Rambo: First Blood Part II

Review by Thomas Glorieux:

The 80' are still associated by many film music fans as the best period for Goldsmith, composing each score with almost the same flavor and intelligent standard. One of those incredible and intelligent action scores is Rambo: First Blood Part II that listens like a breath of fresh entertainment when one compares it with Goldsmith's equal good action scores. And true, basically nothing is amazingly new and everything is found or used in the first or the third score, but it is nonetheless an amazing and solid listen. What this score delivers is the basic Goldsmith approach for sneaking and fighting. With the combination of the electronic sound and the orchestra's pounding percussion it stands for everything what we associated with Sylvester Stallone's character in the movie, namely a bad ass score for a bad ass war machine. This extra expanded edition delivers 6 new tracks and according to the liner notes some restored sound quality. But basically the main material was found on the first release. The main part of any Goldsmith score is the main theme and how he weaves it into each action track is stunning.

The Rambo theme wasn't used much in the first score First Blood, and it was also mainly the quiet version. This however changed big time and since this is a bigger action movie, it results in Goldsmith using it with the power it deserves. Stand-out tracks are 'Main Title', 'The Jump', the best one 'Escape from Torture', 'Pilot Over' and 'Village Raid / Helicopter Fight'. Goldsmith's score also shines simply through the soft version of the Rambo theme, and it is more beautiful then in the first score. Still, its finest use in heard in Rambo III. This scores focuses mainly on action music and Goldsmith fans who adore this incredible style are bound to have fun when they hear this fine example. When you listen to it for the first or for the tenth time you will still find the perfect melodic treat that is waiting for us in each track. This score simply rocks your house with the Rambo theme, in all its sizes and colors, and the use of the electronic music versus the orchestral power is nothing short but amazing. No matter how much you listen to the soundtrack and to the assortment of Rambo versions, they simply remain so fun and exciting to hear and Rambo: First Blood Part II ends just as with the same feeling as you would start it, full of adrenaline and anticipation. The best two scores of the Rambo saga are the second and the third, making the final decision of choosing the best always the hardest part. And I'm leaving that to you.

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Tracks

Single Disc

1. Main Title (2.13) Excellent Track

2. The Map * (1.08)

3. Preparations (1.17)

4. The Jump (3.19) Excellent Track

5. The Snake (1.49)

6. The Pirates * (1.29)

7. Stories (3.27)

8. The Camp * / Forced Entry * (2.24)

9. The Cage (3.56)

10. River Crash * / The Gunboat * (3.37)

11. Betrayed (4.23)

12. Bring Him Up * / The Eyes * (2.05)

13. Escape From Torture (3.40) Excellent Track

14. Ambush (2.46)

15. Revenge (6.15)

16. Bowed Down (1.05)

17. Pilot Over (1.53) Excellent Track

18. Village Raid * / Helicopter Flight * (4.55) Excellent Track

19. Home Flight (3.01)

20. Day By Day (2.07)

21. Peace In Our Life: Frank Stallone + (3.19)

* Previously Unreleased Tracks

+ Music by Frank Stallone, Peter Schless & Jerry Goldsmith, Lyrics by Frank Stallone

Total Length: 60.34

The use of artwork or photos is posted for non profitable reasons

=== Link to Composer Site: Jerry Goldsmith ===