Average at best, hard to get into
Bob Hellbringer | 05/07/2003
(3 out of 5 stars)
"This CD is OK, but I was expecting a lot more considering the nonstop pace of the movie. I'm a huge fan of this genre, particularly Zimmer, Mancina, Elfman, Horner, and Vangelis. I get a big rush out of the orchestrated movie tracks, especially the action oriented flicks. That's why I was a bit dissapointed with this work by Bryan Tyler. The presentation (though not Brian Tyler's fault) feels rushed, like they had an intern put the cover insert together as an afterthought. Much more important, however, is what's in the 1's and 0's. It's hard not to compare this album to Hans Zimmer, particularly works like Peacemaker, Backdraft, & The Rock. But, ironically, if that's the case, then "The Hunted" doesn't even compare. It certainly has its moments, notably tracks 2, 4, 7, & 11, but not a lot else to make it stand out. This album has several heart-pumping action spots, with some quieter mystery & tension moments thrown in. All in all, there just isn't enough of it. The songs are all very short, as is the album itself. For me, these quick tracks would end just as I was getting into them, thereby inevitably letting me down too quickly. I think Mr Tyler has some good stuff going, but I'd like to see some extended songs that weave his work into a more fluid soundtrack. Granted, action movies are rarely fluid, so it would take a lot of extra work. Hans Zimmer's music is typically of the epic, powerful orchestrated type, using long sweeping songs based on an established theme of some kind, with a high production value as well. I'm certainly willing to try Brian Tyler's more aggressive yet less technical style, but in this case, it just felt too cold and distant for my tastes. In addition, don't waste your time if all you care about is Johnny Cash (though I do love his music), because this song is available on his most excellent latest CD, American IV: The Man Comes Around.It's certainly not a bad CD, (I've heard worse), but I think it's of the bargain bin variety (sorry Amazon...). You might get a kick out of it, but this album won't likely get you hooked."
A different type of action score.
Krishna Manohar | Rockville, MD USA | 09/02/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"In a time where the market is saturated with too many Media Ventures scores(they are fun to listen to)as well as imitators, it is good to hear something different. Brian's music reminds me of scoring efforts of James Newton Howard and Elliot Goldenthal. Solely because orchaestrator Robert Elhai worked with both of them. If you are too used to the highly stylized synth scores of the aforementioned Media Ventures, what you hear will probably sound underwhelming. However, The Hunted showcases the amazing amount of talent and consistancy that Brian Tyler possesses. It's only half an hour because of union restrictions but it's all you need. Brian's upcoming score to Timeline should be very exciting.
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Track Listings (17) - Disc #1