Transformers the Score (review) part 1 of 2

Transformers the Score

I heard for a while there weren’t any plans on releasing the score to the Transformers movie. But the film’s composer Steve Jablonsky made statements that there was always going to be a score release of his music.

After hearing the score, I have to say the score ranges from fair to impressive with the tracks on the CD. There are some themes that feel too much like Zimmer’s Batman Begins, but then there are some unique tracks that sound alien enough to stand out from The School of Zimmer tone.

Jablonsky uses a great deal of strings and chorus for this score. The chorus is varied enough that it will surprise even the most jaded Bay hater out there. I have to give credit to Jablonsky for not deciding to go for the more The Rock style score. This score is a good mixture of electronic music and a real live orchestra.

The proud main Autobot theme is mostly done on the French horn, and I think the French horn is certainly a good choice because of its ‘wide’ sound. (Note: the French horn is a very difficult instrument to learn.) The Decepticons theme is very well done as well with the chorus using low voices. You get the feeling that these are alien here.

There are some drawbacks. Sometimes I think Jablonsky relies on Hans Zimmer’s Batman Begins soundtrack for certain portions. I also feel this score would have been better served if Jablonsky incorporated some of the familiar themes from the 80s movie and the TV.

In the second part I will run through some of my favorite tracks on the CD.