| Title | Apollo 13 | |
| Rating | 7/10 |
|
| Composer | James Horner | |
| Add. Credits | Vocal performance by Annie Lennox | |
| Label, Year | MCA Records, 1995 | |
Review
This original “Apollo 13” soundtrack is actually quite a disaster for film music fans, since Horner's score plays only second fiddle here. It is repeatedly interrupted by period songs and dialog (both omitted in track listing below). Luckily, there is also a promotional release with 58 minutes of score, and only score.
Horner's score bears resemblance to many of his other scores, of course. However, this is clearly an above-average one. The huge orchestra and the occasional choir sound just perfect. This music really has something to tell of the real exploration of space. The Main Title is superb. “All Systems Go” is a fabulous hymn, sounds almost clerical. “Master Alarm” is where the action shines through the first time. “The Darkside Of The Moon” and “End Credits” contain non-verbal vocals by Annie Lennox, and I am surprised how well these integrate with the orchestral music, creating a spherical effect. The most essential parts of the score have been included, luckily.
A very good score by James Horner, but a lousy release.
Track Rating
| Title | Time | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Main Title | 1:31 |  |
| 8 | Launch Control | 3:28 |  |
| 9 | “All Systems Go” - The Launch | 6:39 | |
| 13 | Master Alarm | 2:54 | |
| 15 | Into The L.E.M. | 3:43 | |
| 17 | The Darkside Of The Moon | 5:09 |  |
| 22 | Re-entry & Splashdown | 9:05 | |
| 23 | End Titles | 5:35 | |
| 72:45 |
| Criteria | Weight | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | 50% | 8 |
| Multitude of themes | 10% | 6 |
| Continuity | 10% | 3 |
| Instrumentation | 10% | 8 |
| Sound quality | 10% | 8 |
| Score length (38') | 10% | 5 |
| Final Rating | 100% | 7/10 |