XXX

Randy Edelman

 
" Edelman marks the X in XXX "

Written by Thomas Glorieux - Review of the regular release

Rob Cohen created several strong franchises throughout the years, and Randy Edelman usually provided the music. For XXX he showed the world he was capable of delivering several decibels to the action on screen. XXX is a bonafied action classic of Edelman, simply because he goes to boundaries he didn't go before. In "Motorcycle Chase" he suddenly unleashes Hans Zimmer coolness and top notch action moments, in "Czech Calvary" he returns to the coolness of classics as Come See the Paradise, while "Elena" is a touching counterpart where solo piano suddenly tranquilizes us with its intimate beauty. Simply put, XXX is short but straight to the point, holding again the Edelman qualities of putting several tunes and themes on the map that will stand the test of time. It's everything it needs to be, and doesn't resort to silliness when Edelman goes suspenseful on us. On the contrary, it's damn raw and cool from time to time, exactly what Xander Cage needed. That's worth a recommendation I would say.

Prague is always presented by something beautiful, like Trevor Rabin in Bad Company now Edelman in "Prague Arrival".
Cool main signature for Xander Cage, a descending trumpet theme.
The highlight of the album, a thunderous march in the veins of Come See the Paradise in "Czech Calvary".
A wonderful antidote comes from "Elena's theme", a touching piano cue.
What about "Motorcycle Chase" when Randy steps in the footsteps of Hans Zimmer and delivers us an amazing action motif?
"Anarchy 99" is truly anarchy to listen to, it hurts the ears.

Track List

1. Prague Arrival (1.55)
2. Washington Searches for the Right Man (3.34)
3. A Distorted View of the World (2.23)
4. Czech Cavalry (1.47) Excellent track
5. Anarchy 99 (2.04)
6. Elena (1.45) Excellent track
7. The Changing Science of Ahab (3.13)
8. A Kiss on The Rooftop (3.06)
9. El Jefe in the Colombian Drug Fields (1.18)
10. Finding Paradise in Bora Bora (1.52)
11. Lions and Gibbons (2.06)
12. Motorcycle Assault (4.07) Excellent track
13. In Xander's Zone (2.05) Excellent track
14. Your Eyes Give You Away (2.06)
15. X Marks the Spot (3.42)

Total Length: 37.03
(click to rate this score)  
 
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(total of 4 votes - average 4.75/5)

Released by

Varèse Sarabande 302 066 423 2 (regular release 2002)

Conducted by

Randy Edelman

Orchestrations by

Jeff Atmajian, Stuart Balcomb, Ralph Ferraro, Jon Kull, David Paich & John Van Tongeren