Soundtrack Review: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed (2008)
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This is a review of the video game promo score for Star Wars: The Force Unleashed by Mark Griskey.
“It is a good score, but not nearly as ‘interesting’ as Kiner’s The Clone Wars”
Released shortly after Kevin Kiner’s Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Mark Griskey’s endeavor into the Star Wars universe, a score to a video game called Star Wars: The Force Unleashed is a score truly worth listening to – at least once or twice. While only released in an online promo, the album still packs a lot of sound, and somehow manages to entertain and satisfy most of those who dislike Kiner’s approach.
Griskey fearlessly and shamelessly utilizes John Williams’ themes, probably something that gives this score the advantage over Kiner’s score, at least amongst Williams purists. However, this score has not much new to offer, and although some moments do reflect the John Williams sound fans have come to love, there are several instances in which Griskey’s (and Jesse Harlin’s) own voice shows through so much, I’m amazed it doesn’t ruin the work.
Star Wars-Like
Tracks like The Force Unleashed and Bonus Track: Ton’yy Rho’s Uglejig (funnily both by Jesse Harlin) are in no way Star Wars-like, and the latter is absolutely detestable in sound. Tracks like General Kota and the Control Room Duel, Approaching Felucia, The Sarlacc Unleashed, and Maris and the Bull Rancor all sound great, but not necessarily very Williams-like. Others, however (Infiltrating the Junk Temple, Drexl’s Raiders, PROXY and the Skyhook, Redemption), are filled to the brim with good, old-fashioned Williams-like scoring, some of which contain direct or near-direct quotes of Williams’ music for the films.
As for the track I have failed to mention above, Juno Eclipse/Finale, I’m not exactly sure yet what to think; it sounds amazing, but Williams-esque? Part of me thinks so, but another doesn’t. Not entirely sold on my opinion of that track, but nevertheless, it’s a beautiful track centered around a delicate, beautiful motif. Can’t go wrong with that, I suppose.
Conclusion
Overall, the score to Star Wars: The Force Unleashed is a relatively sound attempt at a Williams-like score, though a couple tracks do manage to come close to ruining it, at least for me. (It should be noted, however, that both these tracks are Jesse Harlin’s brainchildren, so the blame cannot fall to Griskey, in this case.) It is a good score, but not nearly as ‘interesting’ as Kiner’s The Clone Wars. Whether it is better, or worse, is for you to decide.
Listen to Star Wars: The Force Unleashed by Mark Griskey below:
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(4 votes, average: 8.75 out of 10)
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Soundtrack Seek
This review does not sound like a 7 to me only because the review itself seems rather undecided. A score of 7 surely denotes a more resolute take on the album? I’m curious to know how many times you listened to the album before writing about it. All the same I’m certainly wanting to hear this just for the old school vibe. I’m a Star Wars nut myself and this actually sounds of interest, unlike the clone wars score.
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William Bard' Reply:
November 25th, 2008 at 12:30 am
Hey, Timothy. I see what you mean; perhaps my score may be a bit misleading. Nevertheless, I thank you for reading my review, and if you’re a Star Wars fan, then yes, you should definitely check this one out. It does have a good many Williams-esque moments, and if you put aside the few problem tracks I mentioned, you will have yourself a fairly enjoyable listen. Hope that helps.
William Bards last blog post.." Pop song fans will rejoice, but score fans will mourn. "
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