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The most recent Danny Elfman scores that I've picked up are from "Fifty Shades of Grey" and his collaboration with Brian Tyler in "Avengers: Age of Ultron". I was glad to see that he was selected to score the "Goosebumps" movie because this is the type of film music that Elfman tends to do very well. His work with Tim Burton, as well as, a host of other similar film projects has certainly allowed him to establish himself as the premier composer for this genre. Fortunately, Elfman has been able to prove himself as quite the capable composer in other genres as well. His portfolio is quite extensive with action, animated, romance, comedies, and thrillers. My personal favorites are the Batman scores and his unforgettable music for Edward Scissorhands.
When listening to "Goosebumps", Elfman fans can quickly identify the familiar sound the composer incorporates into his scores. Elfman uses musical tools like bells, chimes, choral voices, "march like" percussion and the bass clarinet like a master. His use of these become a musical fingerprint for the composer and for those who have been listening to his music over the years will recognize his distinctive tone. Another thing that I've always liked about Elfman is his ability to develop a great theme and not being scared to use it throughout the movie. The score opens with "Goosebumps" (track 1) and it is here that we first hear the Elfman theme. It isn't the TV show theme...so don't go expecting that one. This theme really establishes the mood of the score which I would sum up as being spooky, fun, comic, and adventurous. One very unique instrument that Elfman incorporates into this theme is one that is usually associated with early science fiction movies. The Theremin, with it's high pitched tones, adds a really cool "spooky" sound to the theme and Elfman uses it in various moments throughout the score. You'll find the main theme decorating the music all along the way and this makes some of the more action oriented pieces a lot more interesting to listen to on their own away from the film.
I haven't seen the movie yet, but it must hit the ground running because there is a lot of action music here. These particular sequences are like musical roller coasters with plenty of big drops, fast turns, and barrel rolls all along the way. All of the "stuff" that Elfman throws into these pieces is what makes them fun to listen to. There are also so great slower moments in the score as well like "Camcorder", "Confession", "Ghost Hannah", and "Hannah's Back". These are nice little emotional bits that Elfman treats nicely with strings, piano, and woodwinds. The movie must not have a lot of time for it however because they are quick.
Tracks 18-29 are labeled as bonus material and I found these to be some of the most interesting pieces on the album. A few of these pieces sound more character oriented, lighter, and slightly comic. Others are more action/escape music like "Werewolf" and "Fun House" that do a pretty good job of giving you the mental visuals as to what is happening to the characters dealing with these obstacles along the way.
The CD contains 29 tracks and runs 1 hour and 5 minutes. It is released through Sony Classical and contains an 8 page insert that has photos, orchestra credits, production credits, and track listings. I really like the cover art on this one too.
"Goosebumps" certainly has the Elfman sound to it and fans who have been enjoying his work over the years will appreciate this. He's developed a great theme for the score and he cleverly uses it, as well as, other unique instrumentation to keep things interesting. While maybe not as emotionally thematic as a "Edward Scissorhands" or sing song like "Nightmare Before Christmas", this is a score that fits this type of film well and is enjoyable to listen to on it's own. I recommend.
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