WaterTower Music release the soundtrack to Aquaman, the action-packed adventure film from Warner Bros. Pictures and director James Wan. The movie reveals the origin story of half-surface dweller, half-Atlantean Arthur Curry and takes him on the journey of his lifetime - one that will not only force him to face who he really is, but to discover if he is worthy of who he was born to be... a king...

The soundtrack to Aquaman contains the original score by composer Rupert Gregson-Williams (Wonder Woman; Hotel Rwanda; Hacksaw Ridge; Postman Pat: The Movie), includes a track by composer Joseph Bishara and debuts the new songs 'Ocean To Ocean' by Pitbull Feat. Rhea, and the end title song 'Everything I Need' by Skylar Grey.

As you'd expect, being a superhero centric Hollywood movie, the soundtrack takes centre stage, full of adrenaline fuelled action themes. However, it's a lot more of a subtle affair when compared to the in-your-face Marvel superhero movies. Gregson-Williams delivers a lot of laid back, reflective themes. In addition he incorporates digital elements that could have sounded out of place in less capable hands.

The album contains 20 tracks (1 hr, 05 min, 02 sec) and while there are numerous highlights, I couldn't help smiling when listening to 'He Commands the Sea', as it appears to have a brief electronic underscore homage to Klaus Doldinger and Giorgio Moroder's work on The Never Ending Story (1984). If I had to pick a favourite track I'd have to single out 'What Could Be Greater Than A King'.

I loved the direction that Gregson-Williams decided to take for this score. It sets it apart from the other superhero soundtracks, which are all starting to tread familiar ground.

8/10

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Aquaman: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Composer: Rupert Gregson-Williams
Label: WaterTower Music
watertower-music.com
RRP: £13.99
Release Date: 14 December 2018

http://www.reviewgraveyard.com/00_revs/r2018/music/18-12-14_aquaman.html