Sometimes I feel a need to shake some composers by the shoulders and tell them they are good enough so they don't have to rely on electronic synthesizers and sound effects to propel their scores. Such is the case with Trevor Rabin, who has remained repeatedly mediocre with the output of soundtracks he has produced, with a few sterling exceptions. For example, the themes for "Armageddon" and "Deep Blue Sea" were fantastic and memorable, yet a large amount of his work sways away from such skill. Instead, he meddles with mediocrity time and again, trapping himself with very modern, unbalanced scores that focus on an electronic, synthetic tone. A score like "The Great Raid" proves the point that he is indeed good enough to harness an orchestra and step away from the pitfalls that scar his work.

This soundtrack is a memorable effort largely due to a simple yet catchy theme. This six note anthem is both patriotic and melodic, without being over the top. In fact, whenever the main theme appeared during the course of the soundtrack, I found it to be very uplifting. It glues together a very solid score.

I am happy to report that there is also very little in the realm of electronics employed in the music. When it is used, it is done so stylishly, and harnesses a unique sound by contrasting Japanese instrumentation with it. Furthermore, I am even happier to say that there is an actual choir used in certain tracks! Most notably appearing during the 'Closing Titles', this element is a most welcome inclusion. To me, no synthesized echo can ever replace the grand representation of choral music. Rabin uses the voices in good balance, and doesn't overwhelm the orchestra.

Even though the score is an above average one, there are a couple drawbacks worth mentioning. For example, with a war movie such as this, there is very little in the way of extended action music that I thought would have made its way on here. There is also very little in the way of supplemental or secondary themes to speak of. It's entirely possible, however, that some notable themes emerge during the movie that did not make it onto the soundtrack release. Critique aside, the flow of the album does not reach any awkward moments due to these minor complaints. It's a nice composition.

Perhaps the best way to sum up the entire scope of Rabin's score is to say that it's in good balance. He seemed to have stayed in check the entire way, and remained conventional, thankfully. If nothing else, this is another prime example of how some composers have the skill set to deliver really good music if only they left the electronic orchestra behind!

Final Score: "The Great Raid" offers up an old fashioned treat -- a score anchored by a memorable theme. It's worth looking into.