Not content with compiling just a list of my favourite films of the year, I’ve felt the need to compile yet another film related list. My favourite film scores of the year.
This year’s been more miss for me than hit with film scores. Some of the big films failed massively with their scores and then there were some unexpected films which had fantastic pieces.
In fact, there’s only five films I can pick out of the cinematic releases this year (That I’ve seen. I can’t listen to a film score when I haven’t seen the film!) where the score has made an impact on me.
The Dark Knight Rises
Hands down, one of Hans Zimmer’s best efforts of late. What’s so great about it is that it isn’t a rehash of Batman Begins nor The Dark Knight’s scores. It stands on its own, but uses themes from previous films perfectly to create its own identity.
Favourite track: Why do we Fall?
Brave
Patrick Doyle is fast becoming a favourite score composer of mine. Listening to the score for Brave is enough to bring tears to my eyes. Probably one of my favourite Pixar film scores, come to think of it.
Favourite track: In her heart
Dredd
An odd choice, right? No. You have to listen to this score. The film was average at best. But it got pushed to a decent average by Paul Leonard-Morgan’s thumping score. It suits the film perfectly. Dirty and bassy. Best listened to very, very loud.
Favourite track: She’s a pass
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Howard Shore’s score for The Lord of the Rings films is one of my all time favourite film scores. So, I had no doubt he’d be able to bring something just as magical this time around. Listening to the score, it feels like a continuation of The Lord of the Rings’ score music. Over the Misty Mountains Cold is a beautiful bit of music and love how that theme’s carried in the film.
Favourite track: Misty mountains
Skyfall
Thomas Newman’s Skyfall score is probably my least favourite out of all of these, but even then, it’s a damn good score. Unlike the title track by Adele, the score brings old style James Bond score to the film and blends it with the new. Just like the film.
Favourite track: The Bloody Shot
Have I missed any out? Anything I should have listened to?
AWESOME list! I’m so glad you like TDKR soundtrack, “Why do we Fall?” is such a beauty of a track. I heard good things about Dredd soundtrack, need to check it out soon!
Dredd score is awesome. Different. Not like any film score I’ve listened to in a long time. Hope you like it too!
I love score music! My favorites are from years other than this; scores for Charade, for North by Northwest, and so on, if we’re talking strictly scores from movies that are NOT musicals by definition…
YES! Still listening to the TDKR soundtrack. Perfectly fitting end to the trilogy. Love every second of it!
Hans Zimmer did some excellent work on that score. One of my all time favourites from him.
I love that you have this list because I adore a good film score. Totally agree with The Hobbit. I loved hearing themes from LotR subtly laced into it and Misty Mountains added so much new wonderfulness.
I also liked Battleship because I love Steve Jablonski and even though I didn’t like Snow White and the Huntsman, the score is pretty decent.
I might have to check out Battleship’s score – Jablonski fan here too. Loved his work on the Transformers scores and even his work on the TV show, Hawaii Five-O.
Wasn’t a big fan of Snow White and the Huntsman, just didn’t stick in my head. Saying that, thought Florence + The Machine’s song for it, Breath of Life, was beautiful.