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Source: NME By Sunil Dhokia Introduction He is a composer that even at the grand old age of 88 is still producing high-quality film music that is head and shoulders above the competition. From Jaws to Star Wars, John Williams has proved himself time and again with his unique ability for crafting memorable movie themes and soundtracks that have etched themselves into our popular culture. This article will focus on my 'Top 5' songs (in reverse order) from John Williams as I'll discuss the various emotional responses that came from hearing these songs for the first time. 5. 'Theme from Home Alone' ("Somewhere in My Memory") - Home Alone (1990) Some might be surprised by this choice while others might be nodding in agreement as to why this song makes the number 5 spot. What Home Alone's title theme does magnificently well is how it captures the young innocence of the movie's protagonist Kevin McCallister. The use of a children's choir, in particular, reinforces this idea and conveys what Christmas is all about: family and caring for your loved ones. 4. 'Hymn to the Fallen' - Saving Private Ryan (1998) It's hard to not shed a tear or two when hearing the first minute or so of this heartbreaking track on Saving Private Ryan's OST. John Williams said that he wanted to create a song for the movie's end credits that honoured the deaths of the various characters we've grown to be attached with. In doing so, the song packs a gut-wrenching emotional punch in recalling the horrors of World War II and is angelic in its approach with the inclusion of the Boston Symphony Orchestra choir. As a result, we're emotionally swept up with a heartbreaking conclusion to one of the greatest war movies of all-time. 3. 'Prologue' - JFK (1991) Inspirational, uplifting and the search for justice are all ideas that come to mind when the full statement of the main theme in JFK comes to fruition. Though John Williams was infamously short on time with his JFK score due to his commitment with regular collaborator Steven Spielberg on Hook (1991), his ability to craft a larger-than-life theme cannot be understated. Similar to his Born on the Fourth July score (another Oliver Stone collaboration), one can hear the honest and sincere sounds of America bursting through the speakers as the 'Prologue' is a fitting tribute to one of the great unresolved mysteries in U.S history. 2. 'Welcome to Jurassic Park' - Jurassic Park (1993) A score that has gone down in history as not only one of John Williams best but also containing one of the greatest movie themes of all-time. John Williams captures the awe-inspiring wonder of seeing dinosaurs' on the big screen in a way that many monster movies had not captured before or since then for that matter. Once the 'Welcome to Jurassic Park' theme eventually kicks in the second half of the track, we're immediately taken to Isla Nubla as our profound memories of the movie come flooding back. Loud, bombastic and triumphant were the exact qualities the movie's soundtrack needed and this track along with rest of the OST delivers that and more. 1. 'I Could Have Done More'- Schindler's List (1993) It's a debate that could go on for eternity and by no means is there a right or wrong answer, but this song choice from Schindler's List was most definitely based on the raw, emotional response that came from seeing the movie for the first time. While I won't spoil the penultimate scene for those for who haven't seen Schindler's List (which I implore you to do so at the earliest opportunity) it cannot be understated how important of a role this particular track plays in selling the movie's pay off if you will. The haunting violin strings from Itzhak Perlman will linger in your memory long after the credits roll and serve as an unfortunate reminder of the countless lives lost during The Holocaust. It's a theme that's rewarding not necessarily for its enjoyment per se but as a way to appreciate John Williams's knack for going into the emotional depths of a movie and coming out the other end with an experience that you won't forget. Your Thoughts What are your thoughts on my top 5 list of John Williams songs? Do you agree with them and if not, what would be your top 5 list? Comment below as I'd love to hear your thoughts. Copyright for the above songs belongs to Sony Music Entertainment, UMG Recordings Inc, Elektra Entertainment and Geffen Records. Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Source: People and Alberto E. Rodriguez/GettySource
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About MeMy name is Sunil Dhokia, I'm a movie fanatic and love all things Hollywood. Blog Archives
June 2020
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