I love the movie How to Train Your Dragon. With endearing characters,
spectacular action and a touching message, it is one of my favourite animated
films of recent times. My favourite part of the movie, however, has to be the
masterpiece that is John Powell's score. Excuse the pun, but this spectacular
soundtrack brought the film to new heights.
The opening piece of the film, This is Berk, is an absolute delight,
leaping from a moody intro to a blood-pumping frenzy of string, brass and
chamber voices before cresendoing into an absolutely breathtaking string
melody. Dense with rich layers and full-bodied themes, this piece feels like a
story unto itself, conveying strength, whimsy and emotional beauty in just over
four minutes.
More stirring themes are introduced in Test Drive, creating a rousing
sense of adventure and excitement and being the guiding force behind my
favourite scene in the movie, when Hiccup first takes flight on Toothless
(watch it in 3D; it's awe-inspiring). The rich melodies introduced in these two
pieces echo throughout the score, played by strings, horn, piano and even
percussion.
One of my favourite pieces on the album would be See You Tomorrow, with
an infectious jig sure to get your toes tapping. The piece simply bubbles with
playfulness and joy. Another gem is the soothing and beautiful Romantic
Flight, which plays as Astrid and Hiccup soar in the clouds.
Now that I think about it, all the songs on this album are gems. With How
to Train Your Dragon, John Powell created a masterful score of incredible
originality and wonder. This is music with exuberance and tremendous energy;
the kind of music that just fills your soul with warmth. This is my favourite
film soundtrack. Whether by YouTube, iTunes or The Pirate Bay, make sure
you listen to this epic music.
1. “This Is Berk” – John Powell
2. “Dragon Battle” – John Powell
3. “The Downed Dragon” – John Powell
4. “Dragon Training” – John Powell
5. “Wounded” – John Powell
6. “The Dragon Book” – John Powell
7. “Focus, Hiccup!” – John Powell
8. “Forbidden Friendship” – John Powell
9. “New Tail” – John Powell
10. “See You Tomorrow” – John Powell
11. “Test Drive” – John Powell
12. “Not So Fireproof” – John Powell
13. “This Time for Sure” – John Powell
14. “Astrid Goes for a Spin” – John Powell
15. “Romantic Flight” – John Powell
16. “Dragon’s Den” – John Powell
17. “The Cove” – John Powell
18. “The Kill Ring” – John Powel
19. “Ready the Ships” – John Powell
20. “Battling the Green Death” – John Powell
21. “Counter Attack” – John Powell
22. “Where’s Hiccup?” – John Powell
23. “Coming Back Around” – John Powell
24. “Sticks & Stone” – Jónsi
25. “The Vikings Have Their Tea” – John Powell
2. “Dragon Battle” – John Powell
3. “The Downed Dragon” – John Powell
4. “Dragon Training” – John Powell
5. “Wounded” – John Powell
6. “The Dragon Book” – John Powell
7. “Focus, Hiccup!” – John Powell
8. “Forbidden Friendship” – John Powell
9. “New Tail” – John Powell
10. “See You Tomorrow” – John Powell
11. “Test Drive” – John Powell
12. “Not So Fireproof” – John Powell
13. “This Time for Sure” – John Powell
14. “Astrid Goes for a Spin” – John Powell
15. “Romantic Flight” – John Powell
16. “Dragon’s Den” – John Powell
17. “The Cove” – John Powell
18. “The Kill Ring” – John Powel
19. “Ready the Ships” – John Powell
20. “Battling the Green Death” – John Powell
21. “Counter Attack” – John Powell
22. “Where’s Hiccup?” – John Powell
23. “Coming Back Around” – John Powell
24. “Sticks & Stone” – Jónsi
25. “The Vikings Have Their Tea” – John Powell
Thanks for reading!
