Customer Reviews

Matrix

5 star:		(207)
4 star:		(68)
3 star:		(13)
2 star:		(8)
1 star:		(11)

 

 

This soundtrack has quite a bit of significance for me. It's the album that converted me several months ago into becoming a big fan of heavy rock and techno music. I used to detest the stuff, but that might have been because I never gave it enough of a chance. But 'The Matrix' was (and still is) my favorite movie, so I decided to give this album a chance. "Rock is Dead" (which I first heard in one of 'The Matrix' commercials and liked without knowing it was Manson) is a very memorable song (especially the guitar parts in the beginning and after the refrain). My only problem is that I wish he hadn't cursed so much since that makes the song "socially unacceptable" to some people with whom I'd wish to share it. For a tolerant audience, however, it's a great song. "Spybreak" is just awesome; very groovy, with cool use of sounds and electronic instruments. "Bad Blood" isn't a bad song, but it's not one of my faves, either. I love "Clubbed to Death", though. It provides a striking contrast to the rest of the songs on the album, and indeed it contrasts with itself, bouncing between piano solo and a more rhythmic section with various electronic instruments and strings (this part is played in the movie during the Agent training program; y'know, the one with the Woman in the Red Dress). "Prime Audio Soup" has some cool parts (also using nifty sound effects), although I think they drag it out a little too long. I like "Leave You Far Behind", although all I can really say about it is that it's very techno. As for "Mindfields"...I like this song, too, although the lyrics are a little repetitive. (I'd classify most of Prodigy's songs as instrumentals that use words more as sound effects than lyrics, actually.) The Hot Rod Herman Mix of "Dragula" is, in my opinion, actually better than the original (a rarity with me and remixes). It was this song that first got me interested in Zombie. He's not a spectacular singer, but his voice has a dark, cool-sounding, evil tone to it. This remix is also very techno and good for dancing (and they play it in the dance club scene of 'The Matrix', as a matter of fact). "My Own Summer" is very good instrumentally, and I do find it an enjoyable song, but the lead singer screams a lot...and I mean he really screams! Cool song anyway, though. "Ultrasonic Sound" is basically instrumental, but isn't as good as "Spybreak" or "Clubbed to Death", although it does have a really nifty guitar theme played throughout. "Look to Your Orb for the Warning" isn't particularly memorable, but it's not a bad song. "Du Hast" has a very powerful, driving beat, and I do like it a lot, although hearing, "Du...du hast...du hast mich..." over and over in the beginning is a bit annoying. And finally, last but not least, "Wake Up" is by far my favorite song on this whole soundtrack. It fits the movie best (with its theme of waking up to the truth and fighting the system), is very intellectual lyrically, features a wonderful use of the guitar, and it just rocks! I don't consider myself much of a rap fan, but I really like the way Rage combines heavy rock with rapping in their songs. This song, in fact, inspired me to get their new album, also. (But while 'The Battle of Los Angeles' really rocks and is very insightful in its criticism of the system, my favorite Rage song is still "Wake Up".) So there you have it: the songs 'The Matrix' soundtrack. If you're into heavy rock and/or techno, this album is a must-have...and if you're not, well, I suggest you give this album a chance or at least sample it. Who knows, you might be just as pleasantly surpised as I was by what you hear.

While I will admit that I wished there was more of the musical score (especially the bit when they're returning from seeing the Oracle), the "Soundtrack" is worth it just for Clubbed to Death. This is one of the few songs in the electronic/techno genre that actually manages a cohesive theme throughout the song. Sampling a classical piano song, Rob D manages to weave a spectacular piece. It recalls some of the better Orbital and Underworld songs.

After listening to the soundtrack, and then watching the movie again, I found that a good number of the tracks on the CD are not actually to be found in the movie. The ones you'll remember from the film, tracks 2,4 and 5, and a couple others, are enough to satisfy. Supplemented with the score, the two together would be a wonderful representation of the movie.

This CD contains most of the music from "The Matrix", both songs and instrumentals, that was not written by Don Davis and considered part of the film's score. I say "most" because the song that Neo was listening to when we first see him, asleep next to his computer, is unfortunately not included. I would have preferred the music and score from "The Matrix" to be boxed together in a 2-CD set, but this CD does have merit on its own as a nice introduction to contemporary metal and techno. I hadn't listened to metal in a decade, and the Marilyn Manson, Ministry, Deftones, and Monster Magnet are a lot more polished and techno-influenced than I remember metal being. So this has been an enlightening introduction to modern metal for me. But the strongest pieces on this CD are the instrumentals. Propellerheads' "Spybreak!", which was used in "The Matrix's" mind-blowing lobby scene, more strongly evokes a scene from the film than any other piece of music. It's a brilliant techno romp that would energize even the most sedentary soul. Rob D's "Clubbed to Death" is also excellent, and, even on its own, creates that distinctly aggressive but focused mood that made it such great soundtrack material for "The Matrix". Even the songs by Rob Zombie, Prodigy and Hive are heavily instrumental. Truthfully, the first half of this CD is a lot better than the second half. But it's a worthy intro to modern sounds and an evocative soundtrack for fans of "The Matrix" to remember the movie by.

I can only suggest those that liked the movie to get this soundtrack. It's soundtrack constantly reminds me of the "Hackers" soundtrack which I would advise getting if you like the techno parts of the CD. I spent countless hours with this CD on repeat in my car and it kept me from stressing out over traffic. Out of the three movies released I would suggest this one is the best and not getting the others.

I almost enjoyed this soundtrack more than the film, which was also entertaining despite the fact that I was expecting the typical Hollywood-violence. The soundtrack defies the current "grab-bag" mentality labels seem to be using to assemble soundtracks. I think the selection of songs and artists was a logical and brilliant one.

I believe that the "rock-meets-electronica" combination is effective here where it has failed so many other times. The remix of Rob Zombie's "Dragula" is a hyper-kinetic anthem washed in a blood bath of synthesizer effects that is both intoxicating and danceable. While "Du Hast" by Rammstein propels itself along with its razor-edged guitar riffs and computerized blips (in case anyone does not speak German, the song is about renouncing wedding vows). But the most pleasant surprise to me was the instrumental "Clubbed to Death" with its nimble piano, dark strings, and propulsive bass beats. This song is the "diamond in the rough."

Other highlights include older tunes from the Deftones (who I may now have to purchase - their song "My Own Summer" kicks hard) and the Prodigy's "Mindfields" from their TECHNOlogical breakthrough THE FAT OF THE LAND.

I recommend this soundtrack HIGHLY.

Kinetic. Aggressive. Dark.

I dont hate ANY song on this album. In fact I love just about every single song, most of my favorite bands from the electronica/metal scene are on this album. From Ministry's "Bad Blood" (which will wake you up, I can assure you) to Rob Dougan's modern masterpiece "Clubbed to Death" this soundtrack will give you engery!

1. Rock Is Dead, Marilyn Manson- (metal) Not his best song by far, still not bad, we know what he sounds like... 8/10
2. Spybreak, Propellerheads- (electronica) the music from the goverment lobby scene, very upbeat with a bit of spy thrown in... 9/10
3. Bad Blood - Ministry (metal) takes some getting used to, but once you get used to the noise its good... 8/10
4. Clubbed to Death [Kurayamino Mix], Rob Dougan- (classical, electronica) Beautiful, a masterpiece, i have never tired of this song, one of my favorite songs of all time, Rob Dougan is a god, check out his CD and you can hear him sing! also known as 'The woman in the read dress song'... 11/10
5. Prime Audio Soup, Meat Beat Manifesto- (elcetronica) just the name of the band rocks, good example of early 90's dance scene... 10/10
6. Leave You Far Behind, Lunatic Calm- (electronica/ techno) this song is used in many soundtracks, energizing and fast... 10/10
7. Mindfields, The Prodigy- (electronica) awesome song, awesome band to be sure to check out there CD, The Fat of the Land, perfect example of late 90's British dance music... 10/10
8. Dragula [Hot Rod Herman Remix], Rob Zombie- (metal/ industrial electronica) PURE ENERGY, this song packs quite a punch, insanly good... 10/10
9. My Own Summer (Shove It), Deftones- (electronica i guess) I never really liked Deftones, the song sorta drags, with no real structure, not my favorite... 7/10
10. Ultrasonic Sound, Hive- (industrial electronica) another song with bite, can really lose yourself in this song... 9/10
11. Look to Your Orb for the Warning, Monster Magnet- (electronica (?)) strange song, very dark, grundgy, me like! 8.5/10
12. Du Hast, Rammstein- (Metal/Elecetronica) wow, another one of my all time favorite songs, its in German of course, first time i heard it the voice made me jump, this will really get the heart pumping!... 10/10
13. Wake Up, Rage Against the Machine- (metal) not a big fan of rage, but I do like this song, the guitar of this band is amazing, but i dont like the singer very much, its a great ending to the movie and soundtrack! ... 8/10

all in all it gets alot of my favorite artists, but it's a shame bands like Crystal Method (who really deseveres to be on this album (if u like this album be sure to check out Vegas)) and Chemical Brothers arent on here...and of course a dozen metal bands...

its worth the money, almost every song is worth the price of the album!

this stuff rules because it flows extremely well, and represents the tone and attitude of the movie really well. This was actually the first cd I ever got, back in middle school I was introduced to the greatness of Rammstein, Deftones, Prodigy, and Rage Against the Machine through this cd. I highly recommend this to anyone who liked the movie or likes kick butt electronica metal. This is a cd that will always be around in my collection for repeat listens.

I loved the movie, and the soundtrack is every bit as good. I am sad that they didnt include one song though - the song being played through his headphones as he awakes to find Trinity sending messages to him on his screen. Wish I could find that song. guess I'll have to watch the credits for the song title. Anybody have any idea?

This a good CD. But I wanted to make this review to answer J. Tarken "thirty-three" who made a review that stands in the spotlight-reviews. The song that plays when Neo is working on his computer, the first time we see him is Dissolved Girl by Massive Attack. I was very dissappointed that this song wasn't on the soundtrack. If you liked Dissolved Girl I recommend you to check out Mezzanine by Massive Attack. Dissolved Girl is by far not the best song on the album. Buy this one and Mezzanine!

I'd like to start by saying that those of you who don't like this movie should check your pulse!! This one was just awesome, kind of a mixture of <insert your favorite Stallone or Van Damme movie here> and "Mission Impossible": well, in the area of complexity.

The only thing that really puzzles me is that the movie had no "f"-words whatsoever, but the soundtrack does (tracks 1 and 3). I guess I can deal with that tho...

That being said, the soundtrack is great as well. It has a very eclectic mix ranging from the neo-classical "Clubbed to Death" by Rob D to the electronic "Leave you Far Behind" by Lunatic Calm (btw for the guy wondering about Lunatic Calm amazon.com has an album on sale by them called "Interpol" you may want to check that out). I seriously doubt that there isn't at least one or two songs that anyone would like. I myself like most of them

The tracks in order and my view of them:

Track 1 - Marilyn Manson..ugh, no comment I always skip this one, but it does fit the movie...NEXT!!

Track 2 - Spybreak - I like the James Bond style music on this one. pretty good

Track 3 - Bad Blood is good angry music. I like it despite I can barely understand the lyrics.

Track 4 - Clubbed to Death: good quiet, calming song: good for a soothe after listening to Bad Blood. doesn't seem to fit the rest of the album tho but it's all good

Track 5 - Prime Audio Soup...the name says it all, cool tho

Track 6 - Lunatic Calm HELL YEAH electronic music rocks for sure (the name also fits for those who don't understand the movie as well..hehe). This ties as one of my favorite tracks with track 11

Track 7 - Mindfields is OK but I like some other tracks of Prodigy's "Fat of the Land" a lot better ie Breathe and Firestarter.

Track 8 - Dragula Remix, cool song and almost as good as the original, which is rare for remixes.

Track 9 - My Own Summer: What's not to like about a group of angry guys just yelling at everyone to "Shove it!!"? Btw for you who don't like the movie, refer to this song. =P

Track 10 - Ultrasonic sound, kinda like Track 5 but more music oriented, pretty cool. I like the ending.

Track 11 - is it just me or hasn't anyone mentioned Monster Magnet's song "Look to the Orb for your Warning"? It is there after all and it's cool. This is also a favorite track of mine (well hey someone's gotta like it).

Track 12 - Du Hast...strange choice for this soundtrack since it's in German and has basically nothing to do with the movie, but it's a good headbanging number and kinda cool.

Track 13 - A bit paranoid but but also a "Wake-Up" call as well to people to be aware of what's going on around them. Good angry song.