Free Willy
Basil Poledouris
" Admiral, there be whales here! "Written by Thomas Glorieux - Review of the regular release
One year after the light, breezy and oceanic Wind, Basil Poledouris returns to the seas with the family drama score Free Willy. And surprisingly nothing much really differs from the way Poledouris introduces the sound of the ocean and the water. It then of course makes Free Willy a great listen. The movie itself was quite successful, introducing the world to an unbelievable bond between a lost boy and a killer whale.
Personally the movie's a dime of a dozen and yet I quite liked it because it pushes all the right buttons. And the same can be said about the gem of Poledouris. The synthesizers (Wind), the harmonica in track 2 and the wonderful main theme performances throughout the score create an incredible listening experience for young and old.
First of all, I believe there are many that have heard the main theme of Free Willy before, whether it was through the music of Basil Poledouris, or through the wonderful third score composed by Cliff Eidelman, it is still one of the best family themes I have ever heard and it truly fits amazingly well with the scenery at the end. Its hard not to cry if you know what I mean. The best main theme performances are found in "Main Title" (with its Wind synthesizers watery effects), its dreamy version in "Connection", its overpowering version in "Audition" or in the rousing 12 minute "Farewell Suite", an excellent Poledouris construction of emotion and heroism, with a happy ending to top it off.
The actual bonding between Willy and Jesse is formed in "Connection", in the beautiful "The Gifts" (that uses the typical dreamy effects that made Wind so delightfully relaxing to listen to) as in the bouncy and entertaining "Friends Montage". But the 12 minute suite still becomes the winner of the album though, because in those 12 minutes Poledouris paints again a fluent experience that delivers us not only a couple of winning main theme performances, but also a wonderful suspenseful building sensation (9.12 - 9.46) and a rousing Goldsmith fanfare (7.37 - 7.52)
And especially those that saw the movie will love one of Michael Jackson's best songs that ends the movie. For me it's the song that spells out best Free Willy's charm. And then I'm talking about the winner with the excellent choral back up.
I can not deny that it may look childish, standing at the counter with a Free Willy film but the Free Willy album is not embarrassing, it is Basil Poledouris' talent that he composed music that will be enjoyed by both young as old. And that my friends is the greatest compliment I can give for Basil's soundtrack. It is such a wonderful listen with not a dull moment in sight. Together mixed with the rest of the songs it has a satisfying control of both the emotion and your interest. Free Willy remains an incredible listen for its fans of the movie, and of course the Basil devotees that want more of this each year.
Tracklisting
1. Will You Be There: Michael Jackson (5.53)
2. Keep on Smilin': New Kids on the Block (4.36)
3. Didn't Mean to Hurt You: 3T (5.47)
4. Right Here (Human Nature remix): Sisters With Voices (3.50)
5. How Can You Leave me Now: Funky Poets (5.44)
6. Main Title (5.06) Excellent track
7. Connection (1.44)
8. The Gifts (5.19)
9. Friends Montage (3.40) Excellent track
10. Audition (2.04)
11. Jessie Says Goodbye / Let's Free Willy! / Return to Freedom (12.02) Excellent track
12. Will You Be There (Reprise): Michael Jackson (3.40) Excellent track
Total Length: 59.25
Personally the movie's a dime of a dozen and yet I quite liked it because it pushes all the right buttons. And the same can be said about the gem of Poledouris. The synthesizers (Wind), the harmonica in track 2 and the wonderful main theme performances throughout the score create an incredible listening experience for young and old.
First of all, I believe there are many that have heard the main theme of Free Willy before, whether it was through the music of Basil Poledouris, or through the wonderful third score composed by Cliff Eidelman, it is still one of the best family themes I have ever heard and it truly fits amazingly well with the scenery at the end. Its hard not to cry if you know what I mean. The best main theme performances are found in "Main Title" (with its Wind synthesizers watery effects), its dreamy version in "Connection", its overpowering version in "Audition" or in the rousing 12 minute "Farewell Suite", an excellent Poledouris construction of emotion and heroism, with a happy ending to top it off.
The actual bonding between Willy and Jesse is formed in "Connection", in the beautiful "The Gifts" (that uses the typical dreamy effects that made Wind so delightfully relaxing to listen to) as in the bouncy and entertaining "Friends Montage". But the 12 minute suite still becomes the winner of the album though, because in those 12 minutes Poledouris paints again a fluent experience that delivers us not only a couple of winning main theme performances, but also a wonderful suspenseful building sensation (9.12 - 9.46) and a rousing Goldsmith fanfare (7.37 - 7.52)
And especially those that saw the movie will love one of Michael Jackson's best songs that ends the movie. For me it's the song that spells out best Free Willy's charm. And then I'm talking about the winner with the excellent choral back up.
I can not deny that it may look childish, standing at the counter with a Free Willy film but the Free Willy album is not embarrassing, it is Basil Poledouris' talent that he composed music that will be enjoyed by both young as old. And that my friends is the greatest compliment I can give for Basil's soundtrack. It is such a wonderful listen with not a dull moment in sight. Together mixed with the rest of the songs it has a satisfying control of both the emotion and your interest. Free Willy remains an incredible listen for its fans of the movie, and of course the Basil devotees that want more of this each year.
Tracklisting
1. Will You Be There: Michael Jackson (5.53)
2. Keep on Smilin': New Kids on the Block (4.36)
3. Didn't Mean to Hurt You: 3T (5.47)
4. Right Here (Human Nature remix): Sisters With Voices (3.50)
5. How Can You Leave me Now: Funky Poets (5.44)
6. Main Title (5.06) Excellent track
7. Connection (1.44)
8. The Gifts (5.19)
9. Friends Montage (3.40) Excellent track
10. Audition (2.04)
11. Jessie Says Goodbye / Let's Free Willy! / Return to Freedom (12.02) Excellent track
12. Will You Be There (Reprise): Michael Jackson (3.40) Excellent track
Total Length: 59.25