It was a relief for Alan Silvestri's fans to see him back scoring a action film like G.I. Joe. It's actually no surprise that Silvestri would re-unite with director Stephen Sommers. And the results? Mixed, I'm afraid.
There are two main themes in Silvestri's score. The theme for G.I. Joe is most proudly announced in the movie's end credits, a standard two-part theme with a bridge to bring the music back to the beginning. Unfortunately, this is the only time you will hear the full theme. Sure, the first part of the theme is used fairly well throughout the soundtrack, but the second half is heard only once during the whole score, and it's a quiet piece even. The Cobra theme is introduced in "King Cobra," but its use is much more subtle. You really have to listen for the small infections of the theme throughout the album. This leads us to the main complaint about the score.
The complaint being that the themology of the score is very weak, and the themes underused. I'll admit that I was expecting to hear the theme blast during key action scenes, and was disappointed when they didn't, but the themes are used, moreso with the Joe theme, albeit more subtler. "General Hawk" and "Deploy the Sharcs" both have a great energetic version of the Joe theme, but a little hampered by what most score fans hate: synthesizer sounds.
Like his recent Tomb Raider score, there are some synth mixed in with the overall orchestral sound, but unlike Tomb Raider, I don't really feel this score needs it. The electric guitar wail introducing the Joe theme on "General Hawk" is cool, but the heavy percussion and militaristic sound Silveresti has already sculpted with the orchestra fits into the GI Joe movie. The synth stuff feels like he's trying to make it sound more "summer blockbustery." I.E. Hans Zimmer.
But the synth is not too overbearing, and most of the score has a traditional Silvestri feel to it. "Delivering the Warheads" and "The JOEs Mobilize" are my two favorite tracks (besides the end credits, of course) They're both long, action suites which Silvestri manages to keep interesting with motifs and his usual energy. "Warheads" actually ends with my favorite variation of the Joe theme. Unfortunately, "The Pit Battle" may work well in the movie, but sounds a little directionless on the score. Also, "Rise of Cobra" is a surprising quiet track with not much in the way of big, evil music.
Overall, all Silvestri fans should listen to the exciting end credits. As for the rest of score, I enjoy listening to it, but it took awhile to warm up to it. B
Recommended Tracks:
3. Delivering the Warheads
6. King Cobra
7. What Happened to Her?
13. The JOEs Mobilize
16. Deploy the Sharcs
18. Just About Close Enough
20. I'm Not Giving Up On You
21. End Credits
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