Soundtrack Review: Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (2008)

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This is a review of the motion picture score for Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa by Hans Zimmer & Will.I.Am.

“Hans Zimmer and Will.I.Am delivers a soundtrack that has you going from start to end and Zimmer’s main theme is one of the best themes you’ll hear this year”

Alex, Marty, Melman and Gloria are back for another adventure in Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa. The first movie came out in 2005 and was also partially composed by Hans Zimmer. This time he has collaborated with Will.I.Am which most people know from making the inspirational Obama songs. Will.I.Am has previously made music for many movies including Epic Movie, Freedom Writers and Stealth.

Judging by the reviews of this movie, it’s more of a kiddie movie this time than last, I don’t agree after seeing it this weekend. It’s still as fun and entertaining as the first one, and for kids as well as adults. The music however, might indicate a more family friendly environment as they mix Hans Zimmer’s instrumental music with Will.I.Am’s vocal songs. Is the soundtrack as entertaining as the movie? Read more to find out.

Track List

1. Hans Zimmer – Once Upen A Time In Africa (*****)
2. Will.I.Am & Hans Zimmer – The Traveling Song (****)
3. Hans Zimmer – Party! Party! Party! (****)
4. Will.I.Am – I Like To Move It (***)
5. Hans Zimmer – The Good, The Bad and The Ugly (***)
6. Will.I.Am & Hans Zimmer – Big And Chunky (***)
7. Hans Zimmer – Chums (****)
8. Hans Zimmer – New York, New York (***)
9. Hans Zimmer – Volcano (***)
10. Hans Zimmer – Rescue Me (*****)
11. Boston – More Than A Feeling (*****)
12. Will.I.Am & Hans Zimmer – She Loves Me (***)
13. Hans Zimmer – Foofie (*****)
14. Barry Manilow – Copacabana (At The Copa) (****)
15. Hans Zimmer – Monochromatic Friends (***)
16. Will.I.Am & Hans Zimmer – Best Friends (***)
17. Hans Zimmer – Alex On The Spot (****)

A Powerful Mix

As you can see from the track list, it’s a fine mix between Hans Zimmer and Will.I.Am. Even Barry Manilow and Boston has got a say in this. Last time he has Sacha Baron Cohen, Earth Wind & Fire, The Bee Gees and Vangelis to name a few. There were only a couple of cues primarily featuring Hans Zimmer on the first movie, but this time Hans Zimmer fans can rejoice. Previously this year he composed another animated movie in Kung Fu Panda which he co-composed with John Powell. It was a really good score and Hans Zimmer certainly is not a bad choice when it comes to movies like this.

This time he has brushed dust of his old theme from Madagascar called “Zoosters Breakout” and re-invented it in glorious manner for the sequel. We begin with “Once Upon A Time In Africa” which is just a smashing tune to start off with. It used the great theme from the first movie, but with much more power to it. It also has an excellent sense of drama in it as it blows all the whistles when going into drama mode. What a great start! Will.I.Am takes over for the next cue “The Traveling Song”. I have to admit it is an extremely catchy song which plays when young Alex arrives in New York. It’s party time with “Party! Party! Party!”. In a very African kind of way I have to add, with vocal chants and a funky score by Hans Zimmer. It’s very fitting when they arrive in Africa, and having a great time.

Bad Memories

“I Like To Move It” brings back bad memories ca. 1994. Yes, it was a dark period of my life where I was surrounded by music like that, namely by the group Reel 2 Real. In the last Madagascar movie Sacha Baron Cohen performed it and this time Will.I.Am does the honours. Still don’t like it, but it’s fun in the movie. A polka version of “The Good, The Bad & The ugly”? Yep, it is all happening here, but all is forgiven since it’s tied to an incredibly funny scene in the movie. A funny sidenote, Hans Zimmer recently said in an interview that he would have loved to work with Sergio Leone, but surely this can’t be the audition tape Hans!? Let’s move on shall we (for more polka later). “Big and Chunky” by Will.I.Am is also tied to a great scene in the movie with its dark Barry White-ish voice doing a funny sexy song.

“Chums” is a nice little song about friends, about sticking together when you are stuck in Africa apparently. Well it’s cute and catchy, and there is also a voice on it, but no vocals, just used as an instrument. “New York, New York” is that famous song you all know so well by Frank Sinatra, but it’s an instrumental polka version, and you know what, it’s not bad. “Volcano” is another party-like track, a sacrificial one at that with lots of chanting and cheering on top. This dance track is of course used for the volcano scene, but don’t worry, I won’t spoil it for you. Nothing special about this, I like the “Party! Party! Party!” cue better as they are directly comparable. “Rescue Me” is a nice version of the main theme that starts off like a reggae-like song, but also has dance elements within. It’s a great cue which almost has the power of “Once Upon Time In Africa”.

Barry White And Friends

“She Loves Me” is the return of the dark Barry White-like voice and all about love. It’s nice, but nothing special. “Foofie” is again a variation of the main theme by Hans Zimmer, but more slow, more somber. Foofie is also from a funny scene within the movie, but on it’s own, this cue is quite good, one of my favourites on this soundtrack. The end is near and “Monocromatic Friends” is a tribute to Marty who is a black zebra with white stripes, and it’s a funny theme on its own, but it lacks the grandness of the main theme, even though it touches upon it. “Best Friends” is like “Chums”, but Will.I.Am provides the vocals, which is quite nice. It’s harmonica and laid back guitar provides for a nice song, almost as good as “Chums”. “Alex On The Spot” is credited to Hans Zimmer alone, but this is the main theme with added vocals by Will.I.Am. It’s also more dance-like and lacks the power of Hans Zimmer’s stand-alone version, but it’s a nice ending to what is a great soundtrack. There is also two songs by legendary Boston and Barry Manilow. “More Than A Feeling” is just a wonderful feel-good song, which isn’t out of place in this movie, and something nostalgic for us “old” guys. I’m sure most children will never have heard this, but for me it’s good memories. Barry Manilow’s “Copacabana (At The Copa)” is a well known song, and if you don’t start moving uncontrollably when this is playing, then I think you better check your pulse. A great little party song that goes well just before you are going on that beach vacation.

Conclusion

Is this a score or a vocal soundtrack? I wouldn’t classify it as either, but rather both which leaves me a bit confused, but you can’t fault this soundtrack for its powerful quality. Hans Zimmer and Will.I.Am delivers a soundtrack that has you going from start to end and Zimmer’s main theme is one of the best themes you’ll hear this year. I highly recommend this soundtrack whether you are 5, 15 or 55 years old. It has something for everyone who enjoys a good time, and is not afraid to let that kid inside come out and play.

Listen to Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa by Hans Zimmer & Will.I.Am below:

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Other articles of interest:

• Soundtrack Review: Frost/Nixon (2008)
• Soundtrack Review: Flash of Genius (2008)
• Soundtrack Review: Forfeit (2008)
• Soundtrack Review: Valkyrie (2008)
• Soundtrack Review: Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End (2007)

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