Rocky II

	Composer: Bill Conti Label (Release Year): EMI-Manhattan (1985) Availability: **** Rating: ***1/2
Follow the success of the first film, Sylvester Stallone returned and directed this sequel. There is no doubt that he would hire Bill Conti again since his Rocky score was "top of the world" and extremely effective. And later becomes the most used film music in sports events. "Gonna Fly Now" is still the key piece in this score. Also, many music composed for the first film is reused in this one. The album is only 34 minutes long (as it is transferred form the origianl vinyl) and there are two songs. So you can tell there is not much new materials in this score. Nonetheless, there are still some. The new theme is the song "All Of My Life", written by Bill Conti. Its instrumental version is used in quieter moments of the score. It is not as good as "You Take My Breath Away", a song from Rocky, which is also written by Bill Conti. But it is quite enjoyable. Despite its lack of new music, the old themes still have their magic. The fresh arrangements and variations of the themes are very good. They are not quite like what you heard in the first one. For example, instead of adults choir, he uses chilren choir in "Gonna Fly Now" this time. You have heard the theme before but it has a brand new spice and flavor this time. Also, some of the music has a very good 70s funky feel (Like those Lalo Schifrin scores). The 8 minutes "Overture" track is marvelous. If you are a big fan of the original theme and want more of it, you won't be disappointed by this one.
Rhythm Section: Mike Lang (Keyboards) Steve Schaeffer (Drums) Chuck Berghofer (Bass) Dennis Budimer (Guitar) Bob Zimmitti (Percussion)	Track Listing: Redemption (Theme From "Rocky II") (2:34) - Piano: Bill Conti Gonna Fly Now (2:34) Conquest (4:40) Vigil (6:30) DeEtta & Nelson Pigford - All Of My Life (4:00) Overture (8:38) Two Kinds Of Love (2:36) It is a song but it doesn't say who sings it. All of My Life (2:28) - Piano: Mike Lang Total Time: 34:09