Music Composed by Hans Zimmer
Rating: ** 1/2

The original Pirates of the Caribbean score was certainly not your stereotypical pirate movie score. It didn’t hearken back to the days of Korngold (what did you expect from a Jerry Bruckheimer produced movie?). It did, however, have that typical Bruckheimer score: full of machismo, an orchestral/electronic hybrid full of power anthems and electric guitars. Klaus Badelt was the credited primary composer, but as with a lot of scores of that ilk, it was a group effort. Of course, with the sequel, Dead Man’s Chest, featuring the same primaries both in front of and behind the camera, the music has the same flavor. It also features the composer by committee approach, but with Hans Zimmer as the primary composer.

What’s the result of the switch? Why, better music, of course. Better being a relative term. As mentioned above, it’s definitely in the same style as the previous score, perhaps with a bit more of an orchestral component, with the added benefit of choir. The album as a whole doesn’t have the same “charm” that the first score had, and the film’s tone is a direct cause of that. However, the music is better composed, and it’s a stronger score as a result.

Hans Zimmer

Zimmer’s effort keeps the primary themes of the first score around, but he introduces several new themes especially for the sequel. They are introduced in the opening three score tracks. “Jack Sparrow” is, naturally, the introduction of Jack Sparrow’s new theme. It’s playful, like the theme from the first film, and played on cello as the score opens. The cue continues to play around with this theme and expands on this idea until introducing a somewhat heroic action motif for the heroes.

Next up, “The Kraken”, is a hybrid thematic statement and action cue based around the monstrous kraken creature from the film. Two themes are present here; a motif for the villainous pirate crew, and a theme for the Kraken itself. Zimmer wisely employs an organ to accompany the Kraken’s theme for reasons to be expanded on later. After introducing the themes, “The Kraken” continues on for a stereotypical Zimmer action cue; lots of synths playing with the orchestra, electric guitars blaring, frantic cello and bass string work. Lots of fun, sure, but not your typical pirate music.

Finally, the last major thematic introduction cue, “Davy Jones”. This cue introduces Davy Jones’ theme, first tenderly like a music box, then dark and ominously on the organ (Jones plays the organ in the film). The use of organ in the Kraken’s theme ties the two characters together well.

The remainder of the score is a real mixed bag. Major sections, both action and not, bear strong resemblance to another recent Zimmer score, King Arthur, from the orchestration to the use of choir. The music does have some flavor, such as the waltz in “Dinner Is Served”, or the source music cue “Two Hornpipes (Tortuga)”, but generally speaking, when the action isn’t being poured on (as in the standout cue “Wheel of Fortune), or when the lively themes of the orignal score aren’t given a workout (generally in conjunction with said action), the score drones on quite stagnantly. Zimmer’s themes and ideas provide for great action music, but the dramatic underscore, in this case, is severely lacking.

The album closes out with a varying number of bonus tracks. The standard score release features a single trance/electronica/techno/what have you remix by DJ Tiesto of the “He’s a Pirate” theme from the original score. It takes a while to get going, but once it does, it’s somewhat enjoyable, if you’re into that sort of thing. The Best Buy exclusive score release (for those of you in the U.S.) features two more electronic remixes of the same theme; the first by Pete n’ Red is passable, the second by Chris Joss is horrid. Thankfully, these tracks are all at the end of the disc, and can be easily skipped if desired.

All in all, the score is a mixed bag. Its 50-minute run time is certainly adequate, and the recording, while favoring the low end, is workable, seeing as how much of Zimmer’s composition thrives in the lower registers. The score just seems lost when not going full speed, though, as if all of Zimmer’s best ideas went into the action and themes, leaving nothing else (or perhaps the extra composers) to handle the underscore. Certainly recommended for fans of the films and the first film’s score (and Zimmer fans too, of course). Those expecting their swash to be buckled, however, will be greatly disappointed.

Music Composed by Hans “Long John” Zimmer; Orchestrated by Bruce Fowler, Walter Fowler, Rick Giovinazzo, Ken Kugler, Suzette Moriarty; Orchestra Conducted by Pete Anthony; Recorded and Mixed by Alan Meyerson; Score Overproduced by Hans Zimmer and Bob Badami; Label: Walt Disney Records (61447-7); Availability: In-print; U.S. Release Date: July 4, 2006

01. Jack Sparrow (6′06)
02. The Kraken (6′55)
03. Davy Jones (3′15)
04. I’ve Got My Eye On You (2′25)
05. Dinner Is Served (1′30)
06. Tia Dalma (3′58)
07. Two Hornpipes (Tortuga) (1′14)
08. A Family Affair (3′34)
09. Wheel Of Fortune (6′45)
10. You Look Good Jack (5′34)
11. Hello Beastie (10′15)
12. He’s A Pirate - Tiesto Remix (7′02)

Total Playing Time: 58′32