John Ottman's score for The Losers bristles with a fun energy that is tough to resist. Let's just hope it doesn't get swallowed up by the massive summer movie scene because this is a soundtrack that can contend with anything we've heard thus far in 2010.  But then again, I suppose that's why sites like this one are in business; to promote awareness of items demanding your attenion.  The Losers is one such example of that.

 

The entire vibe of The Losers delivers a breezy, well-paced set of tunes that captures the context of the film very well.  From a one-off listening experience, it takes you on a trip that is void of dull times, and instead, gives the listener a kick of rock infused orchestral music, a combination that can be quite potent in the right hands.  In fact, listening to this album reminded me of Basil Poledouris' hybrid scores due to the ease in which it came across.  Indeed, while there are some scores that require studious attention be paid every step of the way, The Losers is just an effortless engagement.  And that's a compliment.

 

There is some edginess to this album as well.  One can't overlook the characters that inhabit this story and Ottman ensures that they get their due.  Much like the other motifs in the score, these brash, action oriented moments don't hit the listener over the head in an obnoxious way, and instead, come across very much in-balance; the energy is very much in focus and that's what I like. Plus, all this gives us a glimpse into another side of Ottman's abilities, which is always fun to hear. 

 

In a review full of accolades I offer yet another -- there was no strain to get through this listening experience.  It just clicks from track to track. It could have been generic (like many scores of this genre are) but it's not.  That's how a soundtrack can win you over and send one on their way to repeat engagements.  And that's why The Losers is an easy score to recommend; it simply hits the spot. 

Final Score: John Ottman's signature remains a strong presence in the soundtrack pool. Though his films may not always garner the fanboy buzz that some of the other composers enjoy, I'd take him on my side any day.  The Losers hits the mark, so don't be one and pick up your copy soon :)