John Powell's MIGRATION (2023)

[JNHFan2000 2,967]

It's also really great in the film!

[A. A. Ron 1,742]

Finally gave this a spin yesterday and while it’s no HTTYD, I thought it was a very solid effort. I like the song too.

[ThePenitentMan1 744]

I wanna go see the film at some point; I really do like the score.

[Luka 242]

Alright so after my third complete listen, I must admit I do enjoy Powell being back to animation, but I really don't feel like it's one of his strongest work… I'm a little disappointed with each listen. Don't get me wrong, it's still Powell and therefore great music, but I just would consider it in his less good animation ones, like Bolt.

Hoping we will get more interesting stuff with his two scores for 2024!

[Richard Penna 3,694]

I've found that the score doesn't have a massive amount of personality but the themes are so catchy and the whole thing is very busy and interesting nonetheless.

[Edmilson 7,470]

It's far from HTTYD, but the themes are amazing and the whole thing is so colourful, wholesome and fun. It's like a JP score for Blue Sky from the 2000s and 2010s. Anyone who likes Ice Age 2-4, Robots, Rio, Horton Hears a Who etc. like myself will find a lot to enjoy here.

[PrayodiBA 517]

True, certainly this score can't be put into the same echelon as HTTYD.

 

But as a Powell fan, I'm very happy because this score; in theme, energy, or orchestration, is similar to Powell's scores before 2010, which is enough to prove that Powell has not changed and still has his mojo, something that can't be said anymore to big composers of his caliber such as HZ, JNH, or HGW, where they seem to be 'diminishing'

 

Not only is this score similar to old works, but it still has great themes to boot; that 'Migration/Freedom theme' though, it's so catchy and special! (Anyway, I can't wait to share the theme breakdown for this, as I got all the themes and motifs already mapped out)

 

Overall, Migration is a very strong 4-star score 👍 ( as per Filmtracks rating parameter)

 

[PrayodiBA 517]

I am still waiting for Powell to give the information, like he usually always did, but having listened the score many times already (and seen the movie, not officially; as the movie still hasn’t bern released in my country), here are all the themes and motifs I have found from this score:

 

1. The Migration main theme - this theme also represents ‘freedom’

 

2. Mack’s theme/Mallard's Family theme, A section (maybe) - this theme represents more on the ‘cowardice’ or ‘Karen-ness’ of the father Mack, which will evolve into a more general ‘hero’ theme for the whole familly (as Powell explained in the interview)

 

3. Mack’s theme/Mallard's Family theme, B section (maybe) - this section represents more on the ‘soul that wants to be free’/‘the joyful part’ of the whole group. 
 

4. The Villain/Chef motif - this is not a spoiler as the Chef already portrayed as such in the trailer

 

5. The ‘danger’ motif (maybe)

 

6. Delroy the parrot motif

 

7. Chump the pigeon motif

 

And there is also a woodwind motif to represent “the alien world” aka New York, but I don’t know whether it needs to be classified into its own category due to its rarity 

[Kasey Kockroach 2,344]

Can you pinpoint where some of these themes recur? 

[PrayodiBA 517]

Okay, so here it goes. It's going to be a long post, so I will make it into parts.

 

Here is the summary of 'my appreciation post' to Migration:

Themes Breakdown

1. Mack’s theme/Mallard's Family theme, A section (maybe)

2. Mallard's Family theme, B section (maybe) 

3. The Migration main theme

4. The Villain/Chef motif 

5. The ‘danger’ motif (maybe)

6. Delroy the parrot motif

7. Chump the pigeon motif

 

and some miscellaneous:

> 'Reminiscence Therapy'

Compilation of bits; nod to Powell's old works

> 'Powell and His Flute'

Acknowledgement to woodwind writing in this score

> 'Powell Doesn't Need to go That Hard'

Acknowledgement of how Powell went unnecessarily extra miles for a cartoon about duck

 

------

 

Themes Breakdown (Part 1)

I will also give the context, the scene where the particular music is being played (without giving too much spoiler), so you can relate and connect more

 

1.

Mack’s theme/Mallard's Family theme, A section (maybe)

This one is quite hard to decide whether it's theme for Mack of for the whole family, as this particular theme is more often played in a scene where the whole family gathers. But Powell can confirm this later.

This theme represents more on the 'strange/negative' aspect of the family/Mack, whether it's stubborn-ness, cowardice, Karen-ness. etc

 

This theme is first heard on the very first track Bedtime Story ,hear from the beginning right until 0:08, (before the flute comes in,that's the B section theme); this theme is that 6-notes tune

 

 

 

The main statement of this theme (along with the B section) is played on the second track What Else is Out There? hear it below from the beginning; in particular the 'hum hum'part (until before 0:52, that's when the B section comes in)

^^

This track is played during the opening intro, in its full glory without much interruption from sfx.

The intro is like a montage; the 'hum hum hum' part is played during a montage when the family is during at its antics.

Where the horn-laden B section is played when the family is during at its happiest

 

 

Another statement is played during the track Open Your Eyes , played when Mack is being stubborn in regards of the need of Migration. Hear it below from the beginning until 0:32

 

 

The more 'Crazy' statement is on the track Uncle Dan, hear it in this particular moment until 1:02

 

 

One interesting application of this theme is on the track Let's Fly

This is played during the family starts flying for Migration, hear this moment until 0:45:

^^

You can hear the theme is faintly played on the background,

as if this 'cowardice aspect' is started to get left behind, to transform into more optimistic tune!

Clever!

 

Like I mentioned,

this particular theme will evolve into the general 'hero' tune for the whole group.

(actually, the transformation of this theme into a hero theme already foreshadowed way back in the first track, hear it below until 1:17)

 

 

We can already hear its transformation into a more joyful tune in the track Follow Me, But Not Too Close, hear it in this particular moment below, the choir part:

^^

You can clearly hear is has become an antithesis of the tune we heard on What Else is Out There track,

as this played when the family flies exploring the New York, as if finally starting to embrace and open themselves up.

Good job Powell!

 

 

Of course, the family will face into some tragedy in the climax;

this particular moment in the track Helicopter Attack is when this theme during its tragic statement, hear it below until 1:09 :

^^

it's played when some members of the family is being forced taken away

 

 

And finally, when the family finally reaches its final destination, this 'triumphant' statement is played in the track Jamaica, hear it in this particular moment until 1:04:

 

 

And last but not least, 

the theme in its full-fledge Hero statement, in the track Jamaica, hear it in this particular moment until 1:50:

^^

Love this moment; the orchestration reminds me of Classic Hollywood score

 

 

 

-----

 

I will continue later, it's quite exhausting creating this 😅😅.

Next, part 2

[Kasey Kockroach 2,344]

Thank you for this! Reading about Powell love reinvigorates my film score fanaticism that I thought had died off.

[PrayodiBA 517]

2 hours ago, Kasey Kockroach said:

Thank you for this! Reading about Powell love reinvigorates my film score fanaticism that I thought had died off.

Haha thank you!

Well I knew way back then you were a staunch Powell fan 😄

 

[JNHFan2000 2,967]

@PrayodiBAFantastic breakdown! Makes me love the score ever more

[Edmilson 7,470]

Amazing work! It'll help us appreciate the score even more!

[PrayodiBA 517]

3 hours ago, JNHFan2000 said:

@PrayodiBAFantastic breakdown! Makes me love the score ever more

 

2 hours ago, Edmilson said:

Amazing work! It'll help us appreciate the score even more!

 

^^

Thank you so much!
I am also having fun creating this

 

 

-----

 

Anyway,

Themes Breakdown (Part 2)

 

2. 

Mallard's Family theme, B section (maybe)

Some might say that these A & B section are its own different theme;

the reason why I classified as A & B part of one single theme because it mostly the case the 'B part' always played right after the A part. But let's see, let Powell confirm this.

 

The B section theme represents more on the 'joyful', 'happiness', 'togetherness' side of the Mallard family. This theme is perhaps the most played in the movie. It makes me think that this maybe in fact 'the main theme' of this movie.

 

First time we can hear this theme is during the opening track Bedtime Story at this particular moment (which is right after the A section like I've shown you before) until 0:21

 

 

It appears again, in second track What Else is Out There , the opening intro track. Like I've told before, this theme played during happiness/joyful montage of the intro sequence.

Hear it in this particular moment until 0:58

 

then appears again still in the same track at this moment until 1:32

^^

Really love both of these statements. That horn part, glorious!

 

 

Appears again in the next track, Join Our Migration

This is played during just basic conversation between the two kids of the Mallard family, hence this is the 'mundane' statement,

hear it below until 1:30:

 

 

Fast forward, this is the 'rejoice' statement of the theme, heard in Let's Fly track, hear it below:

^^

Just beautiful 😍

Of course, we all knew this track is played during first time the Mallards family break free and fly to their migration.

 

 

Now this is one of my favourite statement of this theme.

In the track Night Time, Day Time at this particular moment until 2:30

^^

Freaking love it! Pure classic Powell, with its up and down flute/string writing and that 'da dum' timpani.

Fun fact:

this track is played during one of the most beautiful scene in the movie, when all the Mallards having fun flying through the cloud. Honestly, it's a unique choice Powell did this scene with this kind of style, instead of grand epic style. But nevertheless, this current style works beautifully!

 

 

Fast forward,

now this is probably the 'main statement' of this theme,  heard in the track Migration Continues

hear it below:

^^

Also loving this!

It has a certain meditative quality in it.

 

 

Next, just like the A section theme, this B section theme also has its 'tragic' statement,

in the track Helicopter Attack at this particular moment until 1:22

^^

This statement is so powerful. This music plays when some members of the family are forced taken away,

Interestingly, it culminates with Elfman's Batman-ish fanfare 😄

 

 

Lastly, this one is also one of my favourite statement of this theme, in track Jamaica,

hear it at this particular moment until 0:53

^^

Pure pure beauty!😍😍😍

FYI, I am sure you'll get goosebump when you hear this in theatre (I for one also look forward to hearing this in theatre),

because the scene when this music played is quite heartwarming.

 

 

 

-----

Continue again later! 😄

 

[Jay 37,372]

Gold star for @PrayodiBA!  This is what makes JWFan great!

 

 

(Now please give yourself an avatar image!)

[PrayodiBA 517]

42 minutes ago, Jay said:

Gold star for @PrayodiBA!  This is what makes JWFan great!

 

 

(Now please give yourself an avatar image!)

 

Hahaha thank you! 🤩🤩

 

And the avatar, done 👍

(I actually like the one @Luka having 😄)

[Luka 242]

2 hours ago, PrayodiBA said:

(I actually like the one @Luka having 😄)

 

Haha, I just like the fact you can get a glimpse of a certain other composer, that I purposefully cropped out because I'm not such a fan hahah .

 

Also, THANK YOU for these theme breakdowns! It's so much fun and makes it easier indeed to appreciate the soundtracks! Did you ever think about making YouTube videos out of those? Haha 

[Kasey Kockroach 2,344]

[Edmilson 7,470]

In conclusion: the Despicable Me/Minions movies could've been way less crappy and stupid had Powell scored them.

[Richard Penna 3,694]

Despicable Me is fun! The has a few memorable cues from what I remember.

[Trope 527]

Just listened to this for the first time…

 

It’s absolutely amazing, and a contender for best score of the year. The quality of the music (orchestration, harmony, melodic invention, memorable themes, distinctive compositional voice, etc) all prove Powell to be one of the most accomplished composers working in film today.
 

No joke, I think this is one of his greatest scores (animated or live action). Is it blasphemy to say that it’s a step up from Solo (one of my favourites of his in recent times)? I had such a blast listening to this music. I was never a Powell super-fan, but this score has me excited to go back and re-evaluate his earlier animated works. I eagerly await his next projects.

[Kasey Kockroach 2,344]

“Follow Me” alone reinvigorated my film score love.

[Edmilson 7,470]

It's got everything a Powell fan craves from his scores: exciting action, great themes, wholesome moments...

 

I missed this kind of score from him so badly.

[Kasey Kockroach 2,344]

Makes me happy that nearly any mention of the film (even from normal people who probably don’t listen to film scores otherwise) praises Powell.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C1AMGq6v032/

[Not Mr. Big 4,639]

On 31/12/2023 at 10:43 AM, Kasey Kockroach said:

Makes me happy that nearly any mention of the film (even from normal people who probably don’t listen to film scores otherwise) praises Powell.

One of those was just me though

[Richard Penna 3,694]

It's refreshing when the music gets noticed in a film but I don't really empathise with the idea of being pleased when my favourite composers are publicly praised - it's not something I've found I need. Certainly the obsession with maintaining Williams' positive public image does my head in.

[Jay 37,372]

I still need to give this album more listens, but wanted to see the film first.

 

There's still no hints anywhere of a physical release, correct?

[Kasey Kockroach 2,344]

7 hours ago, Richard Penna said:

It's refreshing when the music gets noticed in a film but I don't really empathise with the idea of being pleased when my favourite composers are publicly praised - it's not something I've found I need. Certainly the obsession with maintaining Williams' positive public image does my head in.

It’s more that I like seeing film score fans be made, given what a niche interest it is. Sure, we notice and appreciate music, but imagine a NORMAL person noticing these things!

[ThePenitentMan1 744]

Just came back from the movie!

 

Loved it!  10/10!

 

The story was quite a bit better than I expected!  Every single member of the family has an actual character arc (albiet Gwen's tended to be realized more through comedic moments than dramatic ones like the other three), and they arrive at the end of the movie, not only with a thirst for adventure, but also a healthy awareness and appreciation for the inherent danger that comes with it.  And the characters are so likeable, on top of that!

 

The jokes were well done, too!  I found myself laughing out loud more than once, and even the more crude moments were at least tastefully done.

 

It's easy to see the inspiration that this film gave Powell.  My gosh, the SCORE!  I loved every moment of it!  The dramatic bits, the sweeping awe-inspiring bits, everything!  I can't wait to get more familiar with it after I come back from the enchanted forest and can listen to other albums again.

[Gabriel Bezerra 302]

I read so many good things about this score here that I felt compelled to watch it in theaters.

 

Thankfully the movie was greater than I anticipated, and the score is trully a delight. It's great to have Powell back in animation as he was clearly having a blast. Got out of the movie with already with the theme stuck in my mind and bought the album right as I woke up.

 

One of the main themes though, reminded me of Vader Immortal.

 

[Jay 37,372]

I just noticed this is now streaming free on Amazon Prime in the US

 

Hopefully that'll spur me to watch it soon!

[ThePenitentMan1 744]

The Blu-ray's available now, too!  Planning to get it at some point.

 

https://www.amazon.com/Migration-Blu-ray-Digital-Elizabeth-Banks/dp/B0CQ6N9B6G

[Princeling1987 22]

On 17/12/2023 at 9:18 PM, Luka said:

Alright so after my third complete listen, I must admit I do enjoy Powell being back to animation, but I really don't feel like it's one of his strongest work… I'm a little disappointed with each listen. Don't get me wrong, it's still Powell and therefore great music, but I just would consider it in his less good animation ones, like Bolt.

Hoping we will get more interesting stuff with his two scores for 2024!

 

You Sir REALLY need to get hold of the Extened FYC of Bolt. I promise you it's not far from other Powell's 4-4.5 stars such as Mars Needs Moms, KFP2, Pan etc.
 

I agree  with you regarding Migration. It is OK, but a tier lower than the ones I listed above and others such as Ice Age 2 & 3, Horton.

[Kasey Kockroach 2,344]

A five star rating from Filmtracks?! Wow, unusually kind. 

[JNHFan2000 2,967]

I find his rating really odd.

Giving it 5 stars for the music heard in the film, but 4 for how it's heard on album.

 

Which makes no sense because the music is exactly the same both in film and on album

[Tom Guernsey 2,286]

2 hours ago, JNHFan2000 said:

I find his rating really odd.

Giving it 5 stars for the music heard in the film, but 4 for how it's heard on album.

 

Which makes no sense because the music is exactly the same both in film and on album

I have no vested interest in defending his reviews but there are plenty of scores that are very effective in the film but less interesting on disc so this doesn’t seem an especially controversial take to me.

[JNHFan2000 2,967]

Yeah, I agree in that statement. It's indeed true for a lot of film and scores.

 

But not this one. That's what I was trying to say

[Richard Penna 3,694]

52 minutes ago, Tom Guernsey said:

I have no vested interest in defending his reviews but there are plenty of scores that are very effective in the film but less interesting on disc so this doesn’t seem an especially controversial take to me.

 

I think he does it more due to missing music than that reasoning. I fully agree that many scores would get a lower album rating because they're in that genre where the score works great in the film but isn't much to listen to, but Clemmenson's reviewing history indicates to me that he doesn't like those sorts of scores to begin with.

 

I take issue more with him marking down albums that don't contain a dissertation on the score, or (the horror!) no packaging at all because they're digital releases. The interest of the music and its presentation comes light years ahead of some pretty photos and detailed, second by second score analysis, for me.

[Kasey Kockroach 2,344]

Ferdinand’s a five star score in my book, and top 5 Powell in general, so I’m just surprised and intrigued he liked this one while not thinking much of the former. But what the hey, different strokes for different blokes.

 

 

[Edmilson 7,470]

6 hours ago, JNHFan2000 said:

the music is exactly the same both in film and on album

John Williams would like a word with you... 

[Kasey Kockroach 2,344]

23 minutes ago, Edmilson said:

John Williams would like a word with you... 

Jurassic Park’s end credits do not play twice in the film (missed opportunity, Spielberg you hack).

[Tom Guernsey 2,286]

5 hours ago, Richard Penna said:

I think he does it more due to missing music than that reasoning. I fully agree that many scores would get a lower album rating because they're in that genre where the score works great in the film but isn't much to listen to, but Clemmenson's reviewing history indicates to me that he doesn't like those sorts of scores to begin with.

That's all fair comment! Sounds like we basically and not with him lol. I'm taking my niece and nephew to see the film this week so will be able to decide for myself whether it's better in the film than on disc!

 

5 hours ago, Richard Penna said:

I take issue more with him marking down albums that don't contain a dissertation on the score, or (the horror!) no packaging at all because they're digital releases. The interest of the music and its presentation comes light years ahead of some pretty photos and detailed, second by second score analysis, for me.

So every 90s Varese release is a nil points effort then! ;-) Agreed though... I can't say lack of lavish liner notes for most soundtracks is a significant negative for me.

[Richard Penna 3,694]

Well yep, judging by those criteria, many Varese 90s would receive harsh judgement.

 

I don't even know what, if any liners came with my fave Varese score (Dante's Peak) because I never bought it! Not long after I discovered the score I found the OST isolated on the DVD (heaven knows why), then came across the boot. Their DE in 2021 was my first experience of it on a CD.

[Will 2,215]

I haven't seen the film, but I did watch this clip on YouTube and ... wow, "Let's Fly" works so well in the film:

 

 

Powell's music gives the scene an almost balletic grace. Beautiful marriage of picture and score.

[Faleel 5,359]

On 31/12/2023 at 11:43 AM, Kasey Kockroach said:

https://www.instagram.com/p/C1AMGq6v032/

This is out of order, here is as intended:

 

[bruce marshall 1,315]

Really good score to a really boring film. What a disapointment😔.

[Miz 139]

Lol, it's a film that my three-year-old likes... because it's pitched at his age group! And it's one of Powell's top scores. I love it for it's simplicity and character.