Cocoon
James Horner
" First tears, second tears, third tears, ... "Written by Thomas Glorieux - Review of the expanded release
Going back to the 80's is not for everyone, after all a lot of movies and songs did possess a sense of goofiness that wasn't for everyone. But film music wise you couldn't do anything wrong going back. Especially if you went for the big names back then. James Horner was already one in 1985, and with Cocoon you had another winner on your hands. Fantasy, mystery, comedy and drama in an exciting adventure from Ron Howard. Listening back to this in expanded format makes you wonder why you're not getting music like this anymore. I mean has music really changed so much these past few years? We're hearing melody, themes and soaring combinations of various styles seamlessly weaved together. I mean how hard can it really be? Ow right, it means you would have to overpower the movie noawadays with emotion. Nah we'll leave the power coming from the explosions instead.
Boo!
But is it hard to write something like this? Well, it didn't look hard for James Horner, because he was doing it so passionately all his life. Cocoon has a great powerful opening (the usage of this piece in the trailer of Super 8 still sends shivers down my spine). Furthermore we have the music for the old gang which is so catchy, the brief atonal moments ("Unveiling", "The Lovemaking") are darn effective and the dramatic tearjerkers ("First Tears", "Rose's Death") are the real deal. But when adventure is combined with fantasy and drama you get the trio "The Chase", "The Ascension" and "Theme from Cocoon", a combination of real heartfelt music and sensational thrilling adventure. Why is this so hard to get these days? I tell you why, because composers are not asked to write something so astounding. It might overpower the film. But that's what filmmusic does so grandly when done right, it makes the film 50 times better. And James Horner understood this all so easily.
This expanded edition is of course remastered and expanded with the necessary thrills for the fan. And if you haven't heard it, you better be ready for another salvo of emotional fire-cracking music, 80's James Horner style.
Emotion wise the best of the best.
A theme that stands the test of time. Full of power, full of emotion.
I love it when themes weave together, just listen to the opening of "The Ascension".
The variety is top notch, from mystery to jazzy energy to full blown emotion. Producers for the love of god take NOTICE.
Track Listing
1. Through the Window (2.58) Excellent track
2. Going to the Pool (1.55)
3. Pool is Closed (2.10)
4. Mysterious Dive (1.54)
5. Seduction / Let's Go (2.10)
6. Unveiling (1.05)
7. Discovered in the Poolhouse (2.47)
8. A Relapse (1.27)
9. The Lovemaking (4.24)
10. First Tears (1.51) Excellent track
11. Rose's Death (2.14)
12. Returning to Sea (4.16)
13. Sad Goodbye (2.15)
14. Sneaking Away (3.15)
15. David Runs to the Boat (1.53)
16. The Chase (4.30) Excellent track
17. The Ascension (6.01) Excellent track
18. Theme from Cocoon (6.05) Excellent track
Bonus Tracks
19. The Boys are Out (2.37)
20. I Feel Great (1.05)
21. Rock Source (1.13)
22. Gravity: Michael Sembello (4.00)
Total Length: 62.04
Boo!
But is it hard to write something like this? Well, it didn't look hard for James Horner, because he was doing it so passionately all his life. Cocoon has a great powerful opening (the usage of this piece in the trailer of Super 8 still sends shivers down my spine). Furthermore we have the music for the old gang which is so catchy, the brief atonal moments ("Unveiling", "The Lovemaking") are darn effective and the dramatic tearjerkers ("First Tears", "Rose's Death") are the real deal. But when adventure is combined with fantasy and drama you get the trio "The Chase", "The Ascension" and "Theme from Cocoon", a combination of real heartfelt music and sensational thrilling adventure. Why is this so hard to get these days? I tell you why, because composers are not asked to write something so astounding. It might overpower the film. But that's what filmmusic does so grandly when done right, it makes the film 50 times better. And James Horner understood this all so easily.
This expanded edition is of course remastered and expanded with the necessary thrills for the fan. And if you haven't heard it, you better be ready for another salvo of emotional fire-cracking music, 80's James Horner style.
Emotion wise the best of the best.
A theme that stands the test of time. Full of power, full of emotion.
I love it when themes weave together, just listen to the opening of "The Ascension".
The variety is top notch, from mystery to jazzy energy to full blown emotion. Producers for the love of god take NOTICE.
Track Listing
1. Through the Window (2.58) Excellent track
2. Going to the Pool (1.55)
3. Pool is Closed (2.10)
4. Mysterious Dive (1.54)
5. Seduction / Let's Go (2.10)
6. Unveiling (1.05)
7. Discovered in the Poolhouse (2.47)
8. A Relapse (1.27)
9. The Lovemaking (4.24)
10. First Tears (1.51) Excellent track
11. Rose's Death (2.14)
12. Returning to Sea (4.16)
13. Sad Goodbye (2.15)
14. Sneaking Away (3.15)
15. David Runs to the Boat (1.53)
16. The Chase (4.30) Excellent track
17. The Ascension (6.01) Excellent track
18. Theme from Cocoon (6.05) Excellent track
Bonus Tracks
19. The Boys are Out (2.37)
20. I Feel Great (1.05)
21. Rock Source (1.13)
22. Gravity: Michael Sembello (4.00)
Total Length: 62.04