Gigli

Review by Thomas Glorieux:

Finally the star of John Powell is rising to the place where it belongs, since he has always been of of those non sounding MV products (if I may dare say it like that) and more above all, a fun and original voice that occasionally was so surprising for the film, it worked in benefit of it. Gigli, perhaps being the biggest flop in recent history was trying to use the celebrity heights and fame of the relationship of Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck as a commercial publicizing idea, but it went downhill with that since moviegoers weren't interested to see the exploits of 2 lovers together in a dumb idea for a film anyway. Sadly for that, John Powell's score went in the mist but not on album, since the short 40 minute score is breezy and extremely relaxing for a listen, its one of those easy going tuneful scores with a bit too much of the same themes but set in varying light ideas and soft versions that it listens one way or another airy all the time. Gigli of John Powell is just that. And big you don't have to expect it either, apart from frequently used solo instruments such as the organ, piano, guitar and bass John only needed the Hollywood Studio Symphony's string section to tie it all together, and to this extent it was all that was needed. 'Opening Titles' sets the organ on motion and its bouncy and light and the main theme first appears briefly in 2 and in 'Dinner' where it sets the tone for the rest that follows, meaning a lot of main theme statements, but one way or another, this doesn't detract too much the listening experience. The drama theme receives less attention and supported with organ in 'Read to Me' its nice too.

The guitar main theme crops up a lot, and this in most times in the same manner, such as 'Tai Moi Chai', 'Yoga Music', light beat adding it in 'Friends of Yours?' as with piano on 'Some Place Clean'. However, there are some variations like 'Love Scene' which adds the piano and light organ again. The drama theme on that part then is more variated, 'Cut it Off' presents it here and it listens just like Face/Off or in 'Goodbye' giving it along with strings some light drama. However, that is replaced with fun and utter playful feelings in 'Nice Weather' when flutes add a typical John Powell feeling to the mix in one of the best tracks. Another fun moment is the scherzo of strings that follow the main theme in 'Pro Perogative', and this adds a slight change of pace to the proceedings but its still the final which in the end brings the most out of Powell's themes. 'Rochelle' starts with the main theme, followed by the drama theme and here, unexpectedly this drama theme becomes a joyous tune on itself when choir and solo vocalists give it a wonderful version to say the least, surprising this move but also for once grand and strong, it gives the score a true nice finishing touch. As score Gigli is an easy listen, from the first time you hear it and the themes are pleasant, simple but also attractive, even the countless versions of it don't detract much. Powell is becoming now a master even in the comedy / drama genre and his light airy stuff is now along with his action sound an equally entertaining tone. Its not classy stuff, but Gigli does one thing better then the rest, it stays more entertaining then the movie and alone John Powell is responsible for that, not 2 crazed ex lovers who like to marry and call it quits, perhaps they should have made of a movie of that instead.

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Tracks

Single Disc

1. Opening Titles (3.28)

2. Can I Go? (1.27)

3. Dinner (1.31)

4. Read To Me (1.35)

5. Tai Moi Chai (0.55)

6. Mum's Arse (0.51)

7. Yoga Music (2.21)

8. Cut It Off (1.23)

9. God Bless You / You With Me? (2.16)

10. The Morgue (1.36)

11. Friends Of Yours? (1.19)

12. Love Scene (2.09)

13. Some Place Clean (1.22)

14. Pro Perogative (1.45)

15. Step Up (1.27)

16. Drive To Baywatch (1.42)

17. Goodbye (4.23)

18. Nice Weather (2.23)

19. Rochelle (3.30) Excellent Track

Total Length: 37.33

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=== Link to Composer Site: John Powell ===