White Squall
Jeff Rona
" Inspirational listen with a killer theme "Written by Thomas Glorieux - Review of the regular release
Looking back at the 80's and 90's, I was amazed by what Ridley Scott managed to portray on screen every time. The movie White Squall is one of his lesser known movies but also one I rather liked, and a major asset made it all the more intriguing. Namely Jeff Rona's score for the movie. I am always surprised when people talk about Jeff Rona, they simply mention that his music he scored for Chicago Hope was good and that's it. Well not only Chicago Hope is good, White Squall is even better. Apparently Ridley Scott wasn't happy with the first attempt and rejected the score, he went to Hans Zimmer for help but Hans was unavailable. So he proposed Jeff Rona as composer and things started to work out marvelously.
White Squall has a simple yet wonderful main theme and a strong mood that will intrigue many people. I see it as a musical water project which flourishes with each note you'll hear. It is in fact such a treasure that you get goosebumps each time you hear the result. No matter how Media Ventures' composers influence your final impression, it is simply a perfect example of what they can deliver. Meaning White Squall is a stylish and profound listening experience.
The score has what fans loved at the time of James Horner, namely his Scottish sound. Furthermore it delivers a main theme full of power and emotion. And finally the experience is that you'll hear the better moments of Toys mixed with the floating feelings of Wind. The actual number of the highlights is somewhat small, but the sudden bursts when they occur are enough to convince you nonetheless. The main theme gets some spine tingling moments in "Power of the Wind" and "Ringing Out". It is not a powerful theme, but when associated with the trumpet, you'll really feel yourself lucky to be a film music fanatic in the first place. Add to that a low supporting choir in the background and you're revisiting Toys' best moments.
The playful moments are equally entertaining and besides one dark cue, it is this mood that dominates the entire album. In my defense, it took some tries to really discover the beauty of Jeff Rona's music. So if it doesn't happen the first way around, be ready that your senses will one time understand what they should be craving for a long time ago.
It feels like White Squall has been ignored a bit, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have anything to offer. It is a fine album, a damn good listen and a wonderful experience when it unleashes that inspiring music upon you. If you loved Toys’ musical style and you crave for a floating feeling in your music, White Squall will not disappoint you at all.
Score: ***12
Songs: ***
Tracklisting
1. Still Waters (3.23)
2. Departures (4.34)
3. The Journey Begins (4.38)
4. Power of the Water (2.39) Excellent track
5. On the Water / Dolphins (3.58)
6. A Wonderful Sail (3.16)
7. Ringing Out (2.50) Excellent track
8. The Cubans / New World (4.10)
9. Galapagos (2.40) Excellent track
10. The Test (1.05)
11. White Squall (Lifeboats) (4.19)
12. The Return Home (3.21)
13. I Want To Walk You Home: Fats Domino (2.24)
14. The Skye Boat Song (2.24)
15. Yellow Basket: Tommy McCook & The Supersonics (3.15)
16. Be my Guest: Fats Domino (1.59)
17. The Twist: Chubby Checker (2.39)
18. Somethin' Else: Eddie Cochran (2.03)
19. Teenage Ska: Baba Brooks And The Baba Brooks Band (2.38)
Total Length: 58.30
White Squall has a simple yet wonderful main theme and a strong mood that will intrigue many people. I see it as a musical water project which flourishes with each note you'll hear. It is in fact such a treasure that you get goosebumps each time you hear the result. No matter how Media Ventures' composers influence your final impression, it is simply a perfect example of what they can deliver. Meaning White Squall is a stylish and profound listening experience.
The score has what fans loved at the time of James Horner, namely his Scottish sound. Furthermore it delivers a main theme full of power and emotion. And finally the experience is that you'll hear the better moments of Toys mixed with the floating feelings of Wind. The actual number of the highlights is somewhat small, but the sudden bursts when they occur are enough to convince you nonetheless. The main theme gets some spine tingling moments in "Power of the Wind" and "Ringing Out". It is not a powerful theme, but when associated with the trumpet, you'll really feel yourself lucky to be a film music fanatic in the first place. Add to that a low supporting choir in the background and you're revisiting Toys' best moments.
The playful moments are equally entertaining and besides one dark cue, it is this mood that dominates the entire album. In my defense, it took some tries to really discover the beauty of Jeff Rona's music. So if it doesn't happen the first way around, be ready that your senses will one time understand what they should be craving for a long time ago.
It feels like White Squall has been ignored a bit, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have anything to offer. It is a fine album, a damn good listen and a wonderful experience when it unleashes that inspiring music upon you. If you loved Toys’ musical style and you crave for a floating feeling in your music, White Squall will not disappoint you at all.
Score: ***12
Songs: ***
Tracklisting
1. Still Waters (3.23)
2. Departures (4.34)
3. The Journey Begins (4.38)
4. Power of the Water (2.39) Excellent track
5. On the Water / Dolphins (3.58)
6. A Wonderful Sail (3.16)
7. Ringing Out (2.50) Excellent track
8. The Cubans / New World (4.10)
9. Galapagos (2.40) Excellent track
10. The Test (1.05)
11. White Squall (Lifeboats) (4.19)
12. The Return Home (3.21)
13. I Want To Walk You Home: Fats Domino (2.24)
14. The Skye Boat Song (2.24)
15. Yellow Basket: Tommy McCook & The Supersonics (3.15)
16. Be my Guest: Fats Domino (1.59)
17. The Twist: Chubby Checker (2.39)
18. Somethin' Else: Eddie Cochran (2.03)
19. Teenage Ska: Baba Brooks And The Baba Brooks Band (2.38)
Total Length: 58.30