Born on the Fourth of July

Review by Thomas Glorieux:

John Williams has worked with the finest in the profession, has scored the movies that got acclaim and wrote the music that remains the best of its nature. One of those acclaimed movies of an acclaimed director is Born on the Fourth of July. However with the score there seems to be some praise missing since not a lot of people have got the pleasure of hearing an album more devoted to songs than score. In the case of this particular score, you might want to make an exception. Not only is the score 25 minutes long in length but it also consists of some of the most wonderful stuff John Williams has ever written. You can still recommend this score, simply because of 10 minutes that are considered to be classic film music. And if this is what makes a recommendation count, then I'm the one to give you all my dearest consideration.

The score indeed has songs on the list, but equally well a score that can be considered classic in parts. The mournful trumpet solos that start the score are good but it is track 2 that makes everything seem like it stood still for a moment, or even more. 'The early Days, Massapequa, 1957' is one of John Williams' greatest creations. It starts with music that accompanies a scene I will never forget. When the young boy (that will later be played in age by Tom Cruise) receives eye contact with veterans that have been injured in war, the music and initial scene become one and together the music makes the movie magical. It is one of those moments that truly makes you feel lucky to be a film music devotee. Later in the track, Williams brings this outstanding love dramatic theme that is spine tingling in its effect and brilliant in its construction. But not everything is that enticing and tracks 3 and 5 are at times dark examples of the other Williams that we sometimes hear and know off. 'The Shooting of Wilson' becomes almost Jurassic Park like in tone when vistas of 'Raptor' tones begin to color up this score in pure dark melody. It isn't dissonant and it ends with the mournful trumpet solo of track 1, but it still isn't something I adore, musically speaking.

However, you must admit that the result is no less chilling in its effectiveness. 'Cua Viet River, Vietnam, 1968' is even more atmospheric when weird vocal mixings broaden up the horizon (reminding me sometimes of the ceremonial chanting found on Seven Years in Tibet). Track 5 brings a much more colorful and optimist side of the drama theme and 'Born on the Fourth of July' combines the best things of all the score. Together, it might not be enough and I have no doubt that some wish more of it. There is basically much score missing, even if I am not entirely sure if it is that good as say track 2. The answer still can be found with the online shops, since there is an extensive bootleg flying around commercially speaking. Still, the summarization of the music is quite possibly recommended for all. I want simply one moment on a score that makes it either way recommended or special, and Born on the Fourth of July has that moment, and it is one of the best tracks John Williams has written in his career. That he is considered by many to be the best and that he has written the biggest scores says something about the mastery that can be found on the original release. Enough to give you the recommendation that the score most honestly deserves.

\ЕЕЕ1/2/

Tracks

Single Disc

1. Prologue (1.21)

2. The Early Days, Massapequa, 1957 (4.56) Excellent Track

3. The Shooting Of Wilson (5.06)

4. Cua Viet River, Vietnam, 1968 (5.17)

5. Homecoming (2.38)

6. Born On The Fourth Of July (5.43) Excellent Track

Total Length: 25.13

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

=== Link to Composer Site: John Williams ===