James Horner – Brainstorm (original motion picture score, 1983)

Life quickly gave me a new challenge: review of a picture score (another wild research, I get it a lot). I thought that writing about it would be interesting simply because this type of music usually does not come as easy as ‘regular’ records. As I never heard about this movie, I decided to quickly watch it before I even touch what James Horner prepared for me. I was intrigued and confused by this film but quick research on Wikipedia answered all the questions I had (what questions? I leave that one for myself; you need to experience that movie on your own!). The album itself is only 30 minutes long but it is full of tremendous quality! I always believed that it’s better to write less and have an interesting piece of music. Mr Horner did exactly that. Four songs are very short but full of dramaturgy and emotions going back and forth. You can lie down, close your eyes and let your brain drift with all notes coming from speakers/headphones. Longer tracks bring even more. There are moments when you can feel love, moments of happiness, just to be surprised with completely different vibe, like anger. I strongly recommend watching the movie first. A couple of days later I’m still thinking about it and James Horner’s music keep this thought alive. Phenomenal The London Symphony Orchestra alongside with Boys From The Choir Of New College from Oxford created memorable half hour of epic music. If you plan to do some board games session with Sci-Fi, thriller theme, you should consider adding some of Brainstorm’s song into a playlist. You won’t be disappointed. Conclusion: I will definitely come back to this album. The more I listen to it, the more I sink into these notes and try to relive the moments from the film (and ask more questions). If you want to hear one of the best original scores from 80’s, here is your chance!

PS: James Horner won a Saturn award for this score! He even beat John William’s Return of the Jedi! How cool is that?

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Sadao Watanabe – Morning Island (1979)

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Badi Assad – Solo (1994)

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Recoil – Hydrology (1988)

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