Customer Reviews

Grand Canyon: Music From The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

A single E minor note in the bass, followed immediately with a short, quick arpeggio by an electric guitar which fades off into the distance. A choir begins to sing a haunting sequence of chords, accentuated by conga drums. After two such sequences, a synth bass pattern fades in, gains strength, and blends in with the choir. This bass pattern is not unlike that heard several times in "The Fugitive", which would be made two years later. The drum kit and electric guitars jump in periodically with accentuating chords of their own. This pattern continues until the music does a complete 180 degree turn and becomes livelier, signaling the start of the slow motion TV basketball sequence.

So begins the Main Title of "Grand Canyon" by James Newton Howard, composer of such dramatic scores as "The Fugitive", "The Devil's Advocate", "A Perfect Murder", "Outbreak", and the theme from "ER."

The first time I saw the movie, I couldn't get that haunting synth bass pattern from the theme out of my head. After the second time, I was that much more determined to find this recording. Most of the cues on this album are for the more climatic action sequences in the film (the shootings, finding the baby, the dream scenes, etc.) But the album does have its bright points. The Warren Zevon song, "Searching for a Heart" is here, heard as Roberto is saying goodbye to his summer girlfriend from camp. And at the end of the album, the "Grand Canyon" theme, played triumphantly by a brass section, resounds with the knowledge that if we keep hope alive, good will forever conquer evil. A very touching album.

When the movie came out, I was about 7 yrs old, living in California. As I heard the theme at the beginning of the movie, I knew I had to have the soundtrack. I have probably listened to it a million times since then, and it nevers gets old or less hauntingly beautiful. This is a soundtrack everyone must have. The Grand Canyon Fanfare/End Titles track is amazing, especially due to Howard's use of french horns. GET THIS SOUNDTRACK!!! YOU WILL LOVE IT!!!

i think is all said by the first reviewer(great review), i don't know how much time newton howard plays in this cd but the time he does is just one of the best moments of music i've listened to in my whole life. You won't be tired after hours playing the main song. I follow james and by now this is the best in my opinion. Just get it.

A great soundtrack for a great movie. The CD arrived in a timely manner, in good condition and is exactly what I expected it to be. I'd do business with this seller again.

Awhile back, I began to recognize that, quite often, I would find myself more taken with a movie's music score than with the movie itself. "Grand Canyon" was a decent movie...but the music score was absolutely mesmerizing. In my opinion, the score elevates the movie's message far above what was otherwise a fairly pedestrian script. Scores should enhance movies...to say that this score succeeds in this task is an understatement.

I heard a few samples for this soundtrack from the film, "Grand Canyon..." and I was pretty impressed.


For one thing, the soundtrack is by James Newton Howard - "Treasure Planet (one favorite Disney film of mine)," "Intersection," "Russkies" - and its use of electronics, synthesizers, and some orchestral work, which is not in my bag as much, completes the composition of this soundtrack.

Oh, and let us not forget Warron Zevon's (R.I.P.) single, "Searching for a Heart," which was also featured - as an alternative variant - in the film, "Love at Large."

Anyway, this is one of those soundtracks that can surely qualify as a "sleeper" for me; in other words, it is so well-put, if I were to listen to this lovely music, I would automatically fall asleep - peacefully at that.


Overall, this is one of Mr. Howard's lesser known scores, which deserves just a tad more recognition.


I give this soundtrack a 5!
-Albert

James Newton Howard is a teriffic composer. He has written some magnificent scores such as Waterworld, Wyatt Earp, Dinosaur and The Postman to name just a few. Grand Canyon is no exception. It is reminicent of some of his other scores by its use of the brilliant L.A Master Chorale to give the music great depth (much like Dinosaur and The Postman). Grand Canyon is in parts quiet and mystical and sometimes bold and sweeping. It also has moments of tension like that of the score for a thriller. Overall it is a great listening experience.