The Last Jedi THE LAST JEDI - OST Album MUSIC Discussion (No Movie Spoilers)

[Bryant Burnette 691]

30 minutes ago, curlytoot said:

 

Huh? I’m not talking about politics at all... Not everyone who is against stupid political correctness is a Republican or agrees with their policies. (Assuming that’s your implication.) Thanks for stereotyping, though!

 

If the shoe fits...

[Chen G. 4,622]

32 minutes ago, Tom said:

Does the piano rendition fit with the rest of the end credits? 

 

In this sequel trilogy, we are getting a lot of solo keyboard instrument moments (from Rey's theme on celeste to Leia's on piano here) so its not too out-of-character, and - when used sparsly - I like the juxtaposition between lush scoring with large (well, relatively large) orchestral forces and solo piano at the end.

[SourSymphony 9]

Wasn't trying to start a debate or encourage political correctness per se. Was just saying that there are probably better words to use without drawing unfavorable comparisons to a particular class of individuals. Still, if the majority doesn't agree, then I won't press the issue.

[Balahkay 629]

Aw, we're back to doom and gloom.  

[BloodBoal 7,541]

Well, at least the variations of previously established themes were nice, so there is that.

 

The Canto Bight music was also pretty fun.

[AzOutcast 122]

1 hour ago, BloodBoal said:

I would say about the same. The highlights are probably better than those of TFA, but as a whole, the score lacks a strong personality, in part because of the lack of solid new thematic material. TFA was all structured around Rey's theme, which represented the heart of the score and gave it its own unique sound compared to the other SW scores, but here, it feels like the score is going a bit in different directions with not as clear a thematic structure (think maybe ROTS in that regard). And the lack of strong musical identity for the First Order is still a big problem.

 

While I've only listened to the OST (and thus am missing a big chunk of the score), I mostly agree although this one fares better than Force Awakens for me. If Force Awakens was Williams shaking the dust off, this one is him starting to get back into the swing of things. As noted, I do believe the highlights are better. And as far as solid new thematic material, I don't know how prevalent it is in the film, but the OST is chock full of Rose's theme, which I thought was a delight. It has a lot of heart on its own, and upon an initial listen, reminded me of something you'd here in one of his Potter scores (I mean that in a good way). I also agree HEAVILY on the lack of a strong musical identity for the First Order. Something really felt missing in terms of a "threat". Kylo Ren's (A and I suppose B) theme gets a decent workout from time to time but (I imagine) that just pertains to his character.

 

With all that said, the two SW scores that initially left me a little disappointed were AOTC and TFA. TLJ's didn't disappointment in the slightest, even if I didn't find it as strong as the OT or TPM/ROTS.

[Arpy 4,159]

The reactions here are almost exactly the same as two years ago. People complaining only Rey's Theme stood out, I think this time around it's time to take a few steps back from the 'Cliff of Perilous Expectations' regarding each new Williams score. I think setting your expectations higher with each score will only lead to disappointment.

 

At this point any new Williams is good.

[Jost1 105]

I was the opposite of disappointed in TFA, thought it was absolutely fantastic and I still think that. The leitmotif work in it is great.

[BloodBoal 7,541]

[Balahkay 629]

Yay, I feel hopeful again.  

 

I will say after reading various non-JWFAN reviews, it's interesting to read that those who previously complained about TFA's lack of memorable themes now love them in TLJ.  What exactly did Williams do to these themes to make them lovable this go 'round?  

[gkgyver 1,647]

2 hours ago, aj_vader said:

I can hear the difference between Prequels (all sound the same), A New Hope, Empire, Jedi, Force Awakens. It's very interesting how different they sound. The Prequels are probably my least favourite recordings. 

 

The prequels sound the same because they are the same. 

[toothless 985]

6 minutes ago, someonefun124 said:

What exactly did Williams do to these themes to make them lovable this go 'round?  

 

He added drums, choir and heavy synth bass.

[Jay 39,429]

I've heard the album.  Some initial, random thoughts

 

The album is EXTREMELY heavy on returning themes, more so than any Williams sequel score that I can recall.  The album essentially completely relies on existing themes to tell its story.

 

Roses's Theme is the only new theme I picked up on on initial listen.  It's not a great theme by any means, I couldn't even hum it for you right now.  It's fine.

 

It didn't sound to me like there are any concert arrangements on the album, which is incredibly surprising.

 

Kylo Ren's theme dominates the beginning of the album, appearing in big statements in 3 out of the first 4 tracks

The Canto Bight track starts as score, but quickly transitions to source music.  It's very similar to Cantina Band, and has several tone/tempo changes, possibly indicating characters are entering different places or time is passing or something.  Doesn't really jive well with the rest of the album, I might consider it more of a bonus track for a personal playlist.

 

The end credits medley is not as wonderful and spectacular as TFA's.  It's a pretty choppy medley or seemingly random bits of score.  I think Rose's Theme is the only new theme in it.

 

A lot of the returning themes sound almost exactly the same as variations we've heard before, though there are occasionally some nice new variations of old themes.

 

Returning themes are practically all of them: Luke, Leia, Luke & Leia, The Force, Vader, Yoda, Rebel Fanfare, Resistance March, Jedi Steps, Snoke, Rey, Kylo Ren, and some of the other First Order stuff. No Emperor's Theme on the album.  I don't remember hearing Poe's Theme at all, or a full version of Finn's Theme, but I think I heard a small passage that reminded me of Finn's theme for a bit.

 

Overall the album is... Fun!  It's mostly pretty upbeat and peppy with a lot of action music, and is full of tons of themes we know and love!  It doesn't feature much dark, villainous, ominous music, and really doesn't feature any strong new musical identity (Rose's Theme is really not the core of the score like Rey's Theme was, its just one more theme in this giant bed of medleys he plays with).

 

If I had to pick out some highlights from my first listen, it would be a cool variation of Leia's theme, the reworking of TIE Fighter Attack, some neat Resistance March variations, and a cool Force Theme variation I heard somewhere.

 

I don't know how to feel about the lack of concert arrangements, this is really unprecedented for a Star Wars score!

[bondo 33]

After only one listen, I can safely say that (as a big fan of TFA) almost every track has a goosebumps-inducing moment at least once.  Highlights for me are definitely "Canto Bight" (which sounds straight out of A New Hope), "The Supremacy," and "The Fathiers." As with any John Williams score, if you know your themes pretty well, it *could* be spoilery so watch out.  

[Jurassic Shark 13,158]

How do I delete a post?

[Balahkay 629]

4 minutes ago, BloodBoal said:

Yep, that's the thing: no matter how effective his themes are, they are still used only to represent him, not the First Order as a whole, and as you said, as a result, musically, you don't really feel the threat of the First Order.

 

 

Since I haven't seen the film yet, I can't comment on the presentation of the First Order. But in regards to TFA, I didn't feel the First Order and Kylo to be threatening in the least at least in regards to the Resistance.  Han Solo already had it coming, so he doesn't count.  Even if Williams created a threatening theme, it still wouldn't have done any good for me.  The lack of suspense for our new heroes in TFA was disappointing to me.  Or maybe I've just become desensitized over the years. 

[BloodBoal 7,541]

9 minutes ago, Jay said:

I don't remember hearing Poe's Theme at all

 

Shame. There are two cool variations of his theme in the film (though maybe you simply didn't notice them on the album ).

[artguy360 1,899]

No concert arrangements on a Star Wars OST is going to be strange. I hope that means the film score presentation is excellent and the album flows well.

[King Mark 3,713]

If it means no repeated music I'm all for it

[Jay 39,429]

There was ONE track that ENDED like a concert arrangement, and not a film cue.  I think it was "The Rebellion is Reborn".  But when that track started, I don't remember thinking "Oh, finally, a concert arrangement".  But maybe its just an unusual concert arrangement, or maybe its a film cue with an album-only extension to end it.

 

Also I thought the Main Titles were MUCH better than TFA's?  But that could just be my memory of TFA's, since I mostly listen to TFA with the FYC track to start, which omits the opening titles.

[artguy360 1,899]

1 minute ago, Jay said:

There was ONE track that ENDED like a concert arrangement, and not a film cue.  I think it was "The Rebellion is Reborn".  But when that track started, I don't remember thinking "Oh, finally, a concert arrangement".  But maybe its just an unusual concert arrangement, or maybe its a film cue with an album-only extension to end it.

This reminds me strongly of ROTS and Battle of the Heroes.

[Balahkay 629]

Since the OST features a lot of existing themes, I wonder how they are going to showcase all the new/original music on the FYC?  Unless if new renditions of existing themes counts as original music.

[filmmusic 2,195]

5 hours ago, AzOutcast said:

Yes! Long story short, Jay posted a picture of someone's Snapchat who went to Epcot and they had the CD sitting on shelves. I live in Orlando, drove over there (and arrived 10 minutes before close) to find the CD sitting on the shelf of the first giftshop across from Spaceship Earth. Bought it, promptly jizzed in my pants, brought it home and gave it a listen!

 

Excuse me, how much time did you make to drive over to get th cd?

[Jay 39,429]

2 minutes ago, someonefun124 said:

Since the OST features a lot of existing themes, I wonder how they are going to showcase all the new/original music on the FYC?  Unless if new renditions of existing themes counts as original music.

 

Woah, that's a great question!  The FYC could be QUITE different from the OST album...

[filmmusic 2,195]

2 hours ago, Jay said:

Woah, that's a great question!  The FYC could be QUITE different from the OST album...

 

What if there is no FYC?

 

Since you all say there are no new themes except maybe one, the score isn't eligible for a nomination!

[Jay 39,429]

For Your Consideration albums are created to promote a score for ALL awards-givers, not just The Academy.  The Academy (aka The Oscars) might have one set of rules of what is or isn't eligible, but many other organizations have different rules.

[Balahkay 629]

Granted, I haven't heard a single note yet, but considering the positive buzz the score is getting so far (better than TFA it seems), I'm sure it will be nominated for many awards just like TFA.  The mouse will find a way to make it work.  

 

Plus, from what I've read, the bulk of the score as presented in the film is original, which is how the FYC will be based, I believe.

[Jay 39,429]

01 Main Title and Escape (7:26)

This is kind of choppy, not very smooth and organic.  There's a big rendition of Kylo Ren's theme, a nice rendition of the March of the Resistance, and a bit that reminds me of Finn's Theme, at least the rhythm of it.  Lots of brass fanfares in this track.

 

02 Ahch-To Island (4:23)

Opens with The Jedi Steps theme and frankly, I didn't find it new and varied enough from its TFA rendition.  Features a nice Rey's Theme rendition in the middle, its very short though.  The ending of the track features what might be a new theme actually... hmm.

03 Revisiting Snoke (3:29)

Snoke's theme from TFA returns, the same guttural singing as before.  Both of Kylo Ren's themes are featured prominently too.

[Damien F 1,773]

My biggest disappointment from the comments so far is the lack of Poe's theme on the OST especially as it features in the movie. More of that theme was on my wish list after TFA. Hopefully the FYC might have some of these cues.

 

I'm glad to hear the album is heavily thematic. Better than then uninteresting themeless underscore.

 

The lack of a concert track is unusual. Rose's Theme seems like the obvious candidate as it features a lot in the score. Perhaps JW didn't want to hurt Daisy's feelings by writing a concert arrangement for another women!

[Jay 39,429]

04 The Supremacy (4:01)

More Kylo Ren's theme!  Neat, shortened variation this time.  Then a really neat, big rendition of March of the Resistance, totally new variation and not just a retread of a TFA variation.  The middle of the track is action music, and it gives way to a really nifty, slow, unique rendition of Princess Leia's Theme.  Really cool!  Then after a dark interlude, another brand new, really unique rendition of Leia's theme again gives way to a blend of The Force Theme with Leia's Theme.  Wow!  The very end of the track features a brand new variation of the first 6 notes of Rey's Theme.

 

 

Just now, Damien F said:

Perhaps JW didn't want to hurt Daisy's feelings by writing a concert arrangement for another women!

 

[Luka 247]

Just now, Damien F said:

Perhaps JW didn't want to hurt Daisy's feelings by writing a concert arrangement for another women!

 

Hahaha good one!

 

[Jay 39,429]

05 Fun with Finn and Rose (2:34)

 

This opens with the introduction (on album) of Rose's Theme, which gives way to another new, nifty rendition of the Resistance March.  Soon we get Leia's Theme again, sounding a bit quiet and subdued, but not in the same way as in the previous track.  Then more Resistance March stuff to end the track.  Despite the title, this is certainly not a concert arrangement.

[artguy360 1,899]

These impressions sound great but I just can't wait any longer! I wish a store would accidentally sell the CD to me early.

[BloodBoal 7,541]

Good to hear most of the Resistance theme statements are on the album!

[KK 3,308]

Starting the album now.

 

As someone who was once quite skeptical of the Resistance theme, I must say it's really grown on me over the years. What a badass theme, and now a classic SW march.

[Jay 39,429]

06 Old Friends (4:29)

 

Opens with a nice new rendition of the Force theme.  Then we finally get Luke's Theme, and its an awesome quiet version, somewhat similar to when he appears in the rebel briefing room in ROTJ, but definitely new.  This gives way to more Leia's Theme, and we get new variations of Rey's Theme, too.  Second half of the track is kind of different from the first half... features some nifty Williams mystery writing, not sure if its a new theme of any kind though.  The track ends with more Force Theme.

[filmmusic 2,195]

Just now, Jay said:

06 Old Friends (4:29)

 

Opens with a nice new rendition of the Force theme.  Then we finally get Luke's Theme, and its an awesome quiet version, somewhat similar to when he appears in the rebel briefing room in ROTJ, but definitely new.  This gives way to more Leia's Theme, and we get new variations of Rey's Theme, too.  Second half of the track is kind of different from the first half... features some nifty Williams mystery writing, not sure if its a new theme of any kind though.  The track ends with more Force Theme.

It would be nice if you could gather all in one post.

[Balahkay 629]

7 minutes ago, Jay said:

01 Main Title and Escape (7:26)

This is kind of choppy, not very smooth and organic.  There's a big rendition of Kylo Ren's theme, a nice rendition of the March of the Resistance, and a bit that reminds me of Finn's Theme, at least the rhythm of it.  Lots of brass fanfares in this track.

 

02 Ahch-To Island (4:23)

Opens with The Jedi Steps theme and frankly, I didn't find it new and varied enough from its TFA rendition.  Features a nice Rey's Theme rendition in the middle, its very short though.  The ending of the track features what might be a new theme actually... hmm.

03 Revisiting Snoke (3:29)

Snoke's theme from TFA returns, the same guttural singing as before.  Both of Kylo Ren's themes are featured prominently too.

2

 

I figured that once the OST was dissected, some themes/motifs would be discovered.  Hope there's more!

[Jay 39,429]

07 The Rebellion is Reborn (4:00)

 

OK on second listen, this entire track could be a concert arrangement for sure.  It features Rose's Theme prominently to start, but then gives way to some brass fanfare medley that repeats a few times, back to Rose's Theme, back to the brass fanfare... back to Rose's Theme and ends in a very concert arrangement-y way.

 

So yea, seems like there is a concert arrangement after all.

[Damien F 1,773]

Daisy will be furious!

[Jay 39,429]

08 Lesson One (2:10)

 

Finally features a long rendition of Rey's Theme for the first time on album - a neat, new variation, too!  more Force Theme as well.  I like this track, has a nice mystery feel in between all the action music.

[Tom 5,137]

2 minutes ago, Damien F said:

Daisy will be furious!

I did not write a theme for her, it is for the Rebellion--I swear. 

[Jay 39,429]

09 Canto Bight (2:38)

 

So this is a 40 second score cue (Some nice "landing on a planet" music from Williams), which has a source cue mixed over the ending beginning at 0:35 that runs from then till the end of the track.  Features steel drums and other instrumentation that's just like Cantina Band, something that sounds like a kazoo, some other alien sounding synths, the whole thing has a jazzy feel like Cantina Band.  Also features a non-Williams theme briefly that's been used in cartoons and stuff (apologies for not knowing the name of it).

[Score 772]

24 minutes ago, Jay said:

05 Fun with Finn and Rose (2:34)

 

This opens with the introduction (on album) of Rose's Theme, which gives way to another new, nifty rendition of the Resistance March.  Soon we get Leia's Theme again, sounding a bit quiet and subdued, but not in the same way as in the previous track.  Then more Resistance March stuff to end the track.  Despite the title, this is certainly not a concert arrangement.

 

Ah, so this is what people call Rose's theme? It's a sort of major-key variation of the Force theme, which was always used in minor key in the previous movies. Is it actually official that this theme is meant for the character of Rose? And not maybe for the Rebellion itself?

[curlytoot 97]

1 minute ago, Jay said:

Also features a non-Williams theme briefly that's been used in cartoons and stuff (apologies for not knowing the name of it).

 

"Brazil", I believe.

[AzOutcast 122]

53 minutes ago, filmmusic said:

Excuse me, how much time did you make to drive over to get th cd?

 

I live near downtown Orlando, so it was only about a 30 minute drive (that time of night). And as you can imagine, totally worth it!

[Jay 39,429]

10 Who Are You? (3:04)

 

More Rey's Theme, then a lot of mystery underscoring.  We start to get hints of the Rebel Fanfare about 2 minutes in, and soon get a fanfaric rendition of Luke's Theme, which is followed by a brief Kylo Ren theme rendition.

[toothless 985]

Thanks for all the reports

[Score 772]

1 hour ago, bondo said:

As with any John Williams score, if you know your themes pretty well, it *could* be spoilery so watch out.  

 

I fear so as well! Particularly the track "The Last Jedi".

[Luka 247]

1 minute ago, Score said:

I fear so as well! Particularly the track "The Last Jedi".

 

Yeah, please Jay, be careful when you'll talk about this track haha