Search - John Powell :: Paycheck [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack]

Rip-Snorting action score from a brilliant new composer

Greg Hirst | Casper, WY USA | 03/10/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Before THE ITALIAN JOB, I hadn't really been interested in John Powell's work (I always kinda resented how he and Harry ripped off Trevor Rabin's DEEP BLUE SEA theme for SHREK). Ironically, it is John Powell how has stepped forward to take the place of Trevor Rabin during his conspicuous absence (I don't believe a score of his has been released in 2 years)I do admit to downloading ESCAPE FROM THE EMBASSY from the BOURNE IDENTITY soundtrack, finding that music to be quite muscular and intense, and coherent.Now, after the wonderful ITALIAN JOB, John Powell again shows me why film-score buffs should pay attention to him. PAYCHECK is a rip-snorting action score, full of style and complexity. It has a snazzy snyle that is more muscular and driving than THE ITALIAN JOB. It ranges from intense, lush action music, groovy industrial rhythms, and busy, complex underscore.20 ITEMS and WOLFE PACK highlight the beginning of the score, pseudo-action pieces with some irresistable rythms. The next three tracks are sufficiant statements of the established style. I especially recommend 20 ITEMS if you simply want a swift boot in the arse.The two HOG CHASE tracks catapult the themes and styles heard in WOLFE PACK and 20 ITEMS into pulsating, soaring action music. The score then slows down before the lengthy FUTURE TENSE, another action piece that is less over-the-top and more serious that the HOG CHASES. FAIT ACCOMPLI (rough-French translation of "done deal" or "mission accomplished") provides the finale for the score, building in its last minuite to a frenetic action cue. RACHEL'S PARTY provides a reflective and soft interpretation of the theme, and I found it kind of out-of-place amidst the other tracks, but still pleasant. This score is for anyone who liked the ITALIAN JOB or simply wants to hear a competent action score with ultra-cool rythms and a distinct personality."

John Powell Does It Again!

Greg Hirst | 01/15/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"One of the first things that hit me when watching this movie was how much I liked the score. John Powell visits his trademark spy music territory in the vein of Face/Off and The Italian Job with Paycheck and the result is a very satisfying listeing experience. Those who enjoyed the score for the Italian Job will find a lot to like about this score. The highlights for me include tracks 1,2, 7 & 8.
Powell incoporates frenzied string writing with piano and drum loops to create
an exciting fun thrill ride of a score. A great popcorn score to go with an average popcorn movie. Definitely recommended."

Overall boombastic action score

B.J. Brown | Portland, OR USA | 06/09/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"John Powell has certainly been making a name for himself. His score for "The Italian Job" has been getting rave reviews, and now he scores John Woo's stereotypical action flick, "Paycheck". Does it hold well? Yes.Basically, it's very much a very boombastic action score, with a few cues given during the course of the score enough time for the listener to breathe.Some of the highlights include tracks 7 & 8, the "Hog Chase" cues. Part 2 (Track 8) most certainly gives a "Bondian" kind of feel to the overall remix of "Rachel's Theme" (Track 14). Powell basically gives a David Arnold feeling with the "Hog Chase" cues."Future Tense", track 11, is a "suite" of sorts, basically remixing tracks 2, 3, 4 and 7 (among others) into it's own cue, and it works out well. "Fait Accompli", the track that follows it, is more slower-paced, and works very well.Of course, we get "The Finger" (track 13), which is the shortest cue on the entire score (:33).The score wraps up with "Rachel's Party". A slow-paced version of the theme that dominates almost every cue before it. However, I think the placement for this track is odd, it should be a bit earlier in the score.Also, tracks 5 and 6 should've actually been one full track (as track 5 ends, it continues onto track 6), and can be jarring to some people, especially people who listen to the tracks in random order.Overall, if you want a very good action score with enough cues to keep your toes tapping, John Powell's "Paycheck" is for you. It most certainly compensates for the sub-par movie it's scored for."