The Most Underrated John Williams Score # 10

[Sandor 459]

I've compiled a list of the 10 most underrated scores by Williams.

The term "underrated" is in my opinion mostly subjected to personal taste. There are no "official" or factual ways to determine whether a score is "underrated" or "rightfully appreciated".

In that sense, a singular score can be viewed as 'underrated' by one group, and 'overrated' by others (Saving Private Ryan comes to mind).

When labelling a score "underrated" one uses various, different criteria to come to that determination.

I've used the following:

The underrated scores in my list have had little to no recognition during Award ceremonies (the Academy Awards, Grammy Awards, etc.) In fact, some of these scores have not even been nominated.

Also, the underrated scores in my list are seldomly discussed by (film) music fanatics, and are not part of the body of scores that the general public associates with 'the great John Williams scores'.

So, that's it. Here we go.

THE MOST UNDERRATED JOHN WILLIAMS SCORE # 10 - FAR AND AWAY

Sure, most people define this as 'a good score', but in reality it's a fantastic score, and one of the most melodic in Williams' career. Before James Galway contributed his gifts to the Lord Of The Rings soundtracks, he performed on the opening track of Williams' epic score.

The short, but highly memorable County Galway 1892, may be the best "shorter than 2 minutes track" Williams has ever composed. That credit usually goes to the Hook Prologue, but in all honesty - this track may even eclipse that with its beauty and power.

The main theme is repeated a lot. However; there is so much melodic material on this soundtrack, and countless secondary themes and motifs that this is in no way a "one theme score".

The most beautiful rendition of the main theme has to be the one as performed in The Reunion. It's gorgeous, and the kind of music that other composers base their whole career on.

I haven't even mentioned The Land Race track yet (the best version probably heard on the bootleg...).

I'm looking forward to hear about your opinions on this not-so-often praised masterpiece!

[nicholas 1]

I couldn't agree more. I particularly love the finale with its jig and sweeping love theme.

Another score which I think is similarly under-appreciated is Empire of the Sun. Good film, too.

[Pieter Boelen 633]

Far and Away is truly very good. Definitly my favourite not-so-well-known John Williams score.

[BurgaFlippinMan 7]

I put it in my top 5 or top 3 fav JW scores.

Burga - who blesses the day he walked into his regular store and spotted it

[Ray Barnsbury 8]

Definitely a fantastic score, one of my top 3 or so. The End Credits are another great track, bringing together most of the themes in a wonderful suite.

[Salacius 7]

Love that score

Got bad reviews but who cares?

[Morlock 9]

It's got fantastic themes, a good, rich sound. But it's not I can listen to over and over again.

[John Crichton 4]

I enjoy it enough, but there are plenty of others I enjoy more. Probably wouldn't even be in the top 20 for me. Still, I haven't had it for that long so maybe it'll still grow on me.

[pixie_twinkle 44]

Great score, although I could do without the awful fiddle playing by the Chieftans, or the yawn-worthy new-age-fest that is Enya.

Normally The Chieftans sound significantly better than this. I wonder if they were on an off day, or if they simply didn't have time for a better take. Or maybe they'd had a few too many pints of the "blessed stuff".

[indy4 152]

I love Far and Away! The Fighting Donellys, Fighting for Dough, The Land Race, End Credits, and many more great tracks come to mind.

It shows once again the variety of JW.

[Romão 1,931]

Far and Away is fantastic, though I would associate its lack of recognition more to the quality of the movie than the score.

But the score I feel is the most sadly underrated is Seven Years in Tibet.

[BLUMENKOHL 1,064]

This is my favorite of John Williams out of the 1990's.

[scissorhands 16]

Actually it's my least favorite out of the 90s, but it's a really great score.

My list of underrated scores is:

1. Sleepers

2. Saving Private Ryan

3. Always

4. War of the Worlds

5. Seven Years in Tibet

6. Amistad

7. Nixon

8. Rosewood

9. Stepmom

10. Stanley and Iris

And no space left in the Top 10 for Presumed Innocent or Minority Report. They're brilliant.

Most of them are among my all time favorites. Let's see if it's similar to Roald's list.

[MSM 85]

Sabrina.

[indy4 152]

Attack of the Clones

[Hitch 55]

Great score, although I could do without the awful fiddle playing by the Chieftans, or the yawn-worthy new-age-fest that is Enya.

Normally The Chieftans sound significantly better than this. I wonder if they were on an off day, or if they simply didn't have time for a better take. Or maybe they'd had a few too many pints of the "blessed stuff".

The Chieftains and Enya are national treasures in Ireland much like Bill and Hillary Clinton in USA. A few too many pints of the "blessed stuff"???? And what "blessed stuff" might that be, Mr Pixie Dixie Twiddle Dee??? I hope you're referring to a drop of the "ole crater"???

[BurgaFlippinMan 7]

Great score, although I could do without the awful fiddle playing by the Chieftans, or the yawn-worthy new-age-fest that is Enya.

Normally The Chieftans sound significantly better than this. I wonder if they were on an off day, or if they simply didn't have time for a better take. Or maybe they'd had a few too many pints of the "blessed stuff".

I actually like how they sound a little unpolished.

Burga - who doesnt mind the Enya song either

[Hitch 55]

My Top 5 Under-rated Williams scores

The Accidental Tourist (One of Hitch's personal favourite of JWs works)

Stanley & Iris (Williams at his most gentlest...almost chamber music like in scope)

Stepmom (OK...I'm a sucker for the guitar work on this score. So shot me)

Nixon (even Tricky Dick is reported to have been pleased with the score)

and dare I say it....Heartbeeps???

[Romão 1,931]

I would even go as far as to say 75% of JW's output in the the last 17 years is very sadly underrated.

[Jeshopk 8]

Far and Away was disappointing on first listen because it was too major key all the time with mostly triadic writing. Then it grew on me. I think it is generally underrated considering it is just about as good as Hook.

[BurgaFlippinMan 7]

btw, does anyone have any tips as to how to put together an Ultimate Far and Away album combining/editing tracks from the OST and Vol.2?

[Morlock 9]

My Top 5 Under-rated Williams scores

The Accidental Tourist (One of Hitch's personal favourite of JWs works)

Stanley & Iris (Williams at his most gentlest...almost chamber music like in scope)

Stepmom (OK...I'm a sucker for the guitar work on this score. So shot me)

Nixon (even Tricky Dick is reported to have been pleased with the score)

and dare I say it....Heartbeeps???

All good choices, save the last (IMO). Rosewood would definitely be high on my list.

[John Crichton 4]

btw, does anyone have any tips as to how to put together an Ultimate Far and Away album combining/editing tracks from the OST and Vol.2?

It doesn't look like it, every time the question gets asked there's no reply.

John- who'd also very much like the info

[Red 73]

I sadly haven't heard Far and Away. My most underrated Williams score would probably have to be Empire of the Sun, with The Witches of Eastwick in at number two.

[indy4 152]

1941 is also underatted.

[Melange 446]

Perhaps "underated" is the wrong word. "Less known" is perhaps more suitable.

But for me, Williams Black Sunday score can be on this list. It's wonderful old school Williams.

of the subtle genius in a scene from the movie on YouTube.

[pixie_twinkle 44]

Great score, although I could do without the awful fiddle playing by the Chieftans, or the yawn-worthy new-age-fest that is Enya.

Normally The Chieftans sound significantly better than this. I wonder if they were on an off day, or if they simply didn't have time for a better take. Or maybe they'd had a few too many pints of the "blessed stuff".

The Chieftains and Enya are national treasures in Ireland much like Bill and Hillary Clinton in USA. A few too many pints of the "blessed stuff"???? And what "blessed stuff" might that be, Mr Pixie Dixie Twiddle Dee??? I hope you're referring to a drop of the "ole crater"???

Guinness!

[Ollie 859]

Jaws and Close Encounters appear to be underrated around here.

[Josh500 1,602]

To be honest, I don't think Far and Away is that underrated. It's a fabulous score, one of the very very best by JW, I agree, and many movie music fans know it. It just didn't get nominated for an Oscar, probably because the movie was a bomb.

I think one of the most underrated JW scores is Munich.

[John Crichton 4]

For most underrated IMO I'd have to go with Attack of the Clones and The Patriot (which isn't anything near a masterpiece but is much better than it's rock-bottom rep around here).

[Koray Savas 2,095]

I love a good list!

1. Cinderella Liberty

2. Heartbeeps

3. Rosewood

4. The Accidental Tourist

5. JFK

6. The Witches Of Eastwick

7. Empire Of The Sun

8. Munich

9. Saving Private Ryan

[King Mark 2,924]

Never forget Spacecamp.

I'd say the Lost in Space scores are very underrated.

btw, does anyone have any tips as to how to put together an Ultimate Far and Away album combining/editing tracks from the OST and Vol.2?

It doesn't look like it, every time the question gets asked there's no reply.

John- who'd also very much like the info

I don't even know.

[indy4 152]

I love a good list!

1. Cinderella Liberty

2. Heartbeeps

3. Rosewood

4. The Accidental Tourist

5. JFK

6. The Witches Of Eastwick

7. Empire Of The Sun

8. Munich

9. Saving Private Ryan

I'd add 1941 and AotC to that list.

[Jacob 0]

For most underrated IMO I'd have to go with Attack of the Clones and The Patriot (which isn't anything near a masterpiece but is much better than it's rock-bottom rep around here).

Dittos.

[BurgaFlippinMan 7]

btw, does anyone have any tips as to how to put together an Ultimate Far and Away album combining/editing tracks from the OST and Vol.2?

It doesn't look like it, every time the question gets asked there's no reply.

John- who'd also very much like the info

I don't even know.

Damn.

[Whill 0]

Attack of the Clones

I'd go farther and say all three Prequels. Heck, while I'm at it, I'll just go ahead and say any Star Wars score that anyone here doesn't like.

[mahler3 353]

Great score, although I could do without the awful fiddle playing by the Chieftans, or the yawn-worthy new-age-fest that is Enya.

Normally The Chieftans sound significantly better than this. I wonder if they were on an off day, or if they simply didn't have time for a better take. Or maybe they'd had a few too many pints of the "blessed stuff".

The Chieftains and Enya are national treasures in Ireland much like Bill and Hillary Clinton in USA. A few too many pints of the "blessed stuff"???? And what "blessed stuff" might that be, Mr Pixie Dixie Twiddle Dee??? I hope you're referring to a drop of the "ole crater"???

Did you ever do any location scouting in the old Emerald Isle Hitch - The Birds would have worked well around Co. Wicklow don't you think?

Infact, Far & Away was shot there & County Cork & Kerry and I have to admit that the film is a guilty pleasure - beautiful cinematography by Mikael Salomon (he should have stuck with cinematography or TV directing though - Hard Rain anyone?) and the story and characters are endearing if somewhat corney.

Williams' score is a gem - if only the Concorde boot had better sound and the film version of Oklahoma Territory, great excitement build caught impeccably by our grand master (the other one Steef! )

[Hitch 55]

Mikael Salomon did superlative work as DP on THE ABYSS as was nominated for an AA . His directing duties on A FAR OFF PLACE were good. DPs don't always make great directors as was the case of Janusz Kaminski's feeble horror effort.

As for shooting on the Emerald Isle, we did come here in 1997 to shoot "The Kings Arse splits in two" although at the time we didn't think people would see the whole of it. Shame really...it was actually quite good with a great score by Hugo Friedhoffer.