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Soundtrack Review: Rio (2011)

Reviewer: JØrn Tillnes

Rio Soundtrack Review: This is a review of the film score Rio by John Powell.

"It is a definite step up from Mars Needs Moms"

I haven't been following the film news of this one, but I think it's a close tie-in with the latest Angry Birds game suspiciously called Angry Birds Rio. Anyway, there's this blue Macaw who can't seem to fly so he travels to Rio De Janeiro, Brazil for the adventure of his life. From director Carlos Saldanha who directed Ice Age and Robots, John Powell is not a bad choice as composer.

Track List

1. Morning Routine	*****
2. Meet Tulio	****
3. Great Big Momma Bird	*****
4. Paradise Concern	****
5. Bagged and Missing	***
6. Locked Up	****
7. Chained Chase	****
8. Bedtime Flyers	****
9. Idiot Glider	****
10. Juicy Little Mango	*****
11. Umbrellas of Rio	*****
12. Motorbike	****
13. Bird Fight	****
14. Birds Moved	***
15. Heimlich	****
16. Birdnapped	****
17. Rio Airport	*****
18. Flying	*****

What a fun time John Powell must have had on this. It is overflowing with energy and the feeling of Rio. Brazilian rhythms are not far behind when Powell takes on yet another animated movie.

Infectious Energy

'Morning Routine' starts a fun 45 minutes of music that never seems to let go of that infectious energy that Powell brings his animated scores. After the quiet beginning, from 1:12 and onwards is the John Powell that I love. Lots of tempo and amazing orchestral music with a great melody.

There are a few really great tracks on here like 'Great Big Momma Bird'. You can feel the Brazilian vibes around 1:40 and that's just a preview of what's to come. You have a lazy bossa nova example in 'Idiot Glider' and powerful Brazilian samba in 'Motorbike' and 'Bird Fight'. It's all there and although I think it's charming and fun I prefer the more fast-paced power music that is features in my favorite cues 'Rio Airport' and 'Flying

Conclusion

It is a definite step up from Mars Needs Moms, but I still crave more to give it top marks. John Powell proves once again that he is the king of animated scores and long may it continue into his next projects. Do yourself a favor and pick this little gem up and I am sure you will be addicted in no time!

->Buy the CD on Amazon<-

->Buy the MP3 Album on Amazon<-

->Buy the Album on iTunes<-

Listen to the Rio soundtrack by John Powell below:

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