orchestra--Horner actually employs synthetic strings instead--but what really makes this score stand out from run-of-the-mill Hollywood soundtracks is its use of the human voice, in particular that of Qawwali singer Rahan Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. It adds an element that's often ominously spooky to several tracks; it's like a vague sense of menace, one whose origin is hard to pinpoint. The throat singing on "Holcane Attack," for instance, is pitched so low as to make you wonder if it is, indeed, man-made. The prevailing oppressive mood is barely alleviated by the use of airy jungle sounds on the opening and closing tracks. Horner fans may be turned off by his work here, but other listeners could actually be pulled in. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An abrasive, synth charged, rare original release from Horner, March 6, 2009

By	T. C. Deans "deansy" (Whistler, Canada BC) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

A lot of people either hate this score or love it and I can understand why: Like the film itself it's a polarizing release. I personally was riveted by the film and score after a few listens.

I always think the context to which a score is recorded is important to remember when rating it's quality. Often composers are given limited time, money and resources which obviously has a massive effect on the overall product and Horner was in short supply of all 3 when he recorded Apocalypto. Although Horner plagarises himself and others to a daring extent I think he did an admiral job with Apocalypto. The bulk of the score is made up of predominantly synths, percussion, pan flutes/pipes and the work of solo artist Rahat Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan whose unbelievable voice is the defining instrument in Apocalypto. It's his aggressive, chanting, growling work that I suspect is what puts most people off. Right near the start of the album in `Tapir Hunt' for example, Rahat's aggressive throat noises sounds like he's coughing up a pack of cigarettes. Despite this it works incredibly well on film during the actual tapir hunt scene.

This is more a `mood' score than symphonic work. Similar to Horners other score for A New World he incorporates bird noises and rainforest sounds in the bookend tracks `From the Forest...' and `To the Forest...' Highlights include `Holcane Attack', `The Games and Escape', `Civilizations Brought by the Sea' and the forementioned `To the Forest,'

Be careful you know what you're purchasing if you buy this score. A friend of mine lent me his copy so perhaps the fact I didn't pay for mine has a bearing on my review. It's by no means an easy listen initially but persistance pays for this impressively raw and aggressive feat none the less. More importantly it's original, which can't be said for many other Horner efforts

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Apocalypto, July 27, 2007

By	Common Sense (Colorado) - See all my reviews

I rarely buy soundtracks but, not only was the film outstanding, the sound track stands on its own as a masterpiece. It's in my top 3 CDs of all time.
I have been a musician and composer my entire life so my standards are high.
Two songs are a little wild but they fit the film perfectly.
To The Forest, From The Forest, and Words Through The Sky are my favs, and I sometimes play those 3 alone on repeat for hours!
All the tracks are very original and quite powerful. Beautiful unique instrumentals with occasional gentle background vocals without words.
It works as quiet background music or you can turn it up and appreciate the extreme quality. Few soundtracks on their own can carry the emotion one felt while watching a film; however, this soundtrack does that and more.
I have studied southwest archaeolgy, anthropology, and MesoAmerica for many years and I think this music hits it right on.
It transports you to another place and touches many emotions inside your soul. I think it's the perfect score for the story in the film and the perfect score for the story of human experience.
James Horner, thank you for such an amazing accomplishment.
Mel Gibson deserves a lot of credit for the whole package. Bring on the Oscars!!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful and captivating, January 14, 2007

By	Ms. K. J. Saint - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I wasn't sure on the first listen but after the 2nd or 3rd time I really started to like it. I haven't seen Apocalypto yet so I don't know how well the music goes with the film but I found it an enjoyable listen on it's own. The music is quite original and not what I expected although you can hear bits of The New World in some of the slower tracks, which isn't a bad thing, I love that score. I enjoyed the action jungle music, some of it had a Skull Island sort of feel to it.