Average composers who surprise you with a single outstanding score.

[ChuckM 1]

What examples can you think of? A few that come immediately to mind for me are We Were Sodiers by Nick Glennie-Smith, Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow by Edward Shearmur, and Bridge to Terabithia by Aaron Zigman.

[Demondm810 399]

I'm still big on Debney's Cutthroat Island.

[King Mark 3,631]

I agree with Sky Captain

Here's a few more

Craig Safran-The Last Starfighter

Laurence Rosenthal- Clash of the Titans

Stu Philips-Battlestar Galactica

Javier Navarrete-Pan's Labyrinth

Joel McNeely-Shadows of the Empire

Michel Legrand-Ice Station Zebra

Laura Karpman-Taken

James Newton Howard:Peter Pan (sorry I don't much care for the rest of his scores)

Dave Grusin-The Goonies

Clint Eastwood-Million Dollar Baby

Bill Conti :Masters of the Universe (I guess I can add The Right Stuff)

Christopher Beck -Percy Jackson and the Olympians

David Arnold :Stargate and ID4

Jose Nieto-Star Knight

Trevor Jones-The Dark Crystal

Howard Shore-Return of the King

Alexandre Desplat-Benjamin Button ( I find the rest of his output lesser versions of this one)

It doesn't mean they haven't composed anything else that's good ,but as the thread say outstanding. But in some cases the cited example is the only one I like from these composers

[John Crichton 4]

Howard Shore-Return of the Kink

Er...

[QMM 4]

Sky Captain was the first thing to come to my mind as well

[Jacob 0]

To add to Sky Captain I also really like Shearmurs' The Count of Monte Cristo.

I love Dragonheart but I haven't heard anything else from Randy Edelman that comes close.

Granted I haven't looked too hard...

[Richard Penna 3,694]

I agree with Sky Captain

Here's a few more

James Newton Howard:Peter Pan (sorry I don't much care for the rest of his scores)

Of all of JNH's scores, you choose that one, hmmm.

Never heard any of his M. Night scores? Kong? Atlantis has some Williams-esque writing.

I'd say:

Mychael Danna - Nativity Story

Lee Holdridge - Mists of Avalon.

Not saying either composer is average, just that no other scores by them really appeal to me.

[Marian Schedenig 8,198]

For a long time, Mists of Avalon was the only score by Holdridge I knew. Over the last few months, I picked up three more of his CDs, and they're all very good. Some even outstanding.

[ChuckM 1]

I'm still big on Debney's Cutthroat Island.

I would tend to place Debney a bit above average, but at the very least Lair has to be included here. It is a fantastic score and by far his best IMO. Cutthroat Island is excellent as well though.

Stu Philips-Battlestar Galactica

Javier Navarrete-Pan's Labyrinth

Joel McNeely-Shadows of the Empire

...

Dave Grusin-The Goonies

Good ones!

James Newton Howard:Peter Pan (sorry I don't much care for the rest of his scores)

Wow. Just... wow.

(I guess I can add The Right Stuff)

You do know that whole score is just a direct pastiche/rip of The Planets, right?

David Arnold :Stargate and ID4

Again, I would tend to place Arnold a bit above average, but yes, those are definately his best.

Trevor Jones-The Dark Crystal

Add Dark City and The Last of the Mohicans to that (although Mohicans was also with Edelman).

Howard Shore-Return of the King

Agreed, although I would put the whole trilogy in there.

I love Dragonheart but I haven't heard anything else from Randy Edelman that comes close.

Granted I haven't looked too hard...

Gettysburg and The Last of the Mohicans (with Jones) are also quite good.

[Trent B 337]

James Newton Howard's score for Dinosaur is always awesome to listen to.

[Datameister 2,044]

^ That it is!

[ChuckM 1]

Indeed! Although, JNH is way above average in my book.

[Koray Savas 2,251]

JNH is in my top 5.

[Jacob 0]

Gettysburg and The Last of the Mohicans (with Jones) are also quite good.

Big fan of Mohicans, but Jones did most of my favorite parts from that one.

I'm unfamiliar with Gettysburg.

[Wycket 36]

I got a couple

Cliff Eidelman -- Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country

Brian Tyler -- Children of Dune

[Trent B 337]

Cliff Eidelman -- Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country

Great choice. Star Trek VI is indeed fun to listen to, especially the foot-warmer.

[Uni 306]

Dammit, Mark! Leave some for the rest of us!

I guess I'll just have to agree with Trevor Jones's The Dark Crystal and Craig Safan's The Last Starfighter (a true gem from a guy who couldn't vary his scores a bit).

I love Dragonheart but I haven't heard anything else from Randy Edelman that comes close.

Granted I haven't looked too hard...

Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story was phenomenal (film and score).

- Uni

[King Mark 3,631]

Random comments:

Lee Holdridge>>>Splash is the only score I ever noticed from him (the love theme)

John Debney>>>> I'd say Zathura and Seaquest DSV .I can't stand Cuthroat Island except 1 cue (Discovery of the Treasure)

The Right Stuff :I know it's a pastiche...but it still sounds good

JNH. I should try another round of listening

Miklos Rosza :Ben Hur and El Cid are the only ones I can really get into

[indy4 155]

Mychael Danna - Nativity Story

Have you heard Little Miss Sunshine? I think it's absolutely fantastic, I'd recommend listening to some samples if you haven't.

[Charlie Brigden 7]

John Williams - Empire Strikes Back

[Erik Woods 555]

I agree with Sky Captain

I don't. Reign of Fire, The Count of Monte Cristo... all outstanding!

Here's a few more

Craig Safran-The Last Starfighter

Missing out on Son of the Morning Star!

Joel McNeely-Shadows of the Empire

Lover's Prayer anyone? One of the most beautiful scores composed in the past ten years!

James Newton Howard:Peter Pan (sorry I don't much care for the rest of his scores)

This boggles the mind. I don't know where to begin. Well, IMHO, Signs was the best score of the past decade! Then there's all the outstanding work he has done with Disney. Wyatt Earp, Alive, Waterworld, etc.

Bill Conti :Masters of the Universe (I guess I can add The Right Stuff)

Don't have much Conti in your collection do ya? Try F.I.S.T., North and South, The Karate Kid.

David Arnold :Stargate and ID4

Add Tomorrow Never Dies, Casino Royale and Godzilla to the list!

Trevor Jones-The Dark Crystal

Merlin, Dark City, The Last of the Mohicans.

Howard Shore-Return of the King

You can't be serious... can you? The Fly, Se7en, The Score, Looking For Richard.

-Erik-

[Charlie Brigden 7]

I agree on Shore, he has many brilliant works, although Erik, surely you of all people should know Dave Grusin composed THE GOONIES

However, I'm still reeling that Rozsa's name has been brought up. Wow.

[Erik Woods 555]

I agree on Shore, he has many brilliant works, although Erik, surely you of all people should know Dave Grusin composed THE GOONIES

I was replying to two threads at the same time.

However, I'm still reeling that Rozsa's name has been brought up. Wow.

Indeed. 8O

-Erik-

[Koray Savas 2,251]

I can't really think of any.

John Frizzell - Dante's Peak (although I really only like JNH's theme)

[Erik Woods 555]

I can't really think of any.

John Frizzell - Dante's Peak (although I really only like JNH's theme)

I think his scores to Alien Resurrection and Gods and Generals are outstanding!

-Erik-

[BurgaFlippinMan 7]

I agree with Sky Captain

Here's a few more

Craig Safran-The Last Starfighter

Laurence Rosenthal- Clash of the Titans

Stu Philips-Battlestar Galactica

Javier Navarrete-Pan's Labyrinth

Joel McNeely-Shadows of the Empire

Michel Legrand-Ice Station Zebra

Laura Karpman-Taken

James Newton Howard:Peter Pan (sorry I don't much care for the rest of his scores)

Dave Grusin-The Goonies

Clint Eastwood-Million Dollar Baby

Bill Conti :Masters of the Universe (I guess I can add The Right Stuff)

Christopher Beck -Percy Jackson and the Olympians

David Arnold :Stargate and ID4

Jose Nieto-Star Knight

Trevor Jones-The Dark Crystal

Howard Shore-Return of the King

Alexandre Desplat-Benjamin Button ( I find the rest of his output lesser versions of this one)

It doesn't mean they haven't composed anything else that's good ,but as the thread say outstanding. But in some cases the cited example is the only one I like from these composers

Million Dollar Baby?

[Marian Schedenig 8,198]

I don't. Reign of Fire, The Count of Monte Cristo... all outstanding!

Reign of Fire, although technically accomplished, fails to do anything for me. I have to find Monte Cristo somewhere, I remember really liking at least one or two cues in the film. (I haven't heard Sky Captain)

Joel McNeely-Shadows of the Empire

Lover's Prayer anyone? One of the most beautiful scores composed in the past ten years!

I have Shadows of the Empire and The Avengers, and I find the latter to be the far better of the two.

James Newton Howard:Peter Pan (sorry I don't much care for the rest of his scores)

This boggles the mind. I don't know where to begin. Well, IMHO, Signs was the best score of the past decade! Then there's all the outstanding work he has done with Disney. Wyatt Earp, Alive, Waterworld, etc.

I like Signs, The Village and several others, but my favourites remain King Kong and Lady in the Water.

[fommes 153]

David Arnold, Trevor Jones, Howard Shore, Edward Shearmur, Laurence Rosenthal, and Joel McNeely all have nothing to do in this thread. All have multiple very good to great scores.

Let's take this seriously, guys. Now then:

Hans Zimmer - Crimson Tide

Hehehe.

No, the best example I can think of is:

Revell - The Saint

[John Crichton 4]

Let's take this seriously, guys. Now then:

Hans Zimmer - Crimson Tide

Hehehe.

Too generous.

How about Harry Gregson-Williams: Narnia- The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. At least the first half, before it descends into MVness.

[Datameister 2,044]

James Newton Howard:Peter Pan (sorry I don't much care for the rest of his scores)

This boggles the mind.

Indeed it does. Atlantis, Dinosaur, King Kong, and others blow it out of the water easily.

[Ollie 1,059]

Miklos Rozsa?????

Average????

WTF?????

[Marian Schedenig 8,198]

Nope, it wasn't me who said that.

[King Mark 3,631]

Miklos Rosza is pretty great , but a lot of his stuff has the typical golden age sound. I was just pointing out the 2 scores I end up playing more and seem to out shine the other ones overall. I usually love his Finales though (like in Time after Time)

Sorry I can't agree that Reign of Fire can be argued to be a great score. I checked that one out after Sky Captain and thought it sucked as a listening experience. Count of Monte Crisko has a few great tracks like the End Credits and the love theme. I have that in my special play list.

JNH :I find his THEMES really weak compared to others like Williams,Goldsmith,Horner...Somehow they abort before amounting to anything great

Million Dollar Baby : I was impressed my the Morricone-like theme...in a few cues like Deep in Thought

David Arnold. Can't get into his Bond scores.

Eric Woods ...I'll try to find some of theses score you mention I haven't listened to.

--I categorize scores in 4 categories:

1)Special status: Obsessive hunt for unreleased music, make complete scores edits (SW,Indy,HP...)

2)Scores that are good from start to finish and you need to listen to in their entirety every time (no cue skipping)

3)Scores with a few great themes and tracks but otherwise skippable underscore (this is where the ipod central button and on-the-fly playlists becomes REALLY usefull).You want to save those precious cues for later listening before you forget about them.

4)Scores I can't find anything to like and will never listen to more than once.

[Josh500 1,615]

Alan Silvestri - Back to the Future.

Sorry, I don't find ANYTHING by Alan Silvestri outstanding except for BTTF. (Some are pretty good, but not outstanding.)

[ChuckM 1]

[Josh500 1,615]

JNH :I find his THEMES really weak compared to others like Williams,Goldsmith,Horner...Somehow they abort before amounting to anything great

James Newton Howard's only outstanding piece is probably the theme from ER (and possibly The Fugitive).

[Datameister 2,044]

"The Egg Travels"?

[indy4 155]

I don't understand the hate for JNH. He's probably my second or third favorite composer.

[Datameister 2,044]

He's one of the best alive and working, IMO, though I certainly disagree with some of the artistic choices he's made.

[King Mark 3,631]

I'll try finding Nanny Mc Phee 2 to give it a listen if it turns up somewhere

[Andy 4,138]

Bill Conti :Masters of the Universe (I guess I can add The Right Stuff)

I've been enjoying MOTU lately. Isn't Conti highly regarded for North and the South and the Karate Kid scores? I haven't heard them myself. Are they any good, or is MOTU and Right Stuff as good as Conti gets?

[Gruesome Son of a Bitch 6,488]

I only liked MOTU by Bill Conti. That's a good example.

[Josh500 1,615]

I don't understand the hate for JNH. He's probably my second or third favorite composer.

I don't hate him at all.

In fact, I like him quite a bit. But there aren't that many outstanding works, let's be honest.

Maybe 3 or 4 scores (Fugitive, Village, etc.), and the aforementioned ER theme (which I love).

[ChuckM 1]

Okay, it's time to set the record straight on JNH. Here are his fantastic scores (there are plenty of others that are just good):

The Fugitive

Waterworld

The Sixth Sense

Dinosaur

Unbreakable

Atlantis: The Lost Empire

Peter Pan

Hidalgo

The Villiage

Batman Begins

King Kong

Blood Diamond

Lady in the Water

I Am Legend

The Water Horse: Legend Of The Deep (I have not personally heard this yet, but I've heard nothing but good reviews.)

The Dark Knight

[Gruesome Son of a Bitch 6,488]

I like Dinosaur, but I wouldn't rate it THAT highly. The Dark Knight was an especially awful listening experience for me personally, though maybe I should attribute that more to Zimmer. Or my own musical tastes.

[Alejandro 26]

I think Conti's Rocky and Rookie of the Year are awesome!!

JNH's 'Dave' has a pretty well developed theme, plus The Fugitive. The end credits to Big Trouble is fantastic.

[Gruesome Son of a Bitch 6,488]

I enjoy the score to Wes Craven's New Nightmare, but I can't say the same for anything else that J. Peter Robinson has composed.

[Richard Penna 3,694]

Okay, it's time to set the record straight on JNH. Here are his fantastic scores (there are plenty of others that are just good):

...

The Dark Knight

*splutter* what?. He contributed about 3 cues. Hardly 'fantastic'

The others definitely demonstrate that he has range, although I think there are some genres I like better from him than others. Action/adventure scores (Hidalgo/Vertical Limit) tend to do not so well with me, whereas straight drama and fantasy (all of his M.Night scores, I Am Legend, The Water Horse, Snow Falling on Cedars etc) show some real intellect.

[Josh500 1,615]

Okay, it's time to set the record straight on JNH. Here are his fantastic scores (there are plenty of others that are just good):

The Fugitive

Waterworld

The Sixth Sense

Dinosaur

Unbreakable

Atlantis: The Lost Empire

Peter Pan

Hidalgo

The Villiage

Batman Begins

King Kong

Blood Diamond

Lady in the Water

I Am Legend

The Water Horse: Legend Of The Deep (I have not personally heard this yet, but I've heard nothing but good reviews.)

The Dark Knight

Yeah, again, IMO, most of them are good, but hardly outstanding. But that's just my opinion.

[steb74 53]

*splutter* what?. He contributed about 3 cues. Hardly 'fantastic'

You might want to wipe up your splutter, from what I briefly saw of The Dark Knight written score, JNH's name was on about 20 cues.