Ludwig Goransson – “Creed: Original Motion Picture Score”
Album Reviews | Jan 25th, 2016
Record Label: Watertower Music
Genre: Film Score
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The latest Rocky movie is the 7th movie in the series and the first spin-off, about Apollo Creed’s son Adonis, played by Michael B. Jordan. Sylvester Stallone reprises his role as Rocky Balboa and the movie was directed by Ryan Coogler. Based on the trailer, the movie looked good and surprisingly, it’s gotten a lot of praise and even some nominations for some awards.
Everybody knows that classic Bill Conti Rocky score, or at least the main theme of it. I’ll admit I only know the theme and never really listened to the score before. Ludwig Goransson’s score is a bit atmospheric in parts, and then the other half is uplifting or fighting type of style of music. Filled with lots of horns, drumming, chanting and that stuff you’d expect out of a Rocky movie..or well Rocky spin-off movie. Ludwig has a mixture of classical tracks and then there are some other stuff that is more hip hop oriented. Not hip hop per say but a combination of jazz and hip hop. I wasn’t crazy about those tracks but I’m sure it works and fits in the film. I enjoyed tracks like “Adonis” and “Conlan” more. From not seeing the movie, I can pick up where the good parts of the movie will be. Whenever that “bum bum bum bum” Creed motif kicks in, the score gets interesting. But nothing is as good as when that Rocky theme song starts in the track “You’re A Creed.” Goosebumps!
There’s not a lot of it but I was never a fan of scores that included dialogue from the movie. James Horner’s scores used to do that (Braveheart, Titanic) and it was just annoying. I’d rather hear the music. Thankfully, it’s only in 2 or 3 tracks. Overall, this score has it’s awesome moments like that infectious Creed motif. At other times, the score is just background noise. Either way, I can’t wait to see the movie.
Bottom Line: Score has it’s moments and other times, it’s just okay
Notable Tracks: Adonis, Conlan (Redemption), Front Street, If I Fight, You’re A Creed
Overall Rating:
