The Mummy Returns
Alan Silvestri
" Silvestri returns the way we like it, with excitement. "Written by Thomas Glorieux - Review of the regular release
Long has it been since anyone asked Alan Silvestri to return to his roots. It were his epic scores that catapulted him to the status he has achieved today. So it was with some enthusiasm that fans looked forward to The Mummy Returns. Stephen Sommer's The Mummy captured a stylish entertaining ride of your life score from composer Jerry Goldsmith. Yet when he refused to tackle the big budget sequel, there was no man more suitable than Alan Silvestri (well besides John Debney perhaps). The result that we find in The Mummy Returns will probably satisfy all your needs as well.
If the brass doesn't blow you away, then the themes will do. So I don't have to tell you this album is worth it. Simply mix The Mummy with Judge Dredd and you might have an idea what this soundtrack offers you of stylish adventure music. I would even say it goes beyond the Goldsmith one. This being a matter of taste as an urge for adventure. The basic cry for a Silvestri score of this magnitude is also partly a reason why The Mummy Returns is happily embraced.
The sad fact of the pop song at the end aside, Silvestri's score reigns from start to finish. Sadly the mammoth "End Credits" are missing from this massive album and they are sorely missed, considering a pop song replaces it instead. It was the choral version of one of the themes that makes the end credits such a kick ass experience. Luckily, even if not the same, this "End Credits" piece appeared later on one of Silva Screen's compilations.
Of course you can't be disappointed as to what Decca Records throws at you in the end. There is enough bombast and wizardry coming your way to make this one of 2001's biggest and best scores. Adventure music, some scary music, soft romantic music, you name it, the adrenaline is present in whatever genre imaginable. The score's standout moments are when Silvestri delivers us the wonderful adventure music. His main adventure theme is a hoot to discover, receiving such stellar playing time in "My First Bus Ride", while "Evy Kidnapped", "We're in Trouble", "Pygmy Attack" and "The Mummy Returns" takes the theme through more enjoyable spins.
This entertaining and widely used theme is one of the many parts that makes The Mummy Returns such a terrific treat. The Medjai theme is presented as said through massive choir in the end credits, while on disc it is present in such shorter cues as "Medjai Commanders" and "Sandcastles". While there isn't much room for drama and emotion, "Come Back Evy" shows the grand Silvestri at work once again, bringing an emotional roller coaster of unbelief and drama. Don't forget the first track as well, bringing forth an orchestral and choral whopper as opening cue.
There was a big hooray feeling when The Mummy Returns was heard for the first time, but also a feeling of relief. It doesn't happen all the time that an orchestral killer score is composed in such a pleasing and grand manner like it has happened here. There have been too many disappointments that made us quiver of fear. Luckily the depth and the scope of The Mummy Returns is what makes us embrace these efforts even more. The Mummy Returns is nothing short of amazing, delivering on each level the required punch. It is big, bad and bold! Or how 3 B's can show you what adventurous film music is all about.
Tracklisting
1. The Legend of the Scorpion King (4.55)
2. Scorpion Shoes (4.24)
3. Imhotep Unearthed (4.21)
4. Just an Oasis (1.25)
5. Bracelet Awakens (1.28)
6. Evy Kidnapped (5.55) Excellent track
7. Rick's Tattoo (1.59)
8. Imhotep Reborn (2.40)
9. My First Bus Ride (7.44) Excellent track
10. The Mushy Part (2.42)
11. A Gift and a Curse (5.32)
12. Medjai Commanders (2.03)
13. Evy Remembers (4.03)
14. Sandcastles (3.22) Excellent track
15. We're in Trouble (2.18)
16. Pygmy Attack (3.31)
17. Come Back Evy (3.29) Excellent track
18. The Mummy Returns (7.42) Excellent track
19. Forever May Not be Long Enough: Live (3.46)
Total Length: 73.36
If the brass doesn't blow you away, then the themes will do. So I don't have to tell you this album is worth it. Simply mix The Mummy with Judge Dredd and you might have an idea what this soundtrack offers you of stylish adventure music. I would even say it goes beyond the Goldsmith one. This being a matter of taste as an urge for adventure. The basic cry for a Silvestri score of this magnitude is also partly a reason why The Mummy Returns is happily embraced.
The sad fact of the pop song at the end aside, Silvestri's score reigns from start to finish. Sadly the mammoth "End Credits" are missing from this massive album and they are sorely missed, considering a pop song replaces it instead. It was the choral version of one of the themes that makes the end credits such a kick ass experience. Luckily, even if not the same, this "End Credits" piece appeared later on one of Silva Screen's compilations.
Of course you can't be disappointed as to what Decca Records throws at you in the end. There is enough bombast and wizardry coming your way to make this one of 2001's biggest and best scores. Adventure music, some scary music, soft romantic music, you name it, the adrenaline is present in whatever genre imaginable. The score's standout moments are when Silvestri delivers us the wonderful adventure music. His main adventure theme is a hoot to discover, receiving such stellar playing time in "My First Bus Ride", while "Evy Kidnapped", "We're in Trouble", "Pygmy Attack" and "The Mummy Returns" takes the theme through more enjoyable spins.
This entertaining and widely used theme is one of the many parts that makes The Mummy Returns such a terrific treat. The Medjai theme is presented as said through massive choir in the end credits, while on disc it is present in such shorter cues as "Medjai Commanders" and "Sandcastles". While there isn't much room for drama and emotion, "Come Back Evy" shows the grand Silvestri at work once again, bringing an emotional roller coaster of unbelief and drama. Don't forget the first track as well, bringing forth an orchestral and choral whopper as opening cue.
There was a big hooray feeling when The Mummy Returns was heard for the first time, but also a feeling of relief. It doesn't happen all the time that an orchestral killer score is composed in such a pleasing and grand manner like it has happened here. There have been too many disappointments that made us quiver of fear. Luckily the depth and the scope of The Mummy Returns is what makes us embrace these efforts even more. The Mummy Returns is nothing short of amazing, delivering on each level the required punch. It is big, bad and bold! Or how 3 B's can show you what adventurous film music is all about.
Tracklisting
1. The Legend of the Scorpion King (4.55)
2. Scorpion Shoes (4.24)
3. Imhotep Unearthed (4.21)
4. Just an Oasis (1.25)
5. Bracelet Awakens (1.28)
6. Evy Kidnapped (5.55) Excellent track
7. Rick's Tattoo (1.59)
8. Imhotep Reborn (2.40)
9. My First Bus Ride (7.44) Excellent track
10. The Mushy Part (2.42)
11. A Gift and a Curse (5.32)
12. Medjai Commanders (2.03)
13. Evy Remembers (4.03)
14. Sandcastles (3.22) Excellent track
15. We're in Trouble (2.18)
16. Pygmy Attack (3.31)
17. Come Back Evy (3.29) Excellent track
18. The Mummy Returns (7.42) Excellent track
19. Forever May Not be Long Enough: Live (3.46)
Total Length: 73.36