Coco - KRISTEN ANDERSON-LOPEZ, ROBERT LOPEZ, GERMAINE FRANCO,
|
11/26/17 |
|
What You Will Hear: Mariachi band, Spanish guitar, flute, accordion, and some jazz influence.
Standout Tracks: Remember Me, Remember Me (Reunion), Miguel’s Got An Axe To Find, Dept. of Family Reunions, Newbie Skeleton Walk, Fiesta con de la Cruz, Somos Familia, Grabbing a Photo Opportunity, A Run For The Ages Will You Be Humming Along? Remember Me is instantly hummable and endearing. Giacchino’s main theme shows up early and often. (see: Will He Shoemaker?) The album this makes me want to dust off: Ratatouille – Michael Giacchino
Will I come back to it? This is a score of extremes. It is an enjoyable ride from the highs to the lows. Not since Lost (except for the most recent Apes) have we heard Giacchino show such beautiful restraint (see: Somos Familia). In these softer moments, the onscreen action must be heart achingly wonderful or sad, and I’ll bet that the composer is on point with his approach. As a contrast, the big Latin jazz numbers are completely in your face (see: Fiesta con de la Cruz). The heavy influence of traditional instrumentation and style is never overbearing. For American ears not used to these styles, it feels like they got the mix just right. Beautiful orchestra effortlessly weaves in and out of wonderful mariachi music. |
The songs are authentic and never feel like they are pandering to the plot, location, or characters. The main character's heartbreaking performances are emotional gut punches (see: Remember Me Reunion). Everything else feels like a genuine celebration of the culture. Out of all Giacchino’s scores, the melodies and ideas he brings to the table here are the most understated. There is no doubt that the songs are the center of this experience. The score’s main theme is most often played on quiet guitar, like a wonderful accompaniment. At times, it feels like the performer is sitting right next to you. Again, beautiful restraint.
My initial reaction to this score was not so positive. It lacks the big moments of Giacchino’s other Pixar scores, and it won’t immediately grab your attention. But, let that guitar pull you in, and you’ll be glad for the experience. Coco is an understated joy.
My initial reaction to this score was not so positive. It lacks the big moments of Giacchino’s other Pixar scores, and it won’t immediately grab your attention. But, let that guitar pull you in, and you’ll be glad for the experience. Coco is an understated joy.