John Powell's Score (and John Williams' Han Solo Theme)

When listening to the score on its own terms, there are definitely some very pretty pieces and some very Star Warsy moments for sure. However, when watching the film, the score for me somehow fails to take what you're watching to that ecstatic, magical place that John Willams is able to do. When watching every Star Wars movie, I'm always very aware of how Willam's score seems to sound like what you're looking at....a good example is the ice cave on Hoth. The screen is mostly white, with a few stalagtites sticking up in front. The music here is sparse and empty with a few plucking instruments. It's like the music is an auditory metaphor for the visual. The high pitched, minimalist flute tone represents the empty white space,whereas the plucking strings represent the Stalagtites. Rarely does the music feel like a background wallpaper, but is usually tied intimately to the visuals and a strongly telegraphed feeling. This quality was nearly completely lacking in Solo. As an emotional experience, Solo for me continually felt a little limp....nearly achieving the Star Wars feeling, but always failing to do so. I think Powell's score is a huge reason why this film feels a little dull. The music is good, it's just not implemented properly. It just felt all wrong to me. The percussions were a mistake IMO, and the vibe was wrong much of the time. It made me wonder if Star Wars can survive without Williams. For me, Rogue One was way more Star Warsy in feeling due in large part to the way that score mirrors the visuals.

 

I literally made an account on here JUST to gush about this soundtrack. SO much more satisfying to me than the Rogue One soundtrack (I'm aware Giacchino had less time). Enfys Nest's theme is the obvious standout, but JW's Solo themes are ALSO so good, as is the two-note "changing allegiances" theme AND the mine mission theme. UGH. I'm just obsessed.

Very much missing the reprise of Maul's theme and the credits music... hoping and praying for an FYC release.

 

@Zhaboka You are in the right place, and welcome to the Cantina!!! I fell in love with this movie AND this score immediately.....been listening to snippets of the score on YouTube over and over again......what are your favorite pieces?

In no particular order, mine are:

- Reminiscence Therapy - what can I say I am an OLD (53 yrs old) SW fanatic and many old themes all together in one place!!!
- Flying with Chewie - part where Chewie and Han standing at the railing talking is so moving
- Corellia Chase - percussion so well done
- Dice & Roll end credits

 

The Solo soundtrack is phenomenal. Powell kept the StarWarsy sound while adding his own fitting flare to it.

I love the Train Heist music, especially when the sound speeds up a little when Val extends her cord to the railroad and floats across.


I also love the Landos Closet track (aka Han and QiRas unofficial love theme).

The whole track is perfect