Jarhead (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

Album Review

Composer Thomas Newman has carved out a niche for himself with atmospheric scores that blend the traditional with cutting-edge technology, so it comes as no surprise that his work on director Sam Mendes' Gulf War drama Jarhead radiates with the kinetic energy of battle while mirroring its emotional complexities with regional instrumentation and thoughtful cues that reflect the human side of war. That said, Newman has chosen to orchestrate Desert Storm with a baton that's been dipped in Mendes' signature black humor, referencing techno, worldbeat, and even hip-hop within the confines of a traditional action score. Mendes, who along with Kathy Nelson executive produced the soundtrack, works contemporary pieces in by everyone from Bobby McFerrin ("Don't Worry Be Happy") to Public Enemy ("Fight the Power") with both a wink and a jibe, resulting in one of the more visceral collections of film music since the Dust Brothers' work on David Fincher's Fight Club.