Search - James Horner :: The Rocketeer: Music From The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

This music makes me cry, but in a good way!

SchoolofSoul | Houston, TX | 05/25/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm not kidding. Today I was watching the DVD of "The Rocketeer" (which I'd rented; the movie's terrific and should really have a special edition DVD, but I digress), and this music actually put a lump in my throat and made me all teary-eyed! The main theme, as orchestrated by Horner, is truly, without a doubt, one of the most MOVING pieces of music I have heard in my lifetime. There's something very "Americana" about the theme; although it sounds as if it's inspired by aviation pioneers like Howard Hughes, men who dreamed impossible, crazy dreams which actually worked, it quite literally sounds like the American Dream, interpreted musically. It's one of those classic pieces of music that can be used in a myriad of other purposes; it's quite similar in spirit to Aaron Copland's Fanfare for the Common Man, John Williams' Olympic Fanfare, or Jerry Goldsmith's orchestration of the National Anthem as heard in "Poltergeist" -- it's THAT good. It has also been used by Disney in its Paris theme park and at EPCOT Center, for the Fountain of Nations -- obviously Disney knows a terrific theme when they hear it.There's only been one other piece of music, or more specifically motion picture score, which has had a similar effect on me (eliciting tears just by hearing it), and that's John Williams' scoring for the portion of "E.T." where E.T. and Elliott say goodbye (and even then, I'm probably choked up because the music reminds me so much of the movie; Horner's Rocketeer score doesn't have quite that same effect, which is actually a good thing -- it means the theme is non-specific to the film). Listening to this film, my mind's eye pictures jaw-dropping widescreen Technicolor helicopter shots of corn fields, the Smoky Mountains, Washington DC monuments, the Grand Canyon, the Mississippi River, and my mind's ear hears a James Earl Jones narration about the things that made America, along with quotes by Thomas Jefferson and George Washington. It's just incredible, what James Horner's been able to do here, all for a fun comic-book film about a guy who finds a special rocket pack that allows an individual to fly.Like the Rocketeer himself, this music truly SOARS! Don't hesitate to put this in your collection! I guarantee you won't be disappointed!"

If your looking for one of the best James Horner scores...

Joseph Payne | 05/08/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"...the Rocketeer sure is one of them! When it comes to James Horner, his best scores are probably Willow, Glory, and The Rocketeer. It is sad that The Rocketeer isn't better known as a soundtrack to collectors, and it is often under rated. This soundtrack is a must for all soundtrack collectors, and should be respected as one of the better CDs out there. The main theme is a slow and gorgeous tune played with strings, before blending into a more swifter, flying music. The Flying Circus is my favrorite of the CD, beginning as a quick and tense song, yet giving you a clear picture of what's going on. Played primarily with brass, Horner takes this track from descending chords to the main theme played with strings then on to a really hillarious song, making you feel as if you are visiting the corn fields. The other big track of the CD, The Zeppelin, begins as brass and strings play up and down the scale, and continues on into a quite exciting song, always having a suprise around the corner. Although much of the music is on the tense side (yet then again, bot so tense) other tracks, such as Jenny's theme, is much like the Rocketeer's main title...Quiet, slow, and lots of strings. This soundtrack is a MUST for everyone! Anyone who appeals to anything such as Star Wars, Willow, Hook, or Cutthroat Island, this score is very similar. My choice? Give it a try whatever you do!"

Excellent Score! One of Horner's best.

J. K. Moser | Flemington, New Jersey USA | 10/09/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Since he wrote the score for Braveheart and won an Oscar for Titanic, James Horner has been among the most disappointing of film composers. His works have been highly derivative and this often makes the listener deride the composer for his lack of so-called talent. The Rocketeer proves te depth of Mr. Horner's talent. It's sweeping melodic main theme is a perfect counterpoint to the theme of flight running throughout the movie. His love theme is a classic old fashioned melody that perfectly fits with the movie and his use of the piano to subtly bring out the movie is totally fantastic. The Rocketeer is among the best of James Horner's works and is one of his most enjoyable scores. His work is truly a masterpiece. While the movie's special effects may seem dated, Horner's score is immortal and shows just how beautiful his music is when he writes original music."