Customer Reviews

Friday Night Lights

5 star:		(32)
4 star:		(15)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

I have to begin by saying that the previous reviewer mentioning Creed and Nickelback has to be joking. That can't be a serious review. In addition, Explosions in the Sky is from Texas. In fact, three of the band's members are actually from the Midland/Odessa area where the film is set (which is, in part, why they were asked to score the film). Put that in your pipe and smoke it.

Now, the music. I'll be fair and say I haven't seen the film yet, so I have to review the music based solely on its quality. On that front, it's pretty good.

For Explosions in the Sky fans, there is, disappointingly, none of the group's trademark loud/soft dynamics, and a lot of the drumming is buried in the mix or non-existent. So, if you're looking for this to smack you with some distortion or volume like one of the previous EITS records, you're not going to get that. What you will get is a wonderful version of "Your Hand in Mine." And, just like the title suggests, it has strings. The other songs fall toward the band's more melodic work and are often backed by strings.

It's peaceful, quiet listening that really does sound like Texas - spacious but intimate, complex, dusty, bright, sad and hopeful. For counterpoint, listen to the Daniel Lanois track "Sonho Dourado," which sounds like what people think Texas sounds like. It's a fine song, but it's all surface.

If you're a fan of Explosions in the Sky's previous work; if you like post rock; if you like quiet music with some angular, arpeggiating, bright guitar work; if you love the beauty of twilight; if you believe in the sound of Texas - pick this up.

Explosions came to my college a couple years back as an opener for another band and absolutely blew my mind. I had never heard music like this before, and one of the guitarists was cool enough to let me hang with him after the show and tell me all about his gear so I could (attempt to) replicate some of their distinctive guitar sounds on my own. I am so ecstatic that these guys have been able to get on a major motion picture soundtrack to share their sound with a nationwide audience. Their music truly inspires. Beautiful, beautiful stuff.

Explosions in the Sky were an excellent choice for the soundtrack to this movie. Their music creates an impressive background mood for a film this touching. If one believes that a run-of-the-mill common sounding band such as Nickelback or Creed should have provided pieces for this film, perhaps he or she should go see one of the crappy generic action films that Hollywood seems to spew out every other week. Needless to say, I greatly appreciated this musical selection.

Please forgive me if this marks my introduction to the Texas group Explosions In The Sky. Previously unfamiliar with their work, I must say I am now curious to listen to the rest of their catalouge.

Present here though is echoing music that evokes the spirit of not only the wide Texas prairie but also the deep loneliness that awaits the high school football star long after the stadium is empty and the bright lights have long surrendered to the blanketing night.

Explosions In The Sky's haunting music fills the listener with a sense of isolation equal to that of a Bradburian protagonist. And as the original (and excellent must read!) Bissinger book on which the film is based suggests, nothing ostracizes a young man more than to have his glory days pass him by.

Granted the Daniel Lanoisesque (who does make an appearence here) soundscapes do grow somewhat redundant and the selections could use a stronger presence of bass and drums. And besides the beautiful ballad "Seagull", this soundrack could use some more vocals.

But this is a small weakness. Present in this fine soundtrack is a moody counterpoint to the roar of a crowd on sweltering Friday night in Texas. A fine invitation to silent contemplation and reflection as one drives through deserted and desolate country.

I bought this cd as a fan of Explosions in the Sky, not a fan of the movie. A lot of the songs on this soundtrack are only chopped up/switched around versions of the band's full length songs from other releases. It doesn't have the same raw energy that the other releases do, and it's very over produced. I wouldn't recommend this to fans of the band, unless you are a die hard fan and absolutely have to own every EITS release.

This is the most beautiful collection of music. My husband and I love to listen to this while driving through rainy weather or during a thunderstorm. It is so peaceful, and it really sets the mood. I can't help but feel the same way I did when I saw this movie every time I hear it, it was awesome and I enjoy this cd as much as I did the movie. You won't be sorry that you invested in this powerful music.

I have never been a fan of this type of music before. I don't live in Texas, so I really don't know what you guys see in the spirit of the prairies and ranges in the state. But what I heard on this cd truly makes me imagine and feel what it is suppose to feel like. The beauty of the guitar being orchestrated in this cd made me shed a tear. Mainly because I looked back at past scenes in my life with this music as the background and couldn't help but put this music in with bad & good times. It's truly touching and because of that I bought both "Earth is not a Cold dead place" and "Those who tell the truth..." I can't see how anyone who listened to this music is not affected by it. I play it everywhere...in the car. At work. At home. At outings. It's great...

This is actually a response to the other review on this soundtrack. Now, the reason why this movie has recieved such praise, beyond the acting performance and well-written storyline, is that it did not just slap a "jock jams" style of soundtrack on top of it. The bands that are on the soundtrack are adept at conveying a deeper emotion from the story, rather than getting you "pumped up" at the gym.

Explosions in the Sky is an awesome band, I've been listening to them ever since I heard about that mysterious relationship their first CD (released 9/10/01) had with the events of 9/11 [their band is named "Explosions in the Sky", there's a song on the CD called "This Plane Will Crash 'Tomorrow'" and the album's cover, which has a plane, angels, heavens, ect. on it. very freaky]. It's great that they were in this movie.

They did cut some of the songs short though and not all the songs from the movie are in here. One of the best songs (A Poor Man's Memory) during the movie isn't even on here. It was playing at the end of the 2nd game they lost, during their failed game winning drive. I'm sure you can recall it. It fit perfectly.

Otherwise, I like the songs on here. I recommend it.

I enjoyed this score tremendously. The ride back from the theatre has my family always discussing who liked what in the film. My sister likes this or that actor, my dad liked this or that part... well I would have to say, that the music in 'Friday Night Lights' was my favorite part. The powerful buildup of simple string instruments into rich, remarkable harmonies casts a very personal, even spiritual light on the action in the film. The viewer is touched with empathy if not excitment over the ovewhelming dedication the highschool football coaches and athletes have toward their sport and the reverance it is given in the West Texas community of Odessa. If you enjoyed the music as well, I would highly recommend picking up the soundtrack to 'The Straight Story' as it's tracks have the same simple, ethereal feel found in 'Friday Night Lights'.