"Steamboy"
Composed by Steve Jablonsky

These days, as a film score fan, one needs to think outside of the box to find the kind of quality music he or she is looking for. Such is the case with, "Steamboy", a soundtrack that I actually purchased at a Suncoast outlet recently. While I had read a few sparse reviews about the enjoyable quality of this score, I found myself be pleasantly surprised as to how good a soundtrack this really is!

Jablonsky tackles this animated fare with orchestral intent. The music here does not rely on synthesized sound effects to make its note. In a way, this is film music how it should be; less experimentation and more focus on the music. This pays off with a very smooth flowing and action packed score.

The album begins on a light tone with 'Manchester, 1866.' While not having had the opportunity to have seen this movie yet, it made it easy to envision a bright, sunny England being introduced on the screen. This opening number did an effective job of placing you there, in the odd and unique animated world of the Steamboy.

The flow of the music always stays close to that of adventure, yet also crosses dramatic boundaries like in the case of track 6, 'London World Exposition.' What I particularly enjoyed was how the action could transition so easily into the more softened moments such as in this track, and thereby adding a level of depth to the music, and more importantly, to the movie itself (as I assume).

The cues are quite generous in running time; one track even elapses the 8 minute mark, and that's time well earned. 'Collapse and Rescue' uses all of its 8 minutes and 24 seconds wisely in a stirring bit of music that builds to a climax that rewards the listener with thoughts of heroes and adventure. Now this is the kind of stuff a film music fan can get into!

The only thing that hampers this effort is the lack of a more strongly integrated main theme. While there is a thematic presence throughout, the void of a memorable anthem is the only thing keeping this one from a near perfect grade.

In times such as these, when composers like David Arnold shy away from swashbuckling themes, and James Horner continues to build on the symphony of his life, perhaps we as fans of the genre can start paying closer attention to the sidelines with score such as this. If you fancy just a good old fashioned adventure, strap in and let the music take you on a ride!

Final Score: Very enjoyable score that is sure to surprise most score fans. Jablonsky is someone to keep tabs on.