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The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Special Edition, Special ed.
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The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) [Special Edition]
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Editorial Reviews
The Special Edition of the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack to The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey contains the full score from the film with seven extended score cues, six exclusive bonus tracks, and deluxe liner notes packaged in a 2 CD hardcover digibook. The Soundtrack features original score by Academy Award winner Howard Shore recorded at famed Abbey Road Studios by the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Additionally it includes an original song, Song of the Lonely Mountain, written and performed by Neil Finn (Crowded House).
One of today's most respected, honored, and active composers and music conductors, Howard Shore previously worked with director Peter Jackson on The Lord Of The Rings Trilogy, which stands as his most towering achievement to date. He won three Academy Awards for his music for those films.
Product details
- Is Discontinued By Manufacturer : No
- Language : English
- Product Dimensions : 5 x 5.51 x 0.71 inches; 5.29 Ounces
- Manufacturer : Watertower Music
- Item model number : 25855139
- Date First Available : October 10, 2012
- Label : Watertower Music
- ASIN : B009O07NDY
- Number of discs : 2
- Best Sellers Rank: #47,850 in CDs & Vinyl (See Top 100 in CDs & Vinyl)
- #551 in Movie Scores (CDs & Vinyl)
- #1,013 in Movie Soundtracks (CDs & Vinyl)
- #29,163 in Pop (CDs & Vinyl)
- Customer Reviews:
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonReviewed in the United States on January 31, 2013
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I have to agree with a fellow reviewer who said that the Hobbit was like a giant music video! The following is a list of all the songs and my review from The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey – Original Motion Soundtrack – Special Edition:
My Dear Frodo (8:03) (5-stars)
The beginning of the Hobbit starts out with the depressing history of the dwarves, and their forced exodus from their homeland. This song fits the mood of the attack perfectly. The song eases into the more dramatic parts very harmoniously. This is a common thread throughout many of the other songs and makes Howard Shore, the composer, such an amazing artist.
Old Friends (5:01) (4.5-stars)
Opening with a jolly, Shire/Hobbit theme music, this song introduces the main character and his life beautifully. The music follows along a happy tune until a little over halfway when it drops down to a more subtle melody. Nevertheless, a beautiful score.
An Unexpected Party (4:09) (4.4-stars)
This song, which covered the time from which the first dwarves started coming in until the last few, cautiously builds tension. The rise in tension is very slowly and expertly done to create a mood of tension for Bilbo, but keeps the viewer relaxed. Shore does it again!
Blunt the Knives (1:01) (4-stars)
Any true Hobbit (whether book or movie) fan can totally say they loved this part. Sure, it was a little cheesy but the song was very funny and the way in which the dwarves acted is just hilarious. That and you get to hear Gandalf’s chuckle at the end . . . that is always something to smile at. Oh, the dwarf cast really did sing the whole thing in case you were wondering.
Axe or Sword (5:59) (4-stars)
This song opens up rather gloomy after the Blunt the Knives song, but it quickly makes its spot as it gives viewers the feeling that Bilbo must make a hard decision that will affect his life forever.
Misty Mountains (1:42) (5-stars)
Definitely the best song in all of soundtrackship, this song, though it has only 1:11 seconds of singing, has marked the entire movie. The tune of this song will play throughout the movie and soundtrack many times. That and the words are almost contagious. If you listen to this song, you might as well memorize the lyrics right away because you won’t get any rest otherwise.
The Adventure Begins (2:05) (4.8-stars)
This song does great at portraying the mixed feelings of Bilbo after he finds his choice is final. However, the song quickly moves from his despair/happiness to a clear song of excitement. The most memorable part of this song would be the nine second remix of the Shire/Hobbit theme song, amazingly redone!
The World is Ahead (2:20) (4.75-stars)
This song is short and to the point. It captures the feelings of all involved in the mission and picks up, very smoothly, the theme of the Misty Mountains. Because of that simple fact, this song is one of my favorites.
An Ancient Enemy (4:57) (No rating)
Now, this song, as well as “Warg-Scouts”, “Over Hill”, “A Thunder Battle”, “The Defiler”, and “Out of the Frying Pan”, is a little too dark for my taste. I love dramatic music but when a song is just plain out dark, it kind of turns me away. I’m sure some would like them, just not me. Theses scores are good, but didn’t grasp the action part of it as much.
Radagast the Brown (6:39) (5-stars)
Here is one of the main stars of this soundtrack. With a dramatic movement of violins and such, this song makes a grand entrance for Radagast the Brown, one many will soon not forget. You will hear his theme song in other parts of the soundtrack
The Trollshaws (2:09) (4.9-stars)
Although I had mixed feelings about the whole troll part of the movie, the music for the scenes was amazing. This song builds the tension, quite cleverly, for the next scene, which involves the next song, “Roast Mutton”.
Roast Mutton (4:57) (5-stars)
Being one of the most dramatic and complex songs of them all, “Roast Mutton” is one of the greatest masterpieces of this CD. Starting with a simple, almost whimsical, feeling, the song builds up until you can almost see everything unfolding. You see Bilbo trying to free the horses. You see the arguments and then, with a stunning twist on the Misty Mountains theme, you can see the dwarves attack the trolls. It is a song to remember and easily deserves the 5-stars.
A Troll Hoard (2:39) (4.6-stars)
This song calmly delivers Bilbo the sword, Sting. He discovers a few things about the world around him, and he puts them in his mind, as the song tells us.
The Hill of Sorcery (3:51) (5-stars)
Being another dramatic-but-not-too-dark song, this song opens with a short, remix of a theme prominent in the Lord of the Ring Trilogy (LOTR). However, I cannot place the theme. I would say it is Frodo’s theme but that wouldn’t make any sense as he has almost nothing to do with this entire movie! So, that would lead me to believe it is some theme for the ring, meaning this scene has to do something with things dealt with in the LOTR movies (some suspect they relate to the Black Riders). Very interesting.
As Radagast is in this scene, you will hear his theme song.
Warg-Scouts (3:02) (No rating)
See “An Ancient Enemy”
Rating for the first disc: 60.95 out of 65 stars!
Second disc:
The Hidden Valley (3:50) (4.95-stars)
Following the attack of the wargs, the group hides in a hidden valley leading to the Elven world, Rivendell. The first look (or is it “hear”) we get into this new version of Elven music is a wonder. Compared to the LOTR Elven music, these new versions are full of crisp, full versions of some great vocals. The song ends with a great dramatic part that represents the way the dwarves must feel being surrounded by Elves . . . their hated enemy!
Moon Runes (3:39) (4.7-stars)
With some more, calm Elven music, the plot of the dwarves is revealed. The melody and harmony are perfectly fit with the Elven world.
The Defiler (1:14) (No rating)
See “An Ancient Enemy”
The White Council (9:41) (4.9-star)
Having to deal with Saruman, Gandalf must petition for the dwarve’s mission and this song gets right to that point. Giving the ever-present feel of the elves, the song also works on the words given, explaining each important object or name with a particular sound. Very complex.
Over Hill (3:44) (5-star)
Another amazing hit, this song starts out similar to the other calm parts of the movie, about halfway it does something that sounds familiar to the theme for the air views in the Fellowship of the Ring. It then slowly moves into the Mist Mountains theme again, making its tune even more prominent, and more clear.
A Thunder Battle (3:55) (No rating)
See “An Ancient Enemy”
Under Hill (1:55) (No rating)
See “An Ancient Enemy”
Riddles in the Dark (5:21) (4.56-star)
Now, this song borders on the edge of being dark, but its overall mood turns it into something that just creeps you out. Since it deals largely with Gollum and Bilbo, you will hear renditions of the Ring of Power theme song, as well as some music definitely inspired by the LOTR movies. However, nothing in the LOTR moves redundantly to this soundtrack. No, Shore does an amazing job of redoing it all in an even better way!
Brass Buttons (7:38) (5-star)
Picking up with the terror of Gollum pursuing him, Bilbo must go through a series of smart moves to evade his pursuer. The music catches this maze of moves and thoughts and even expands, once again, on the Ring of Power music. About 1/4th in, the song does turn to some of the darker music heard in the other songs, but the music surrounding it keeps it under control. A very moving song that, in the end, will astonish you with a flourish of harmony in a difficult scene.
Out of the Frying Pan (5:55) (No rating)
See “An Ancient Enemy”
A Good Omen (5:47) (4.87-star)
With a happy start, this song jumps right out, to many, as a song that might want to skip. However, soon after the strange starting, the songs molds into a remake of sorts of “My Dear Frodo” with a touch of “The White Council”. An exemplary song! And, since this song covers the last part of the movie, it, of course, ends on a note that makes sure you’ll be there for the sequel.
Song of the Lonely Mountain (6:01) (4.42-star)
There are many mixed feelings about this song, but, since it is only in the credits, I suppose it does not affect the mood of the movie all that much. Anyway, I have yet, on my like 25th time listening to it, decided whether or not I like it. Neil Finn’s voice and lyrics are very good, but the mood of the song is a little . . . un-middleearthish. The only rating I could work out was a 4.42 out of 5.
Dreaming of Bag End (1:57) (4.8-star)
A simple Hobbit/Shire themed song with a whimsical selection of soothing tunes. Nothing earth-shattering but still relaxing.
A Very Respectable Hobbit (1:22) (4.25-star)
Beginning with the Hobbit theme song, this song quickly makes work of the Shire. Though it is not in the movie, one can easily imagine Hobbiton with this song.
Erebor (1:19) (3-star)
This song starts out disappointingly with what sounds like a bagpipe! A bagpipe! Where does that fit in? Anyway, the song is supposed to give us a vision of Erebor, the lost dwarf kingdom, but, it gives me nothing but questions. Probably not Shore’s best.
The Dwarf Lords (2:02) (4.2-star)
With a quick recap of the Dwarf Lords, this song does quite well compared to some of the other extra tracks. The highlight of this song would be the up-and-down movement of the string instruments.
The Edge of Wild (3:34) (4.9-star)
Ending the extra tracks, “The Edge of the Wild” makes up for any of the disappointment in the other extra tracks with a great encore. By using the Misty Mountains theme one last time, it guarantees a listen from beginning to end. The up-and-down of the string instruments keeps the listener entranced and the buildup of volume somewhere in the middle will keep one listening until the end, naturally. The song also ends with an ominous note and symbolizes that the story is not over.
Rating of the second disk: 59.55 out of 65 stars!
Rating for entire soundtrack: 120.5 out of 130 stars. Not bad . . . not bad.
Is it worth the money: Most definitely!
Disc 1
My Dear Frodo (8:04)
Reminiscent of "Days of the Ring" from The Return of the King, this track has lush strings leading us into the memorable Shire themes. It's like we never let Middle-earth, or that we're returning to its sanctity, akin to slipping on favorite, old pair of shoes. Then (after a repetitive triangle ding of all things) it gets darker to set the mood for the whole film, serving almost as an overture.
Old Friends (4:29)
This, again, takes us back to The Lord of the Rings, sounding very much like the music that backs Bilbo's narration in the extended edition of The Fellowship of the Ring, At the same time, there are variations, reminding us that these are new adventures. The friendly, homey hobbit theme is in full force, but like the previous track, it turns darker before the end.
An Unexpected Party (3:52)
"Like and yet unlike" as Gimli might say. This one is dark and different - with unexpected starts and stops. Yet it fits right into the musical universe Shore created for The Lord of the Rings. In the second half of the piece, Shore plays around with a 3/4 chromatic theme, like a medieval dance song - which will reappear throughout the soundtrack.
Axe or Sword (5:59)
This one reminds me of the music in Moria as Gandalf talks with Frodo about Gollum. It's not the same theme, but it's a slower number that combines light and darkness in a similar way to fill the soul with a longing to see the wonders of Middle-earth.
Misty Mountains (1:43)
A standout to be sure. Richard Armitage and the Dwarves are great, and the tune is out of this world, being deep, dark, and majestic and expressing an importance that's moving. Tolkien would have been proud. The song sells the whole point of the film, setting up the deep meaning the quest holds for Thorin. It's just so... Dwarvish. This will probably be remembered as the signature song for The Unexpected Journey. The song's melody is a cornerstone to the Hobbit soundtrack, reappearing throughout.
The Adventure Beings (2:05)
This one has a beginning that sounds similar to the music that follows Aragorn's tumble over the cliff in The Two Towers - when Legolas and Gimli are looking for him. Then it spills into a quick uptempo frolicking number reminiscent of when Sam and Frodo run into Merry and Pippin in Farmer Maggot's field. It's easy to imagine what's going on in the film here. An unexpected journey to be sure!
The World Ahead (2:20)
Bright and cheery, this track is like seeing the world for the first time, full of innocence and happiness, with strings, brass, and woodwinds trading the spotlight. It continues to play with that chromatic theme before working its way into the "Misty Mountain" theme.
An Ancient Enemy (4:58)
With its high strings, percussion, and choir (and 5/4 time) this one is sure to bring back memories of The Fellowship of the Ring. This is one of those dark, evil pieces sure to scare the kiddies. It even has a hint of that descending third motif that Sauron loves so much. It's reminiscent of Weathertop and Isengard... as if the two had a child.
Radagast the Brown (4:55)
Like Bilbo's song (from the closing credits of The Return of the King), this one uses a children's choir to deliver a sweet melody. Unlike Bilbo's song, it has a demented side (and a bit of a jig). Once it gets going, it moves swiftly and is full of rhythm, including an ascending motif and what almost sounds like a ticking clock.
Roast Mutton (4:03)
Beginning with tremolo and then adding pizzacato, this suspenseful piece will remind you of the music from The Return of the King as Pippin is trying to light the beacon! It has a different theme but the same mischievous smile to its phrasing as it builds up the suspense - like the beginning of "In the Hall of the Mountain King".
A Troll-hoard (2:39)
Just a mood setting piece, this one is dark and ominous but not really noteworthy, lacking a soaring melody to take center stage - probably on purpose.
The Hill of Sorcery (3:51)
This has a bit of "I wish the Ring had never come to me" music to it before reprising Radagast's theme. It's quite a percussive little piece, building suspense with a dark tone.
Warg-scouts (3:02)
As opposed to Radagast's ascending theme, the evil forces have a descending theme, backed by a quick beat, plenty of high strings and percussion. This track is certainly an action piece, full of suspense and thrills!
Disc 2:
The Hidden Valley (3:52)
This one begins somewhat similar to the music in the background when Aragorn is looking at the entrance to the Paths of the Dead. There's a timeless or ancient quality to it that demands respect but simultaneously creates a feeling of unease. And then we get that familiar Rivendell music in all its glory! (Brings a tear to my eye.) The piece ends with an uptempo march with ascending strings.
Moon Runes (3:20)
This slow, somber number uses the various instruments of the orchestera to fill out some very long phrases that build the uneasy mood.
The Defiler (1:14)
Here we have one of them there evil pieces, with tremolo strings and deep brass creating tension above a percussive underscore. It would fit right into The Two Towers, but it doesn't last long.
The White Council (7:38)
This has some of the same themes as "The Hidden Valley" and "Moon Runes" and is more of the same, sounding ancient and majestic - with an occasional choir part thrown in and a tremolo ending.
Overhill (3:44)
After "The Misty Mountains" motif, LOTR fans will jump out of their seats as the track works its way into the Lothlórien theme, the opening notes of The Lord of the Rings prologue! It even has a bit of the Shire theme, stylized the same way as the end of The Two Towers when Frodo tells Sam he wouldn't get far without him (before telling him to go home in the next film). The track begins subtle and quiet before working its way into a more exciting tone, featuring stringed arpeggios over the Misty Mountain motif.
Harry Defeats the Dragon (4:54)
What the? Oops... accidentally switched my ipod on shuffle. My bad. Let's move on.
A Thunder Battle (3:55)
This is one of those "truth in advertising" tracks. It's a battle! The strings climb upwards, built on a swift matching beat (like that in the background of the Siege of Minas Tirith), and the excitement we expect from a Peter Jackson movie builds throughout this piece.
Under Hill (1:55)
We keep the swift beat but change the meter to really crank up the tension, with different parts of the orchestra working their ways in and out of the spotlight and to create one of the most exciting pieces on the album. You can almost feel the Goblins breathing down your neck as a repetitive 5/4 ascending motif plays.
Riddles in the Dark (5:21)
Not surprisingly, familiar music from LOTR pops up here, with the "History of the Ring" theme taking center stage. But there's another quality about this track that makes it new and different. There's a sad innocence and naivety to the music, with the strings and woodwinds playing simple lyrical lines - like the back half of The Fellowship of the Ring's prologue.
Brass Buttons (7:38)
This is a suspenseful piece that will have listeners on the edge of their chair, with various bits that move and out of leitmotifs previously established. It's clear we're approaching the end of the film! Much like the Dwarven chorus for Moria in The Fellowship of the Ring, deep voices chant a foreign tongue to set the mood before the (long) piece ends with a slower part with a more gentle choir.
Out of the Frying Pan (5:55)
Full of brassy urgency and staccato strings, this number is reminiscent of the great battles from The Lord of the Rings, with an uptempo pulsing rhythm and more edge of the seat excitement. This again uses a choir (and distortion) to accent the drama, with a hint of the "nature's reclamation" theme from The Two Towers.
A Good Omen (5:57)
Full of hope and featuring the choir, this song is... well, a good omen. It has a swift 4/4 tempo and makes you feel like you're soaring through the air!
Song of the Lonely Mountain (6:01)
Neil Finn is wonderful, singing this "Misty Mountains" song in his tenor voice. (It's done as more of a pop song of course.) Guitar and strings serve as the background. It also fittingly includes an anvil being struck.
Dreaming of Bag End (1:57)
This Celtic inspired track conjures up images of the Shire with its whistle and strings, giving the soundtrack a happy ending.
Bonus Tracks!
These bonus tracks are available with the special edition. Their short, but I think their well worth the purchase:
A Very Respectable Hobbit (1:22)
With its spritely version of the familiar Shire theme couched in the newer themes of The Hobbit, this is a bright, cheery fun track with that begins in 4/4 time with a heavy downbeat before switching to 3/4 time for a coda featuring the chromatic theme.
Erebor (1:19)
Texturing the background with a rhythmic pulse, this is an exciting piece foreshadowing the coming adventure. It reminds me of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire in some ways, actually. However, unlike the Potter soundtrack, this features uilleann pipes to give it a Celtic feel. Very short, but fun.
The Dwarf Lords (2:02)
Reminiscent of The Two Towers and The Return of the King, this track will bring back memories of the men of Edoras and Minas Tirith preparing for war - and yet it has its own charm as well.
The Edge of the Wild (3:34)
String arpeggios lead us into a bright version of the "Misty Mountains" music, conjuring up a spirit of adventure.
Top reviews from other countries
The composer has done it again for the Hobbit - the soundtrack is amazing. Parts are familiar from LOTR, such as the Rivendell theme, and the Shire theme. Other parts, such as the main theme (the tune from the 'Misty Mountains' song) are new and equally exciting.
This CD is, at time of writing this, £4.99 more expensive than the Hobbit soundtrack without the 4 bonus tracks. Personally, I think that the bonus tracks are great but I'm not sure they're worth £5 more!
Packaging: I tend to immediately copy music onto my iPod, and then handle CDs very little, so the somewhat flimsy cardboard from which the case is constructed that some have criticised wasn't an issue. Looks quite nice, and the enclosed leaflet is reasonably informative.
Product: As others have observed, this album is much less thematic than the LOTR soundtracks, but that's not unexpected, because the film focuses on the dwarves and so there is less need for a diversity of musical signatures. That said, a few of the themes from the LOTR soundtracks do make appearances; some fleeting (e.g. the Ring theme), others more pronounced, and developed beyond their earlier use (e.g. the Shire theme). The main signature, "Misty Mountains", is the only prominent new theme, and although it only features on a few tracks, is an evocative and memorable a piece of music.
Verdict: If you like Howard Shore's work, this is worth the money.
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