Customer Reviews

Steamboy (Original Soundtrack)

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

 

 

As a rule, I don't expect much from composers coming out of Media Ventures. Occasionally they surprise me, as was the case with Harry Gregson-Williams, but for the most part, they never really develop their own musical voices -- one need only listen to almost any score by Nick Glennie-Smith, Klaus Badelt or Trevor Rabin to realize how interchangeable most of their work is. After hearing his fantastic contribution to Hans Zimmer's score for TEARS OF THE SUN (the best cue on the album) and his profoundly disappointing score for THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE, I wasn't quite sure what to expect from STEAMBOY. But whatever I did or didn't expect, I was in for a delightful surprise. This hidden gem is a terrific piece of music. Not the most sophisticated composition in the world, but its nonstop energy and fun have made it one of my most frequently listened-to CDs over the weeks since I bought it. Stylistically, think early James Horner or Michael Kamen. The score's backbone is the beautiful "Ray's Theme," which pops up time and again and gets an absolutely gorgeous arrangement at the end of the CD, but in addition to this fantastic theme, there's a huge amount of fun action music. Surprisingly for a composer coming from MV, there's not a whole lot of brass, and the synths are minimal -- what there is is a lot of fun exciting stringwork, quick ostinatos, that sort of stuff, with enough variation and enough quiet material interspersed to keep it interesting. The second half of the CD is almost nonstop action; I'd point out highlights, except almost every single track is a highlight. From beginning to end, this CD is a wonderful listen. If you enjoy James Horner's THE ROCKETEER, Harry Gregson-Williams' SINBAD: LEGEND OF THE SEVEN SEAS, or any fun, fast film music -- don't overlook this one. Take a chance on it. I guarantee it'll be worth it.

Runtime: 60:56

The film itself left a little to be desired, but the music is oh so good. In fact, I'd place it in my list of the greatest film scores of all time - a large claim, but swiftly deserved.

There is an undeniable emotional backbone to the entire score, which is surprising since Steve Jablonsky rarely brings this to the table. The peaceful themes are gorgeous, the action songs are exhilarating, and the climax rounds it all off triumphantly.

To call this Jablonsky's best would be fair praise. He hasn't created anything this good, save for his work on 'Dragon Wars' and 2011's 'Your Highness'. The themes are memorable, each track is worthwhile and I haven't grown tired of listening to it.

Check it out, you might just fall in love with this lovely film score.

As another reviewer said, I don't usually have great hopes for anything that comes out of Media Venture (now Remote Control). But, with Steamboy, Jablonsky managed to rise above his training and write an extremely fun, action packed, and distinct score. He doesn't take refuge in layered, dramatic chords, but has nice, simple themes. He keeps the soundtrack exciting, while tempering the action with some quieter tracks. Overall, a very solid score.

While the entire album reflects the pacing and emotion of the film, the last track, "Ray's Theme" is the real gem. Much like the movie, the soundtrack builds to it's climax when Ray finally steps into the role of "hero" and the music follows suit. I purchased the CD for that final track, but I enjoy the finale much more after listening to the entire score. If you liked the movie you'll like the soundtrack.

Steve Jablonsky composes a wonderful animated film in the infamous Media Venture tradition. It you're a fan of Zimmer's, Gregson-Williams and Powell's work on animated films, you'll love this one.

A few of the highlight tracks include:

"The Chase" is where Ray's theme is played at a fast pace against the clanking of sticks.

"Fly in the Sky" is where Ray's theme is played boldly as Ray uses the steam pack to go rescue his friend from the giant, flying fortress.

"Collapse and Rescue" is the longest track of the album and most recognizable as being pulled from Zimmer's Pearl Harbor score. Although the variations of the track are similar to Zimmer's, this song is played to increase tension during the destruction of the fortress thing.

"Ray's Theme" is, well, Ray's theme. It's a nice little melody to close the album.

The rest of the score is good too just that the tracks above are the ones that stood out for me.

If you're a collector of Media Venture scores for animated flicks, get this one. The import version is pricy but no different from the commercial release. The only difference is the album artwork. You decide if the import worth twice or more than the asking price for the commercial album release.

You don't have to be an anime fan to appreciate this fine soundtrack. The music really fits the content of the movie and helps move the story. Well orchestrated and moving, a real treat to the ear.

This one was quite a surprise for me since i wasn't expecting much musicaly from this movie. To those of you who saw "Akira", the music was alright... there was like three or four good musical tracks on the cd, but the rest was mostly just ambient. But when I saw "Steamboy" and I heard the music, it captivated me on the spot, and I was glued to the screen the whole time.
The Score to "Steamboy" is superb! I listen to it very often, along with the Kameo soundtrack. Both soundtracks are quite listenable for all ages, there is no questionable lyrics or any adult content... just joshin' ya! These are MUSICAL, not lyrical. But there are those "FREAKY" parents out there who think all things like this are "bad", or "evil". It is not in any way. This musical material could even spawn musical interest in childern! Intcerdible!!!! WOW!!!! SO COOL!!!! Chikka chikka Boom boom!!!!.....
later,
dark

ps Chicken Little IS SOOOOO STUPID!!!!!!!! He tries to copy "Napoleon Dynamite"!!! Which is MUCH better than dumb old Chicken dumby!