Air Force One by Jerry Goldsmith (CD, Jul-1997, Varèse Sarabande (USA))

'Air Force One' is a truly wonderful, patriotic movie and as such Jerry Goldsmith's score (a replacement for a rejected score by Randy Newman of all people) is fittingly wonderful and patriotic. The main theme, first used in the first track, The Parachutes, is swelling and majestic, and is reused elsewhere in such tracks as Free Flight and Escape From Air Force One. Some might say Goldsmith's overuse of this theme is a bit repetitive and while this is true, repetitive doesn't mean annoying; I love it, personally. It inspires wonder and hope in the face of evil.

Speaking of which, there are some tracks featuring some less than inspiring (but still good) music. Empty Rooms has a thudding, relentless piano theme that ramps up the suspense as President Marshall is pursued through the plane by the villains, and this theme really gets your heart pounding. But if Empty Rooms get your heart thumping then the track simply titled The Hijacking is bound to have you jumping with its loud, blaring music and jarring chords. Needless to say, this is the theme used for when the baddies seize control of the plane. It's finely paced and exciting while at the same time menacing and scary.

So, bravo, Mr. Goldsmith. You've outdone yourself with this one. I just wish more of the movie's soundtrack (especially the Russian-themed music) had been included here. But what we do get is Grade-A material.

it is the royal accentuation to one of the most influential motion picture's background score composer's carrier. one of the best so far. magnificent!