Collateral - Various Artists > Reviews > A great multicultural soundtrack.

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Average
Lyrics	Standard
Quality and consistency of tracks	A couple of weak links
Value for Money	Excellent

Advantages:	Hugely varied .  Wide cultural influence .  James Newton Howard .  16 tracks .
Disadvantages:	None .

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

I watched Collateral for the first time in Hong Kong and I thought it was fantastic. I was also really impressed with the way the music was used in the film, and I immediately bought the soundtrack when it was released here in the UK.

Los Angeles is a very diverse city - as was illustrated in the film. Mexico, Cuba, Korea, the ghetto - it's all represented in this film. And of course America.

You get a real feel of the dark slightly shady tone for the film with the opening track 'Briefcase' by Tom Rothrock. Not much going on musically in this track - but it sets the tone well.

Most of this soundtrack is the actual songs that were used in the films. The artists include Groove Armada, Audioslave, Miles Davis, Paul Oakenfold and Calexico. The Paul Oakenfold track in particular is excellent and features during the excellent Korean nightclub scene. One of my favourites is also 'Air' by the Klazz Brothers & Cuba Percussion. This track is a jazz trio version of the famous 'Air on the G string' by Bach. It's fabulous and on this soundtrack you get the whole song, and it's not faded out like it is in the film.

The two score composers - the legendary James Newton Howard - who I've been fortunate to meet, and Antonio Pinto. Pinto focuses more on the emotional and electronic aspects of the score, whilst Howard really comes into his own when it comes to the final chase scene with Max and Vincent. The use of percussion in the track 'Vincent Hops Train' is particularly excellent.

This soundtrack is a worthy addition to anyone's collections. You can listen to it from start to finish and not be bored, as there is a huge variety of music in this soundtrack. The multicultural aspect of this soundtrack is what makes it good. Sure it's not going to be legendary - but it's a soundtrack that works really well with the film, and also works well without the film. Praise sohuld be given to Michael Mann (Director), Kathy Nelson (Album Producer) and in particular Music Supervisor VIcky Hiatt for the excellent choice in music for the film. And of course James Newton Howard and Antonio Pinto for adding to the great atmosphere that presides throughout.

A very enjoyable soundtrack.