Promised Land

James Newton Howard

 
" Easy going score is enjoyable "

Written by Thomas Glorieux - Review of the regular release

Promised Land, starring Kiefer Sutherland was the first film James Newton Howard worked on for director Michael Hoffman. Because later he would work again with the director on Restoration, One Fine Day and The Emperor's Club. Now, knowing what I know of those scores, I knew Promised Land wasn't going to be the same. But considering it was composed in the same year as 5 Corners, I was just hoping the simplicity of the keyboards and synthesizers would be better. And luckily the tone of the movie is important in that as well.

Have no fear, James Newton Howard's beat is here. The synthesizers, the keyboards, the guitars and mandolins, they are all here to lighten up a dramatic tale. At least in the beginning. Because even if it's not something original, the opening can surely amuse you. "Plymouth Waltz", the love able theme in "Winter Scene" and the wonderful dramatic piano work taking that theme of track 2 through a spin in "Promised Land Suite" is surely easy listening material. After the classical piece the tone changes, more dramatic and slightly heavy, even delivering a small JNH sound many would see returning in Grand Canyon. Now that optimistic beat is gone and the synthesizers deliver a more dramatic slow moving tone, but the small themes do return. "Main Titles", "Danny and his Dad", "The Hot Springs", "Ice Skating", "Telephone Call" and "3/4#1" remain by that enjoyable.

The only difference comes during "Circle K Shooting", delivering a more dramatic tone, often underscored with a heavier beat and an occasional threatening tone. Another one is "Leaving Knolls" and inserts a kind of ethnic touch to the powerful Grand Canyon like beats. Overall it always remains approachable and enjoyable. The end in particular teams up with the opening tracks, and delivers a relaxing atmosphere, especially through the saxophone that pops up out of nowhere.

In fact it feels like Promised Land and 5 Corners are years apart, and yet somehow they were composed in the same year. I know, the genre is not the same, but somehow the synths and the tone do create a completely different experience, a feeling that suites 1987 James Newton Howard better. For fans who grew up with Waterworld, Dinosaur and loads of JNH goodies like that, stay away from Promised Land. But those that liked the tone and flavor of Dying Young will find the same easy going material that can make a 40 minute experience appear to be enjoyable.

Track Listing

1. Plymouth Waltz (4.07)
2. Winter Scene (4.16)
3. Promised Land Suite (6.13)
4. O Magnum Mysterium * (6.25)
5. Main Titles (1.54)
6. Danny and his Dad (2.03)
7. The Hot Springs (1.44)
8. Circle K Shooting (4.06)
9. Ice Skating (1.44)
10. Telephone Call (1.14)
11. Bev Cuts Danny's Hair (1.35)
12. Leaving Knolls (1.19)
13. 3/4 #1 (1.19)
14. Dreams and Promises (5.03)

* Performed by King's College Choir

Total Length: 43.02
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(total of 4 votes - average 4.38/5)

Released by

Private Music 2035-2-P (regular release 1988)