Iron Will
Joel McNeely
" I said it once: Joel McNeely is one to follow. Fact is, I still say it! "Written by Thomas Glorieux - Review of the regular release
In his entire career, Joel McNeely really didn't stand the test of time. I mean, what happens to a great composer when he's stuck writing for movies only kids will see? In the early years, he was destined to become the next John Williams. And after working on the Young Indiana Jones chronicles (aka produced by Steven Spielberg), it was obvious he was destined for a great career. And then something happened, we don't know what but it just happened. Joel McNeely went off radar and only the scores were proof he was ever there.
Iron Will is definitely one that is worthy of proof. It begins in Williams fashion as it unleashes Indiana Jones / Far Away playfulness. That is until the rousing main theme takes charge of the entire production. Anyway, it is an amazing orchestral, rousing opening.
There's a dramatic urgent weight in "Jack's Death" that brings us the only dark music we will find on the disc. Because from there on, we move to glorious orchestral adventure music. The main theme alongside fanfares in "Leaving Birch Ridge" is stunning, the pompous "The Race Begins" amazing, "Pushing Onwards" serious and powerful, "Gus Rescues Will" beautiful when stating the themes and "Devil's Slide" fanfare fun from start to finish (sadly capturing a direct statement of Williams' action music from Raiders of the Lost Ark).
Sadly there's more temp coming your way, as we can hear a lot of similarities between Born on the Fourth of July and "The Final Day", and even though it hurts, it also gives us some quality music. Because what follows after that is all McNeely baby.
The second part of "The Final Day" is strong orchestral music, followed by "Race to the Finish" which is a marching, heroic cue where the main theme shines. And yet we're far from over, because we still need to finish "Crossing The Line". Here is where McNeely goes really berserk with the fanfares, giving you an awesome display of adventure music which we don't find anymore today. The entertaining delight of "End Credits" finishes the score.
Long have I dismissed Joel McNeely as writing mere B-rate John Williams music. And while true that McNeely's music serves a hefty dish of Williams' styles, influences and even direct quotes of motifs, there really isn't a problem when mimicking one of the greatest composers of all time. And Iron Will is nothing but an absolutely brilliant, rousing little album of just 30 minutes of quality adventure music. It may not be original, it is however pretty brilliant for a 30 minute listening experience.
Tracklisting
1. Main Title (2.57) Excellent track
2. Jack's Death (3.45)
3. Leaving Birch Ridge (2.29)
4. The Race Begins (2.10) Excellent track
5. Pushing Onwards (1.48)
6. Gus Rescues Will (2.54)
7. Devil's Slide (2.23) Excellent track
8. The Final Day (3.44)
9. Race to the Finish (2.23) Excellent track
10. Crossing the Line (3.15) Excellent track
11. End Credits (3.05)
Total Length: 31.04
Iron Will is definitely one that is worthy of proof. It begins in Williams fashion as it unleashes Indiana Jones / Far Away playfulness. That is until the rousing main theme takes charge of the entire production. Anyway, it is an amazing orchestral, rousing opening.
There's a dramatic urgent weight in "Jack's Death" that brings us the only dark music we will find on the disc. Because from there on, we move to glorious orchestral adventure music. The main theme alongside fanfares in "Leaving Birch Ridge" is stunning, the pompous "The Race Begins" amazing, "Pushing Onwards" serious and powerful, "Gus Rescues Will" beautiful when stating the themes and "Devil's Slide" fanfare fun from start to finish (sadly capturing a direct statement of Williams' action music from Raiders of the Lost Ark).
Sadly there's more temp coming your way, as we can hear a lot of similarities between Born on the Fourth of July and "The Final Day", and even though it hurts, it also gives us some quality music. Because what follows after that is all McNeely baby.
The second part of "The Final Day" is strong orchestral music, followed by "Race to the Finish" which is a marching, heroic cue where the main theme shines. And yet we're far from over, because we still need to finish "Crossing The Line". Here is where McNeely goes really berserk with the fanfares, giving you an awesome display of adventure music which we don't find anymore today. The entertaining delight of "End Credits" finishes the score.
Long have I dismissed Joel McNeely as writing mere B-rate John Williams music. And while true that McNeely's music serves a hefty dish of Williams' styles, influences and even direct quotes of motifs, there really isn't a problem when mimicking one of the greatest composers of all time. And Iron Will is nothing but an absolutely brilliant, rousing little album of just 30 minutes of quality adventure music. It may not be original, it is however pretty brilliant for a 30 minute listening experience.
Tracklisting
1. Main Title (2.57) Excellent track
2. Jack's Death (3.45)
3. Leaving Birch Ridge (2.29)
4. The Race Begins (2.10) Excellent track
5. Pushing Onwards (1.48)
6. Gus Rescues Will (2.54)
7. Devil's Slide (2.23) Excellent track
8. The Final Day (3.44)
9. Race to the Finish (2.23) Excellent track
10. Crossing the Line (3.15) Excellent track
11. End Credits (3.05)
Total Length: 31.04