Customer Reviews

The Shawshank Redemption: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

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It started back in highschool, well actually when I was in 7th grade and heard the music from the Shawshank Redemption for the first time. I simple fell in love with it. A while later, my brother bought me the soundtrack and I played it over and over and over......

A few years later, I have purchased 47 movie scores. Everything from Sling Blade to Easy Rider to Dances With Wolves. Of course, my heart has gone out to Thomas Newman, the man who first haunted me with his movie score, The Shawshank Redemption.

This score is my favorite of all of Newman's work, surpassing even the likes of How To Make An American Quilt, Meet Joe Black, and The Horse Whisperer. This, along with Fried Green Tomatoes, was the standard barer for most of Newman's current musical scores and despite some pressure from Road to Perdition and American Beauty, this one still stands as the leader of the pack when it comes to scores composed by Newman.

BUY THIS ONE. Don't think twice. If you haven't owned any of Newman's scores yet, the perfect place to start is with The Shawshank Redemption.

"The Shawshank Redemption" was a brilliant, brilliant film; this soundtrack proves that the score was a vital piece of that brilliance.

It is also fine music on it's own.

I am at a loss of words, trying to explain what it is about the film and the music that moves people, myself included, so deeply. There is, I suppose, something in "Suds On The Roof," and in the corresponding scene in the film, that speaks to everyone's desire to be a whole human being. Tim Robbins may play a fictional character, and perhaps one with no basis in reality, but the image of a convicted murderer taking such a risk simply to offer up to his fellow inmates a few moments of human comfort is a moving and humbling thing.

The film, and by extension the music on this CD, is a study of basic human dignity, and a brilliant salute to it.

The inclusion of "Lovesick Blues," "If I Didn't Care," and the gorgeous excerpt from "The Marriage of Figaro" makes this soundtrack complete but, for once, I wish some dialogue from the film had been included. Any of Morgan Freeman's wonderful narration would have been a nice addition.

When I first watched The Shawshank Redemption, I thought, in common with a lot of people, that it was a brilliant film. What I couldn't but notice, also, was the very uplifting and at times majestic soundtrack that lay behind the pictures. Since buying the soundtrack, I have listened to it probably several hundred times now, and its power and beauty have not faded. Every time I listen to tracks such as "So Was Red" or "Sisters", I am moved by the depth of emotion that is contained in the music. The inclusion of the aria from "The Marriage of Figaro" was a masterpiece. If you like this soundtrack, try some of Thomas Newman's other works, such as "Oscar and Lucinda" and "Meet Joe Black."ÿ

I'll indicate the parts of the film that correspond to each track, to help people decide for themselves if this corresponds to what they thought they might get out of this CD, although as far as I know none of the film's music was omitted. The only quibble I have is that the order of the tracks doesn't correspond to their appearance in the film.

"May" - Played when Red mentioned that he and some guys he knew got the outside job of retarring the plate factory roof in May, as the assignments are being announced. See also "Workfield"; both have essentially the same fiddle-and-guitar theme.

"Shawshank Prison (Stoic Theme)" - Played during the first view of the prison as Andy is brought in, beginning with the prison flyover.

"New Fish" - Almost entirely piano. See also "Zihuatanejo", which is essentially a continuation.

"Rock Hammer" - This string-and-claves staccato piece tracks the scenes wherein Andy became "a regular cottage industry", doing more and more tax returns.

"An Inch of His Life" - Covers the final fate of Boggs Diamond after he and his cronies beat Andy up; includes some lovely piano that one would probably miss while watching the accompanying scene. The flavor is in the same category as "New Fish" and "Zihuatanejo", but sadder.

"If I Didn't Care" - Andy is listening to this in his car on the night of his wife's murder, during the opening credits. This is the only track performed by the Inkspots and isn't original to the score.

"Brooks Was Here" - The music accompanying the scenes from Brooks' letter; see also "So Was Red".

"His Judgement Cometh" - The title is the 1st half of the quote on the sampler hanging on the Warden's office wall. The music accompanies his final scene, and begins with a long staccato string and percussion passage.

"Suds on the Roof" - Picks up just as Red says "And that's how it came to pass..." This theme is semi-incorporated into "End Title".

"Workfield" - Where 'the boys' collect enough rocks to keep Andy "busy 'till Rapture" while he's in the infirmary after the final encounter with Boggs; essentially a continuation of "May".

"Shawshank Redemption" - Tracks the sequence where Red (as voiceover) reconstructs what finally happened to Andy, beginning where Andy takes off his shirt in his cell, and ends with the subsequent rainstorm scene. (Without the thunder or metal-on-metal FX, more's the pity.)

"Lovesick Blues" - Andy remembered that Heywood wanted some Hank Williams instead of Mozart, so after Andy gets more resources, Heywood is shown listening to this on the library's record player. This is the only track performed by Hank Williams and isn't original to the score.

"Elmo Blatch" - From the scene wherein Tommy tells Red and Andy about his former cellmate.

"Sisters" - The "Stoic Theme" shifted into another key, covering the scenes of Andy's term in the laundry and harassment by Boggs Diamond & co., before the incident on the plate factory roof.

"Zihuatanejo" - If the CD tracked the order of appearance in the film, the Zihuatanejo track (from the scene where Andy mentions it to Red) should appear just before "Shawshank Redemption". Very quiet piano picking up where "New Fish" left off, but leading into the full orchestra carrying the theme.

"The Marriage of Figaro" - The scene where Andy briefly gets control of the sound system, of course, but performed in full.

"Lovely Raquel" - Begins with a long staccato string passage, covering the years leading up to Andy's acquisition of lovely Raquel (*not* the Warden's rock-throwing scene, see next track).

"And That Right Soon" - The title comes from the 2nd half of the quote on the sampler in the Warden's office, but oddly enough this piece should precede, not follow, "His Judgement Cometh". Just after the Warden throws the final chess piece at Andy's poster, this picks up as the camera pans across the cell to the poster itself, and ends as Red begins discussing how Andy got started on his main hobby.

"Compass and Guns" - Played during Red's own struggle to choose between buying a compass to follow Andy's directions vs. getting a gun.

"So Was Red" - Played while Red follows in Brooks' footsteps; essentially a follow-up to the theme of "Brooks Was Here".

"End Title"

The brilliant film "The Shawshank Redemption" had Stephen King written all over it (it was based on his short novel), and the moods and themes of this marvelous soundtrack probably capture his unique imagination as well as the movie did. The creative spark of composer Thomas Newman passes through various themes and concepts, matched with the likes of Hank Williams and the Ink Spots (with 'If I Didn't Care,' a song that was a favorite of Redd Foxx's famous TV character Fred Sanford). The album also contains an opera piece that was best described by Morgan Freeman's character Red in the film, "They were singing about something so beautiful that it can't be expressed in words...and makes your heart ache because of it."

Ah, The Shawshank Redemption. It's one of those movies where you say its name and people who have seen it sigh with you. I've wanted this soundtrack ever since I first saw the movie years ago, and I just recently got it.
The score composed by Thomas Newman is perfect for the film. There are scenes that stand out in my memory, where I can visualize Andy and Red talking, and remember clearly the music accompanying it. For example, as Andy speaks hopefully and bitterly of Zihuatanejo, the music in the background is haunting and deeply moving. I love every track on this CD. I can, and do, listen to it repeatedly. It's the kind of soundtrack that you can either have on in the background or you can shut your eyes, focus on the music and get completely lost in it. The score has all the emotion of the film, and listening to it makes me want to see the movie. Watching the movie makes me want to listen to the soundtrack. It's an unending and pleasing cycle. If you've seen and loved the movie, this CD will be perfect for you. If you haven't, but you appreciate fabulous composers, then it'll also be perfect. There's really no way to miss.

Ahh, "The Shawshank Redemption"--the title alone sends a subtle wave of chills up your spine. This is by far one of my favorite films of hundreds I have seen throughout my lifetime. What a touching, heartwrenching, and truly remarkable story of a seemingly simple man taking back what had been stolen from him: his life. And what better way to tell such a powerful tale with an equally powerful and moving score by the amazingly talented Thomas Newman.

Like a few other reviewers here, I myself cannot describe using words alone the range of emotions I go through while listening to this soundtrack. The melodies are so haunting and can put such an incredible strain on your emotions. You can feel yourself grow weary while listening to such tracks as "Brooks Was Here" and "Zihuatanejo", yet you can feel a sense of hope start to emerge with tracks like "Suds on the Roof" and the "End Title" especially. You can completely empathize with Andy Dufresne and what he went through during his unjust imprisonment at Shawshank prison just through the music alone, and that is definitely saying something.

Thomas Newman most definitely has an award worthy masterpiece on his hands. I am extremely disappointed that he did not win the Oscar back in 1995 for Best Score, but I'm glad that he was at least recognized and nominated for "Shawshank's" unyielding glory and magnificence.

By far one of the best soundtracks of all time--NO question.

Most of the music on this CD is incredible and extremely moving. The film is a work of art and this music matches the film in its grace and elogance.

The only thing I DON'T like about this CD is that the tracks are not in the same order as the music appeared in the movie. But that's a small price to pay for such great music!

I received this remarkable CD today and have just played it through. The action of the movie is underpinned throughout by Thomas Newman's music making quiet but powerful nudges into great waves of emotion on the part of the listener. We have all been Andy DuFreyn at one time or another, struggling to keep our humanity and human dignity when all seems lost. The powerful figure of Red assists Andy in his project to survive as a great human being. This music depicts that struggle and the wonderful transfiguration at the end is undoubtedly one of the most moving episodes I have ever seen. The most moving music for me, however, is the 'Brooks is here' piece as that little man, imprisoned since the early years of this century, let out into the ruthless modern world without any real support, just cannot take it...plus the loss of his raven, Jake. This is resolved by 'So was Red' in which the strength of the musical theme of Red overcomes that sadness and vacuous feeling that was Brooks as he committed suicide. The sense of a hot summer'e evening is magically portrayed as Red searches for those artifacts in the dirt that will bring him back to Andy. The mysterious hushed tones are gripping! This is first class. The style adopted is reminescent of some of Barber's magisterial solemn pieces as well as Roy Harris in his American introverted folkish idiom. To complement these we have the number from 'Figaro' that transfixed the prison for that brief moment of humanity as Andy sat back and revelled in his respite from brutality that comprised his everyday routine.

If you were moved by the movie you will be amazed that the music does it alone to you. Perhaps it is the association with the action but I believe that Newton's music, especially in the Shawshank Redemption piece and 'So was Red', has the power to move me, irrespective of what they supported on screen.

Okay I will start with a complaint- "If I didn't Care" did not need to be included in this soundtrack. I don't mind "Lovesick Blues" as much. But both are kind of not needed. Even though both appear in the movie. There I said it!
Okay now let's look at the best part of this soundtrack. Thomas Newman's work. This guy has got a great family tree. So it's comes to now suprise this guy can write music. (Alfred Newman and Randy Newman are both related to him) I think I like Thomas the best of the three. Though Alfred is really good. I just haven't heard much from him. Anyway, "Shawshank Prison (Stoic Theme)" is the best cue on this. And it's a great cello and string arrangment that blew me out of the water the first time I heard it in the movie. Wow! "Brooks was here" is a sad cue, but is greatly written. It's simple but you can feel Brooks pain as he can't live on the 'outside'. "His Judgmenth Cometh" is not in sequence but it's a great cue that builds suspense as the warden's secret is discovered. "Suds on the Roof" is the first edition of the what I call hope theme. It's great and beautiful and a treat. "The Shawshank Redemption" cue is great that is undescribable it's very soft in the beginning before building up to a great climax. "Sisters" is another edition of The Shawshank Prison theme. It's a tad different. "The Marriage of Figaro" had to be on the soundtrack. It's a great scene in the movie, and the music kind of brings freedom and a sense of hope that just is grand. "And That Right Soon" is a great piece that is very active. With lots of fiddle playing or violins. "So Was Red" is the 2nd best cue on the soundtrack. It starts off with "Brooks was here" thing but then builds into a grand closure of the hope theme. "End Title" is no disapointment to a grand movie and soundtrack. The best movie ever made, and one of the best soundtracks ever written.
Go get this soundtrack!