Search - Michael Giacchino :: Medal of Honor

A remarkable score

B. Sharp | England | 06/02/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The way I became engrossed in Medal of Honor was buying the Allied Assault game for the PC, which was most enjoyable. I was struck particularly by the in-game music which sounded as if it had been lifted from a movie. I discovered that whilst unfortunately there is no CD release for the "Allied Assault" score, other games in this franchise have had the music released, including this, the first. I bought this CD on the recommendations of reviewers on this website and on more specialist soundtrack-reviewing websites.



Anyway, what do I think of it? Actually my first thought on hearing the opening track was slight disappointment, purely for the reason that it was a different track to the one I imagined, that being the title music from "Allied Assault". But on re-listening track 1, it is simply wonderful. The lonely trumpet evokes imagery of a lone soldier, perhaps surveying a WW2 battleground, then joined by his comrades in arms. It builds up to a climax which makes you want to place your hand on your heart and thank God and the brave citizens who have given their lives so that we may live in a free world.



Much of the rest of the score is more playful. "The Radar Train" is rather jaunty, and, well, train-like! Giacchino uses his orchestra so well to reflect the mood of the setting in mind. Various themes are repeated throughout the score "John Williams" style. The main theme features in "Radar Train", in a slightly twisted form in "Panzer Attck", then coming back to a more glory-bound statement of the same in "The Jet Aircraft Facility". There is a "Nazi Theme" too, first heard towards the end of track 2, and is scattered around indicating a threat of attack. Other themes are interesting too, such as that used in "Merker's Salt Mine", "The U-Boat", and a glorious melody featured in "Stopping the V2 Launch". "Sabotage" brings back memories of Williams' "Scherzo" from "Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade", but it is sufficiently distinctive in its own right for Giacchino to put his own stamp on.



For me, some of this CD took a little listening to before I was able to follow each track through. But what is so great is that whilst various themes are used, each track is very different and worthy of note in its own right.



My award for favourite track would have to be "Taking Out the Railgun". It's sneaky sounding with low strings at first, yet hints at bravado as the strings get higher and you approach your goal. It builds up and builds up, increasing in volume and stepping up half a key here and there, becoming more and more tense. I think that this is such a perfect example of how to gradually wrap a whole orchestra round a single theme and splash it out with cymbals, and build it up to a noisy, powerful statement. I could listen to this over and over again, it really is that good.



I suppose having not played the Playstation game, I listen to this with regard to the music, and not much to exactly which part of the game it represents. However this score can be enjoyed to the full without the need for that. Giacchino was given a free rein as he didn't have to tie the score to precise moments, and it's this which makes it such an enjoyable listening experience. This score is for me beyond comparison to anything in this genre at the moment.



This is totally, thoroughly superb. Every track is an absolute joy."

A Wonderful Experience!

Barry Robinson | Colombus | 07/26/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I remember being blown away by all the great gameplay qualities of Medal of Honor when it was first released. I was caught up in the 'Saving Private Ryan' feel the game had. It was only until I began replaying the game more that I keyed into the music. WOW! It is nothing short of fantastic. Medal of Honor made me really appreciate the music behind the game. I just recently bought the cd and it is just awesome. As well as bringing back some old memories it also has a few hints to Frontline at points in certain songs. I bought this along with Underground. Medal of Honor is a great compilation of all the music heard throughout the game, so if you've played the game, you know what I'm talking about. I'm going to hopfully order the Frontline soundtrack soon, as I have been completely blown away by the beauty of this and Underground. This and Underground go great together but the stand out tracks in this album are Medal of Honor, Taking out the Railgun, Panzer Attack, The U-boat, and The Road to Berlin. The whole album is fantastic. Buy the whole Medal of Honor soundtrack collection. You wont be dissapointed, especially if you love the games as much as I do."

An Overlooked Gem

Medal of Honor Fan | UK | 08/18/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Medal of Honor is a war score in the tradition of John Williams. The core themes are excellent, and Michael Giacchino's composing talents are used to their fullest abilities.

The Allies and Patterson Themes are brave and noble, while the Nazi theme is sinister, yet fun and bombastic, slightly like the Imperial March.

Standout action cues include 'Taking Out The Railgun,'The Radar Train,' and 'Rjuken Sabotage.' 'Panzer Attack' introduces the Panzer theme, which is one of my personal favourites.

'Merker's Salt Mine' includs a repetitive motif that creates the feeling of zooming by in a mine cart. The finale, 'The Jet Aircraft Facility' is brilliant, with a rousing rendition of the Patterson Theme and nazi Theme in persuit. 'The Road To Berlin' is a nice jazz piece that fits in well.

There are 2 extra secret cues not listed here, but I won't spoil the surprise! A great booklet full of art and track analysis accompanies the soundtrack.

Buy this soon, because it has been out of print for sometime and soon there will be none left! I paid $30 for mine, so get out your wallets and start counting!"