"The Aviator "
Composed by Howard Shore

Howard Shore must have impressed Martin Scorcese with his existing work added to "Gangs of New York." Here he finds himself called upon to score the ambitious film "The Aviator", offering a promise of Golden Era motifs and an underscore painting a dramatic and dark portrait.

Classically inspired, the score works adequately well as a stand-alone listening experience. An intentionally choppy main theme carries the way through the album, with a four note motif that signifies determination, yet laced with dash of confusion. At least that's my interpretation of it. Its not vintage fare as a 'hummable' anthem, but offers an identity to the composition that plays consistently througout.

Perhaps the stand out cue on this score is the classical piece, an original composition for this movie, that leads the album off. Somewhat moving, slightly thematic, and fair in its length, I enjoyed 'Icarus' as much as anything else on this album.

In the latter tracks, the dark undertones of Hughes' compulsions are represented, and do not make for the most enjoyable of listening experiences. Taken within context, however, a score fan can get through this portion without too much of a drawback.

Final analysis -- this is professional, quality work from Shore, and has enough punch to make this one worth recommending.