John Powell's MIGRATION (2023)

[Edmilson 7,475]

Sounds like typical animated Powell. And that is awesome! Love to see him returning to that style.

[Richard Penna 3,696]

It sounds nice, although in that particular clip the music isn't quite as loud and centre (particularly when they break through the trees) as I'd have liked it to be.

 

I didn't go for Rio or Ferdinand so Powell's not guaranteed to hook me with animation, but HTTYD levels of quality don't come along every time.

 

Look forward to hearing it properly on album.

[PrayodiBA 517]

8 hours ago, PrayodiBA said:

A full clip with John Powell’s score: https://x.com/despicableoutof/status/1725925342882173235?s=46

^^
and one more long clip, you can watch here (It’s in Italian dub):

https://x.com/despicableoutof/status/1725908776752918955?s=46
 

——

 

Anyway, beautifully typical Powell, with its long-lined theme (which presumably include A, B, etc. section like he always masterfully structures)

 

What I look forward the most is how Powell structurize the theme and concept of the music.

Just like in the second link video, you can hear the theme is arranged into many different iterations ala Powell.

 

And here is a recent Powell interview about his work for Migration:

https://deadline.com/2023/11/migration-composer-john-powell-animation-1235601223/amp/
^^ And true to that interview, based on the flying scene above, it does sound quite heavily classical music-inspired.

 

And lastly, based on the clips above, the movie looks surprisingly heartwarming for an Illumination production (Powell’s music further enhances it)

[PrayodiBA 517]

Sorry for being such Powell nerd,

but here is another sneak peek of the score:

 

As heard in the Italian clip above,

there is one passage of music, that might be considered as "the family theme",

here I tried to specify it, hear and see here:

 

That theme,

can be heard in its glorious statement ala Hollywoodd classic score in this Cinemark trailer (the first 12 seconds), check here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLcVjHSwUL4

 

^^ I don't know whether the rest of the music in the above trailer is from the movie,

but nevertheless, this is shaping up to be the score of the year!

 

So hyped!

 

[PrayodiBA 517]

Another new clip with score:

 

^^

Certainly I was wrong before to put that first action track sneak peek over this scene.

 

And now, it sounds more unique. In line with the "alien concept" that Powell explained in the above interview.

So excited for the score, less than a month!

 

[JNHFan2000 2,969]

MORE ANIMATED FILMS COMING UP!!!

 

[A. A. Ron 1,744]

Give this man a Pixar movie!

[Richard Penna 3,696]

Back when Pixar was consistently good, yes.

 

Now... he's done his HTTYD opus.

[PrayodiBA 517]

A short, but clear sneak peek of JP’s score:

^^

the theme featured in the sneak peek above is actually already heard in the flying clip released last week; hear it in this partcular moment below:

^^
Another proof of genius Powell is at spotting and structuring

Based on many samples on the internet, this score has all the signs to become a 5-star score (at least for me). My expectation has gone through the roof!

[Tydirium 1,167]

https://universalpicturesawards.com/migration/score

[Richard Penna 3,696]

Ooh, nice. 58 minutes of score.

[Jay 37,379]

FYC tracklist:

 

1 Bedtime Story (1:46)

2 What Else Is Out There? (1:50)

3 The Flock Arrives (1:00)

4 Join Our Migration (3:30)

5 Open Your Eyes (1:27)

6 Uncle Dan (1:57)

7 Let’s Fly (1:51)

8 Heron Adventures (5:35)

9 Night Time, Day Time (3:07)

10 Fog World (1:36)

11 Central Park (3:04)

12 Chump (1:25)

13 Follow Me, But Not Too Close (2:58)

14 Meet Delroy (3:15)

15 Kitchen Key Caper (2:55)

16 He’s Coming! (1:58)

17 The Key to Regurgitation (2:13)

18 Migration Continues (1:50)

19 Eye of Doga (1:50)

20 Duck Heaven (1:52)

21 Chef at Farm (3:55)

22 You Need a Hug (1:48)

23 Helicopter Attack (2:11)

24 Hopelessness Tango (2:53)

25 Rebellion of the Winged (3:56)

26 Jamaica (3:56)

27 Migration End Titles (1:59)

 

TOTAL TIME - 1:07:37

[Richard Penna 3,696]

Couldn't resist - 5 tracks in and it's beautiful. The main theme is short but seriously memorable and plastered everywhere, and hopefully it's going to absolutely soar later in the score.

 

The Flock Arrives could go down as the best ever Powell cue under 60 seconds 

 

And Let's Fly is from the video above. Way more audible too.

[Edmilson 7,475]

Five tracks in and I'm impressed. Just another nice, fun and wholesome Powell score for animation, with hints from everything from Ferdinand to Rio to Ice Age - even though the main theme reminded me a bit of the Flower Festival cue from Ferdinand.

[JNHFan2000 2,969]

It's gonna be longer than the FYC.

 

Via Powell's Instagram

 

[Richard Penna 3,696]

Oh cool, so we've still got 20 minutes to look forward to.

 

I just finished it. I think the first half is a bit stronger than the second - the main theme disappears for a bit, and only comes back really in full in track 17, iirc. Hopefully the actual album has more of it.

 

The action/chaotic music strikes me as a little on the generic side? I've been replaying a few moments as I've gone, but most of the last third or so wasn't amongst that. It's nowhere near the memorability of the HTTYD action set pieces, although Powell seems to be working with only two or three themes.

[Jay 37,379]

Just finished listening to the FYC album.  I loved it!  Easily one of the best scores of the year.

 

If I had any disappointments along the way of the first listen, it was that it was lacking something extra, something special, something above and beyond the general level of really good the score was.... and then came along the one-two punch of the cool sitar stuff in Eye of Doga, followed by the DUCK CHOIR in Duck Heaven.  Ahhhh, there it is!

 

Too bad the FYC album just sort of abruptly ends.  Can't wait to hear the OST album!  Almost 3 weeks away!

[PrayodiBA 517]

4 hours ago, Tydirium said:

https://universalpicturesawards.com/migration/score

Just waking up to this! 🥹🥹🥹

[Faleel 5,365]

has anyone checked to see if maybe tracks 25-27 are on their server but not accessible on the site?

[PrayodiBA 517]

Wow, this score is truly full of "Powell's 2008" sensibilities, which for me is among the best years from him (if not the best). How I quietly yearned for this style to come back; thank you! 🥺

 

In particular, overall both in terms of structure and the music itself, this score is most similar to Horton Hears A Who!, which coincidentally has been on my repeat listens lately. On the surface, that score seems like a constant zaniness and mickey-mousing, but upon closer inspection, each track is actually full of hidden gems and is in fact still within one cohesive conceptual structure. Hence the need of repeat listens.
So I'm certain, just like Horton, not many people will enjoy Migration, but Powell fans will automatically love it.

 

Now I can't wait for the official release, especially the remaining 3 missing tracks!

[thx99 1,740]

1 hour ago, Presto said:

has anyone checked to see if maybe tracks 25-27 are on their server but not accessible on the site?

 @BartOss provided the links to 3 additional cues here:

 

 

[Tydirium 1,167]

Is there any word on a CD release for this?

[Raiders of the SoundtrArk 2,433]

Just finished to listen to the whole FYC and it's absolutely great. It's such a fun score, definitly a top 3 of the year

[Richard Penna 3,696]

Second entire listen and I enjoyed it way more - the themes are more evident and what's clear is that for the underscore/comedic type of material that other composers sometimes struggle to make interesting, Powell excels at making so interesting with melody and colourful orchestration.

 

The only thing I wish was here that isn't, is a suite of all the themes, with the main theme given the sort of glorious treatment that the Hidden World theme got.

 

The whole thing doesn't reach HTTYD levels, or even really CotW for the most part, but one of my top scores of the year? Hell yeah.

[Faleel 5,365]

23 minutes ago, Richard Penna said:

Second entire listen and I enjoyed it way more - the themes are more evident and what's clear is that for the underscore/comedic type of material that other composers sometimes struggle to make interesting, Powell excels at making so interesting with melody and colourful orchestration.

 

The only thing I wish was here that isn't, is a suite of all the themes, with the main theme given the sort of glorious treatment that the Hidden World theme got.

 

The whole thing doesn't reach HTTYD levels, or even really CotW for the most part, but one of my top scores of the year? Hell yeah.

Did you add the three extra final tracks?

[Edmilson 7,475]

Just listened to the whole thing, including the extra 3 tracks.

 

It's not as good as Powell's Dragon scores (not many animated scores are), but it's still very wholesome and a lot of fun, like a typical kids score from him in the mid-to-late-2000s.

 

The themes are great and, as @Richard Penna said, they only needed a longer suite where they could shine. 

 

Overall, if you like his Blue Sky scores like Ice Age 2-4, Rio, Horton Hears a Who, etc., you'll surely like this.

[Richard Penna 3,696]

23 minutes ago, Presto said:

Did you add the three extra final tracks?

 

Yep, and the song tracks too.

 

It's said a lot about Powell but true I think, which is that his animated scores are often better than many live action scores (HTTYD knocks the shit out of most of them), and this is one of them. On the whole I enjoy this more than DoD actually. Powell's just got a bit more spark and creativity on show.

[A. A. Ron 1,744]

Where did you find the song tracks?

[Jay 37,379]

Film Music Reporter has the OST album's track list, and it is indeed 100% identical to the FYC album, just with the two songs added:

 

 

1. Bedtime Story (1:46)
2. What Else Is Out There? (1:50)
3. The Flock Arrives (1:00
4. Join Our Migration (3:30)
5. Open Your Eyes (1:27)
6. Uncle Dan (1:57)
7. Let’s Fly (1:51)
8. Heron Adventures (5:35)
9. Night Time, Day Time (3:07)
10. Fog World (1:36)
11. Central Park (3:05)
12. Chump (1:25)
13. Follow Me, But Not Too Close (2:58)
14. Meet Delroy (3:15)
15. Kitchen Key Caper (2:55)
16. Survivor (Film Version) – John Powell & Mon Laferte (1:45)
17. He’s Coming! (1:58)
18. The Key to Regurgitation (2:13)
19. Migration Continues (1:50)
20. Eye of Doga (1:50)
21. Duck Heaven (1:52)
22. Chef at Farm (3:55)
23. You Need a Hug (1:48)
24. Helicopter Attack (2:11)
25. Hopelessness Tango (2:53)
26. Rebellion of the Winged (3:56)
27. Jamaica (3:56)
28. Migration End Titles (1:59)
29. Survivor (Full Version) – Mon Laferte (3:03)

 

http://filmmusicreporter.com/2023/11/27/migration-soundtrack-album-details/

 

Since it specifically says Back Lot Music is only releasing it digitally on December 15th, it's still possible that LLL's $16.98 new movie title that didn't make the Black Friday deadline could be this.

[Jay 37,379]

I listened to the FULL FYC album this morning.  Boy, what a better and more well-rounded listening experience it is with the final 3 tracks!

 

This is a very good score with lots of fun moments.  I hope a physical CD edition is forthcoming.

[JNHFan2000 2,969]

I love the end credits with the choir and the little duck sounds!

 

Sounds like Powell had a really fun time with this one and that he was able to be as creative as possible!

[Jay 37,379]

Yea, the end credits piece is really nice!

[Will 2,215]

Having listened to the whole FYC several times: This is a beautiful score. Dial of Destiny probably still edges it out for my favorite score of the year, but Powell comes close. I love how it's clearly in Powell's animated style but at the same time feels fresh. "Follow Me, But Not Too Close" might be the most gloriously, unabashedly optimistic cue I've heard in years. A wholesome, life-affirming score from start to finish.

[Mr. Breathmask 555]

I'm halfway into track 2 and already loving this. Hurray!

[JNHFan2000 2,969]

It's such a fun score!

 

It has shades of Ice Age, Ferdinand, Horton and Mars Needs Moms, but it's also still really it's own thing by added some really interesting stuff.

 

It's gonna be hard for HGW to win "The Battle of the Birds". Hahahah. Because this score is fantastic!!

[Richard Penna 3,696]

6 hours ago, Will said:

Having listened to the whole FYC several times: This is a beautiful score. Dial of Destiny probably still edges it out for my favorite score of the year, but Powell comes close.

 

This just edges DoD for me. Powell has an energy and freshness that Williams doesn't quite have for me. He's also got a gift for literally always having something interesting in his underscore. Most composers don't.

[PrayodiBA 517]

46 minutes ago, Richard Penna said:

He's also got a gift for literally always having something interesting in his underscore. Most composers don't.

^^
This.

This sentence summarises Powell aptly!

 

He is maybe one of, if not the only composer out there who can make us listen his OST from start to finish.

[Kasey Kockroach 2,344]

This is lovely. I’ve missed Powell.

[PrayodiBA 517]

New video interview Powell explaining his work on Migration (along with panel discussion with other composers),

you can watch it here:

https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/film-composers-full-panel-migration-000000381.html

 

One interesting point from the video; the highlight cue What Else is Out There from the FYC album is actually played as the opening intro. That's great! Just love it when full audience gets to hear the score in its entirety in a moment like that (Just like Marvel with its credit). If that's also the case, then this brings back the beautiful approach that Blue Sky Studio did, by always showing opening credits (and that won't be surprising as both studio spearheaded by the current Illumination boss Chris Meledandri)

 

And another interesting bits is during the panel session; One thing surely palpable here is John Powell's seniority in observing other composers talk; especially when Daniel Pemberton excitingly shares his stories and experiences. You can see how Powell just silently listening with his face in his distinctive mocking-like smile. "Been there, done that many times", I guess what he surely thought 😄

[Jay 37,379]

Yeah I was shocked recently to learn Powell is 60. I dunno why I thought he was younger

[Richard Penna 3,696]

Wow. I'd have said early 50s at most.

[PrayodiBA 517]

3 hours ago, Jay said:

Yeah I was shocked recently to learn Powell is 60. I dunno why I thought he was younger

Yeah he doesn’t look 60.

But I’m glad in that age, he now seems to enter his ‘renaissance’ period

[JNHFan2000 2,969]

I just saw the film. It's actually pretty good. It's 80 minutes of fun, which sometimes is just okay.

 

Powell's score is honestly fantastic. There are so many moments where I thought to myself "he didn't have to go THAT hard". He just pulls out all the stops.

 

The themes are terrific and all of it is just so colourful. I can't believe a film about ducks gave me chills, but that was all thanks to Powell. It's also very well mixed. At a lot of moments upfront and really able to drive the story forward.

 

I understand why he loves doing animation so much, because what live action film these days allows him to have this much fun and do some weird stuff.

 

Just love it! There's not a wasted here in my opinion.

 

And I believe (except the 2nd part of the end credits, which are reprises) all of the music is on the album. And if there's something missing, it's not noticable

[Jay 37,379]

The OST album is out now wherever it's Friday already!

 

https://music.apple.com/nz/album/migration-original-motion-picture-soundtrack/1715536601

https://www.qobuz.com/nz-en/album/migration-original-motion-picture-soundtrack-john-powell/cmna63aq80d5a

[PrayodiBA 517]

Full credits for each track:

 

01 - Bedtime Story (1:46)
John Powell
02 - What Else Is Out There? (1:50)
John Powell
03 - The Flock Arrives (1:00
John Powell
04 - Join Our Migration (3:30)
John Powell
05 - Open Your Eyes (1:27)
John Powell
06 - Uncle Dan (1:57)
John Powell
07 - Let's Fly (1:51)
John Powell
08 - Heron Adventures (5:35)
John Powell, Batu Sener
09 - Night Time, Day Time (3:07)
John Powell
10 - Fog World (1:36)
John Powell
11 - Central Park (3:05)
John Powell
12 - Chump (1:25)
John Powell
13 - Follow Me, But Not Too Close (2:58)
John Powell
14 - Meet Delroy (3:15)
John Powell
15 - Kitchen Key Caper (2:55)
John Powell, Batu Sener
16 - Survivor (Film Version) - John Powell & Mon Laferte (1:45)
John Powell, Mon Laferte
17 - He's Coming! (1:58)
John Powell, Batu Sener
18 - The Key To Regurgitation (2:13)
John Powell
19 - Migration Continues (1:50)
John Powell
20 - Eye Of Doga (1:50)
John Powell
21 - Duck Heaven (1:52)
John Powell
22 - Chef At Farm (3:55)
John Powell, Peter Davison
23 - You Need A Hug (1:48)
John Powell, Peter Davison
24 - Helicopter Attack (2:11)
John Powell, Batu Sener
25 - Hopelessness Tango (2:53)
John Powell
26 - Rebellion Of The Winged (3:56)
John Powell, Batu Sener
27 - Jamaica (3:56)
John Powell
28 - Migration End Titles (1:59)
John Powell
29 - Survivor (Full Version) - Mon Laferte (3:03)
Mon Laferte

 

Source:

https://hans-zimmer.com/discography/21/project/4074
 

——-

Nice! It’s such a relieve to find most of them, including almost all of the highlight cues, are solo Powell 😊

[Luka 242]

Oh I'm surprised Batu is only part of that few. 

[Jay 37,379]

I listened to the OST album on Spotify this morning and I loved it!

 

This was my first time hearing the song as part of the album, and I liked that too!  I had assumed it was an original, new song, it was funny to realize it was a cover of the Destiny's Child song!

 

I look forward to seeing this movie to learn the context for the score.. though as I type that, I realize I wanted to do the same for Still, The Call of the Wild, HTTYD3, Ferdinand, Pan, HTTYD2, Rio, Mars Needs Moms, and Bolt, but never did!

[Jay 37,379]

John Powell has posted a digital album booklet (4 pages) on Facebook

 

 

 

 

https://www.facebook.com/johnpowellmusic/posts/pfbid025YuSLfEBsFS3nwjZFRHArnv319s7yzMFDdoRUSjcNpR9eaacicwF3g8wn4TQWMhdl

[JTN 2,053]

Glad that Powell did this score, but I still think he should’ve done CR2, too with HGW. 

[Jay 37,379]

Anyone else like "Survivor" and thought it fit perfectly well in the middle of the score album?