16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
If you don't want the uncertainty, November 6, 2004
This review is from: Miami Vice: Complete Collection (Audio CD)
...of the marketplace, since Amazon is sold out of this as I write, go to www.janhammer.com and you'll have it in a week!
I've been a loyal Amazon customer for seven years but they let me down on this one. I spent two months waiting for Amazon marketplace when I could have had it right away.
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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Long Awaited Masterpiece, July 15, 2002
This review is from: Miami Vice: Complete Collection (Audio CD)
Miami Vice: The Complete Collection is a powerful monument to composer Jan Hammer's groundbreaking soundtrack to one of television's most memorable series. With over two hours of music, the two compact discs feature 42 memorable cuts, including 22, which have never been released to the public before. Miami Vice redefined television and Jan Hammer's soundtrack completely redefined the way in which shows were scored. The result was a chart-topping commercial success never before seen from a television soundtrack and international acclaim for series and composer alike.
While there have been other Miami Vice albums in the past, fans have long hoped for this expanded collection and, in resounding fashion, Hammer does not fail to deliver. The old favorites, such as the original "Miami Vice Theme" and "Crockett's Theme", are all there but the real payoff is a complete disc, 22 tracks, of previously unreleased gems such as "The Talk", surely one of Hammer's finest compositions from his three and a half years scoring Miami Vice. The end result of it all is a totally wonderful musical experience.
Even after several listenings it continues to amaze me just how many memorable tracks there are and really, when you think about it, it is amazing that anyone could fill two CDs with great music from any television series. Hammer has the most incredible gift for mood and melody and his music stands tall even without the visual components it was written to accompany.
Whether you are a fan of Miami Vice, Jan Hammer, or even if you just enjoy great music, Miami Vice: The Complete Collection delivers the goods.
Marc Loren
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11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Essential for the "VICE" fan or 80's lover, March 5, 2004
This review is from: Miami Vice: Complete Collection (Audio CD)
One of the most important parts of the "Miami Vice" legacy is Jan Hammer's score, beautifully capturing the feel of Miami in the mid-1980's. Some of the songs have been released on the three hit soundtracks from the show, but a complete collection of Hammer's music has never been released. Until now.
The CD begins with the unforgettable "Original Miami Vice Theme" as heard in the opening titles of the show. Then it goes on to the calm, relaxing "Crockett's Theme" frequently heard on the show (and later featured in the immediate classic video game GRAND THEFT AUTO: VICE CITY), followed by the "New York Theme" from the second season pilot episode (a.k.a. "Miami Vice II: The Prodigal Son"). There is then a bunch of themes from the episodes (including the fast-paced "Chase" and the beautiful "Marina"), until we near the end of the first CD with "Rico's Blues", "The Trial and the Search", and "Wedding". To close the CD, the single version of the "Miami Vice Theme" that became so extremely popular is used - basically an extended version of the "Original Miami Vice Theme".
The second CD is, in my opinion, a better CD than the first, containing songs not released until now. It opens with "Candy" (which brings two words to your mind, no matter when you hear it: "Miami Vice"), then moves on to "Voodoo Dance", a fun song. "Angelina Flashback" is a nice re-performance of the original "Flashback", while "Rain" has a very cool, casual feeling to it. "Crockett's Return" is pretty much a new version of "Crockett's Theme", followed by a series of songs that include the western-sounding "El Viejo Mix" and "Stone's War", another cool song that brings instant images of Crockett and Rico making a drug bust. "Runaround" is one of my favorites, sounding more like an 80's emotional rock song at the beginning; the CD is finished off with "Turning Point", a fine finish for the collection.
Overall, Jan Hammer's "Miami Vice: The Complete Collection" is one of my favorite CDs. It is, naturally, essential for anyone who calls themself a "Miami Vice" fan, but I also highly recommend it for any and all of you 80's lovers (like myself) out there. The show may be over, but thanks to Jan Hammer, the feeling lives on.
- Adam Pierson
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