Customer Reviews

Rat Race: Original Motion Picture Score

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NOTE: There is a "various artists" soundtrack which includes a "Rat Race Suite" of John Powell's work. If you're looking primarily for the Baha Men on your disc, you should be ordering that CD instead.

Aside from being a little short, this album is quite arguably some of John Powell's finest work. He deftly mixes chaotic choir with mischievous strings and a host of other audible intricacies, creating a superb and dynamic album that moves fast and hits all the right notes.

Fans of his work will find that his usual style is abundant here -- Spanish influence, big brass, thundering percussion, and an expert comedic flair make for a score that's just as much fun away from the picture as it is while watching the movie. Like much of his animated work, Powell demonstrates a lot of versatility in recycling motifs -- the "Rat Race theme" shows up in no fewer than seven tracks on the disc, including one rendition written entirely as a tango. Powell's trademark diversity is also well intact: no sooner does his sneaky Western piece, "Stealing Some Gas" end than his crazy salsa action piece, "Chase to the Balloons" begins. The score enjoys a fantastic romp across genres, each handled as brilliantly as the last.

The only fault I find with the album, as I mentioned at the start, is that it's short. 35 minutes, to be exact. Granted, 35 minutes of sheer and utter excellence, but 35 minutes is still awfully brief for a feature film score. All told, extending the album a few songs thicker would not have gone unappreciated.

If you happen upon a copy and admire John Powell's work, I encourage you 10,000% to nab it. This soundtrack is many things; disappointing is not one of them.

Without a doubt, this is my favorite John Powell score! I paid $50 for this and don't regret a penny. I'll explain why.

When I first saw the movie, the music stood out. It was one of those fast paced, funny scores that would put a smile on your face when you're down or lazy.

"Let's Meet Our Contestants" is a funny track played by a clarinet then a violin then tuba (?). Very different shifts in instruments each playing the same solo piece.

"The Chase Begins" is the best track. It starts off with racing strings and trombone then slows to another funny theme played by a clarinet before becoming tense and accelerating back into full gear. The latter part of the song is joined by the choir then the presence of the "Rat Race Theme" as the orchestra goes crazy. Very enjoyable!

"Flights Cancelled" is the second part of the song as the contestants discover alternative means of traveling to Sliver City, New Mexico to get the cash. ("Rat Race Theme" present.)

"Helicopter Dance" is another good song involving the main theme being played in a "Flying Dutchman" style. The female chorus is most present in this track making it another one of my favorites.

The rest of the album is fun too. New themes are introduced in "Wanna See a Heart", "Stealing Some Gas" and "The Squirrel Lady". The "Rat Race Theme" makes its last and longest appearance in "Arrival at Silver City."

This is a great orchestral/choral, slap-stick humorous score and is a must-have for all music lovers. Truly one of John Powell's greatest scores. Some say Evolution the Soundtrack is another good one. I haven't heard it myself but check it if you want.

As a big fan of Powell's work and a collector with almost all his scores, I have to admit I like the score to Rat Race the best. Its funny, its catchy, and its chaotic. The chior is used uniquely throughout the score witch gives it that edge of chaoticness. The slow and almost classical sections with the woodwinds is a nice way to slow the CD down sometimes from the madness of, well "The Race". This CD is highly recommened and all of John Powell's other works as well. Especially, Chicken Run!!!

With a slight twist to his usual heroic, bouncy and often catchy themes, John Powell incorporates the wonderful use of choir to make this another stand out score. Ratrace carries along the comedy and fun right through to the music. If its the main theme in "The Chase begins" or variations like in "all the little children" or the wonderful almost tropical closing cue "before we were russian", this score will keep you glued, and entertained. A big recomendation, especialy if you like Powell's other works.

Now I have not visally listened to this soundtrack but from the movie(which I saw 4 times)the music was one of the greatest music pieces I have ever heard.By this.I am right away.

The theatrical release RAT RACE was in my dictionary, the FUNNIEST movie ever made. The music was great, but they only had to make ONE soundtrack. I have the other one which has: Baha Men, Smash Mouth, Colony, Four Tops, and Hot Chocolate. I reccomend you buy the VARIOUS ARTISITS one because it has a much more wide selection. Plus it has many songs from this CD too (or at least the good ones.) So if you liked the music from the movie, buy the other one. PS- YOU HAVE TO SEE THIS MOVIE!!!!!!