What You Need to Know: I think John Powell had a Bear McCreary moment. For the 2% of readers who get that line, and the majority of others who think I need to get a life, Powell's identifier for Green Zone is his use of percussions throughout the score which is comparable to the manner in which McCreary composes his music. Here, the percussions are loud and clear though I wouldn't say the consistent use of it is so brutal that it will overwhelm the listener. True, some of you may grow a bit weary of hearing the driving force behind this score, but it's all part of the package and I think it gives off just the right sense of urgency to propel a movie like this.
One interesting note about this score is that there is barely an Arabic influence to be heard. This one seems to be coming to us straight from the West's perspective and right from the heart of the Green Zone itself. In that sense, you can consider this more of a traditional action score than an ethnically influenced dramatic score. That said, I have to use the word "traditional" with caution -- this is not a typical action score at all given the types of tracks that are on here. The images that the music evokes to me is one of sand and concrete, harsh episodes and fast-paced action. I very much like the way Powell delivers music that firmly represents the story at hand and cannot be substituted in some random movie like a Paycheck, for example.
What makes me give this score a nod of approval is its consistency. I very much enjoyed the blistering pace that the percussions led with and I like how Powell kept everything else as background elements to these featured instruments. However, I do think a brief main theme might have had a place in this score and it would have enabled the experience to gain higher accolades in my book. That, and editing out some of the underscore from the soundtrack would have also been a help.
Ultimately, Green Zone is rugged but it also has a purpose to it...and plus, listening to this score can serve as a healthy alternative to a 5 hour energy drink. This one will definitely get your day started!
Final Score: Green Zone is not a routine action score and its intensity should be positively appealing to fans who enjoy a bit of urgency attached to their listening engagements. Had there been even a presence of a main theme, the score would have received a higher mark. Instead, Green Zone lands in the B- minus category.
