Time for a throwback score, my friends.  Thomas Newman was asked to create a score that would embody the style of "The Good German," a black and white film that tips its cap to the movies from the golden days.  Not only is the movie shot and edited as if it were the 1940s and 50s, but the music plays its part as well.    Needless to say, this is the type of project that you don't see too often during this CGI infested era of filmmaking.  Whether you like the film or not, you can't help but to appreciate the intent.  Same goes for the music.

 

To begin with, the soundtrack offers big, bold flavors, whether it's from the bombastic 'Main Title' or the mystery of the romantic intrigue placed in just the right spots to keep the album moving forward.  The statements are very sharp and the mood of each moment can not be mistaken.  Indeed, when danger lurks, you'll know! It's as if the listener is on a journey to another time and place since this style of music is something that I haven't heard in a long while.

 

As I reached the latter stages of the score, I wasreminded that I am more of a fan of the modern orchestral sound and tempo. The short strokes of bombast that the golden era offers is not something that I generally enjoy listening to on a pure fandom level.  That said, the uniqueness of this soundtrack made it tough for me to turn away from it, even if the tracks during the latter stages started to dull the proceedings.

 

Also notable is that Thomas Newman's direction leads to a stunning and impressive sound quality.  The music comes across in such a clean manner that it's pure joy to hear the instruments working together so cohesively.  To that end, the quality of this soundtrack rivals that of any release in recent times.  In fact, it's downright poetic when you can indulge in sound quality of this manner!

 

Whenever a creative team takes a risk, there is always the chance that the results might not be what is expected.  In a way, it's a calculated flip of the coin.  In the case of "The Good German," the risk is two-fold since both the film and the music play to another vein.  As far as the music goes, it is certainly enjoyable but moreso as a novelty or change of pace.  This isn't the type of content that I would plug into my favorites and listen to too often since I am not a true fan of the golden age "sound".  Thus, I have to say it's really up to you and whether or not you crave that old Hollywood sound if you're to add this one to your collection.

 

Final Score: No matter your angle, "The Good German" is an expertly produced score that is respectfully developed to represent the sound of yesteryear.  I recommend this one (slightly) as a nifty collectable and a definite change of pace!