Top 10 Goldsmith Scores You Need To Hear

Well, it's been awhile since I have tackled a "top 10" list, so here's a new one: Goldsmith scores you need to hear!

Now, some of these will be well known titles and some not-so well known. At any rate, I hope you will look into the scores listed after reading this. As always, this is purely my own opinion and based off of the Goldsmith scores I have actually heard. As with most lists, this will simply be a snapshot of what I feel are the works by Mr. Goldsmith that most of my readers should hear/be aware of.

So, here we go....

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10. Patton (1970)

Thoughts: A rather sparse score, Patton is one of those works that says a lot in a very short amount of time. It nicely conveys the many aspects of General Patton's character through a three part overture, making great use of the echoplex at the same time. A score that lives up to its high reputation.

9. Medicine Man (1992)

Thoughts: Goldsmith in the jungle... with synths. This is one of those scores that you have to get used to in order to really enjoy it. Thankfully, there is a lot to enjoy once you get pasted the jungle rhythms and synth textures. Give it a chance, you may find you really like it.

8. The Edge (1997)

Thoughts: Goldsmith without synths. Period. This is one of those rare later year scores by Mr. Goldsmith that does not feature synthesizers of any kind and is easily one of the highlights of his later career. With a sweeping main theme ("Lost in the Wilds") and plenty of rugged action music, this is one of the best of the 90's.

7. Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983)

Thoughts: As I mentioned in my review, this score works as both a sampler of Goldsmith's styles for newcomers and as a great collection of some of the best the Master had to offer at the time. It's practically four scores in one, so what's not to like?

6. First Knight (1995)

Thoughts: Some complain about this one being too obvious in its emotions, thus giving it an almost parody feeling. In this reviewer's opinion, it merely harkens back to the grand old adventure scores of Hollywood's Golden Age. Heroic fanfare, a sweeping love theme and wall shaking action music. A must listen for both fans and casual listeners.

5. Secret of N.I.M.H (1982)

Thoughts: Goldsmith's first foray into animated features and it's a knock-out. This is one of those scores that has a very strong Classical feeling to it in many parts, which helps greatly in giving the music a much bigger and more serious feeling. The choir work is wonderful and the array of themes are both wide, yet easily recognizable and identifiable. "Flying Dreams" is probably one of the most sappy, yet lovely songs/themes for an animated movie prior to James Horner's work in the genre.

4. Alien (1979)

Thoughts: Experimental horror score with Romantic leanings when it comes to the non-horror moments. This is one of those that may take some time to get used to, but is well worth the effort of listening to. The mastery of orchestral tones and strange recording techniques alone are highly impressive, though what's most striking is just how listenable the work is. This will always be one of the greats in both film and score.

3. Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979)

Thoughts: The first and possibly the best Star Trek score, Goldsmith injects the perfect balance of awe, mystery and adventure into this work. The Main title is an instant classic and the music for Vger and the cloud sequences are simply fantastic in their balance of dark beauty and mysteriousness (similar music would be used later in Poltergeist (1982) ).

2. Legend (1985)

Thoughts: Probably the toughest Goldsmith score to really get into, this is also the one score that has the most to give to those that can get pasted the electronic elements and singing. Without a doubt the finest fantasy score pre-Lord of the Rings, Legend shows Goldsmith at the peak of his creative powers. Definitely worth the effort to get into.

1. The Wind and the Lion (1975)

Thoughts: Possibly the easiest Goldsmith score to like and also one of his very finest. Everything about this score is pure classic Goldsmith: the use of ethnic instruments, percussive action material, a grand Main theme and several equally impressive supporting themes. There is really no reason not to like this score, so if you have not heard this one yet, go and listen to it or buy the film. Both are classics in their respective fields.