Shrek 2 [SOUNDTRACK]

Harry Gregson-Williams (Artist)

Product Details

• Audio CD (December 7, 2004)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Soundtrack
• Label: Varese Sarabande
• ASIN: B0006JMLG6
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #116,881 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
The runaway success of Dreamworks' original digitally animated spoof of classic fairy tales (and the Disney versions in particular) quite naturally spawned a sequel that follows the further misadventures of the lovable green ogre, his donkey pal and Princess Fiona. But while the second installment's pop song-score is responsible for much of its crisp pace and contemporary cultural savvy, this eclectic (mostly) orchestral score by composer Harry Gregson-Williams largely serves to anchor the film in the very genre it's lampooning. Yet it's also music that serves as the tale's crucial, if deftly understated emotional heart. The composer immediately grounds us in tradition via "Prince Charming"'s majesties and the pastoral "Leaving Home" before the royal brass flourishes of "Far Far Away" suddenly come unhinged and the score becomes increasingly, if ever so subtly, tongue-in-cheek. By the time we reach the garish Hollywood cliches of "The Ball" and the cheesy TV-jazz of "Tonight on 'Knights'" the jig is clearly up, but by then Gregson-Williams has thoroughly enchanted us with a score that masterful incorporates influences that range from minuets and waltzes to madrigal and romantic symphonic pomp. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Shrek 2 Score-Recomended, January 11, 2005

By	Matt Schoepf "Matt" (Orange, CA) - See all my reviews

Every now and then I'll take a chance on an album that I don't expect much from. This score, however, exceeded my expectations! I enjoyed how much more structered this album was than the first Shrek Score. For those of you who like pulse pounding rythms, i.e. Gladiator, there's not much to show here. But if you enjoy thematic riffs climaxing to a few action cues, this is a must. This score is intertwined so tightly with the film it's like watching it. The only reason I give it four stars is because every album has room to improve. I recommend buying this score and the Original Soundtrack-the last track by Jennifer Saunders is a very good listen!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for adults and kids, September 1, 2008

By	Dana Spear "funspeedy" - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

My son who is disabled loves to sing to this c.d., we all sing along in the car. A great cd for both adults and children. Live life and enjoy with your kids. Dana

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unexpected Bliss, June 10, 2007

By	M. Ahmed "Ur Mom B4" (Where r u?) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Favorite Song(s): All is Revealed, Muffin Man, Dragon!, Fiona's Room, Annoying Talking Animal, Not Meant to Be, Magic Tea


I've got roughly 36 hours, 14 minutes and seven seconds of soundtrack music in my collection, ranging from terrible "Pirates of the Caribbean" to amazing "Schlinder's List" and "The Thin Red Line" so while I may not be an expert, I do know good music from bad. And yes, Pirates of the Caribbean is absolutely terrible. Try "The Last Samurai" which is worlds better.

So when I bought Shrek made by Harry Gregson-Willams and Powell I knew that they had something good going, but needed time to refine it. And while Powell left the crew, the music itself would still remain refined. And don't get me wrong, this doesn't compare to the brilliance of Schlinder's List or The Thin Red Line, but it certainly does make an impression.

1) Prince Charming- This is a wonderful opening song, with soft strings in the beginning opening up to the fanfare theme of Shrek. It is one of the best but does not deserve the title of the best song.

2) Leaving Home- Once again another surprising good song. Its calm and collective and has the hint of pain of packing out in its vocalization. You can feel the humor and anger exerted by Shrek.

3) Far Far Away- One of the most bold songs on the album, with a nice brass opening to an interesting middle section where the orchestra just kind of drops off when Shrek and Fiona step out of the carriage. After that, the brass builds up.

4) Family Dinner- Sounds like a fiddle.

5) Fiona's Room- Begin's with Fiona's theme, with Diaz (or somebody) singing in the theme and orchestra takes over. A soft melody brings the user into the room with an exploration tone, and it builds up to become simply amazing.

6) We Need to Talk- Anger and frustration is expressed through heavy brass and soft strings. You know the fairy godmother will come pretty soon with this foreboding.

7) The Poison Apple- When Harold steps into the bar, a quiet anger and lust spreads over the room. Its slow and depreciative, but overall a good piece.

8) The Factory- The weird parts of the workings of the fairy godmother come together in a piece that symbolizes pure haste and epic dimensions. An interesting piece, if nothing else.

9) By the Ol' Oak- When Shrek and Donkey go looking for Harold in vain, and meet Puss in Boots, you hear a searching theme followed by some Spanish guitar.

10) Annoying Talking Animals- When Donkey feels left out, a sad, piano/harp piece moves in. This is a highlight, it is emotionally powerful and has beautiful orchestral value as well. Shrek's longing for Fiona can be heard in the temporary fanfare.

11) The Potion Room- Using the same type of theme in By the Ol' Oak, the trio enters Fairy Godmother's fortress. Use of strings is widely played here with a brass timing. It's a great piece.

12) Deep Fried- A nice opening followed by a good center. Its confusing and that's the way it should be. Near the end, the fanfare breaks through and an explosive opening to a soft theme rears its head.

13) Not Meant to Be- With a Finding Nemo style tone, everything is slowing working together and begins to get more and more sentimental. A viola plays a very sad tone that is accompanied by an orchestra and piano. This is an amazing part of the album. Highly recommended listen. It pulls into a more powerful theme towards the end of the song.

14) The Ball- Easily the worst of the album, because it just doesn't flow. It ruins the basic structure of everything.

15) Prince of Her Dreams- While this isn't a amazing track, it does show its mettle as a good introduction for strings. It is a nice and slow track and can be thought provoking. A Well-worth listen

16) Tonight on "Knights"- Meh

17) Magic Tea- Slow opening with heavy brass sets a mood of foreboding. After the opening, a sad brass with a hint of longing opens up to show frustration. Its nice and temperamental. And good. This is one of the best songs on the album.

18) The Mission- An interesting parody of MI. Begins with the Shrek theme, then goes into a hustle.

19) Muffin Man- PURE BRILLIANCE. The second best on this album, with the Shrek theme opening up after a chorus sings deadly vocals. It jumps and jumps into a great song. It's fast paced and purely exciting.

20) Get The Wand- A battle scene is getting ready with drums opening up the sequence of things. Heavy brass swings everything into full gear and the fight ensues. Strings keep a very nice timing on everything. It gets slow and dreadful at appropriate times.


21) All is Revealed- BEST SONG ON HERE. This song, is simply the most beautiful song heard in Shrek 1 and 2 (haven't tried 3 yet). It starts off slowing with a slowing increasing pitch, and moves into type of music that made this movie so good. When things start to show for what they really are, it gets louder and more exciting yet more dramatic. Strings play a vital role and this is the only song on the album that I listen to more than any other song at the moment. After the opening and the middle, when Shrek and Fiona kiss, use of chimes for the first time and the real theme shows its head and you can understand the true meaning of this album. Its so moving and amazing to listen to.

22) Dragon!- A just for fun bonus track, it has the memorable dragon theme with a humorous ending.