John Williams: Star Wars Episode II — Attack of the Clones Soundtrack

By RUSSELL BAILLIE

(Herald rating: * * * * )

For a certain generation, John Williams' Star Wars theme was the first piece of symphonic music to make a lasting impression. Whether that might be said of his Harry Potter soundtrack, the last of the composer's conveyor-belt is doubtful. But his fifth reworking of that famous tune — aka The Imperial March which still owes something to Wagner's Ride of the Valkyries as used in Apocalypse Now — and his new themes make an impressive album, evocative of the film's darker themes, faster pace, wider horizons and its romance.

The latter is cued by the plaintive, pastoral Across The Stars which is the most memorable new melody here and one which, like the famous theme, echoes throughout the 13 tracks.

With frantic, percussive and jagged chase numbers (Jango's Escape, Bounty Hunter's Pursuit), menacing nocturnal creepiness (The Tusken Camp) and an epic battle finale, the soundtrack is as rewarding to SW fans in its own way as the film itself.

Label: Sony