Sneakers

	Composer: James Horner Label (Release Date): Columbia Records (1992) Availability: **** Rating: ***
After listening to so many James Horner's action drama scores, there is no way that I will think this score is highly original. Those banging piano and percussion arrangements are so familiar to me. However, that does not mean that there is nothing special about this album. This score features the saxophone performance of one of the Marsalis, Branford Marsalis. I don't know how they ended up working together, but the result is pleasing. The album starts off with the very nice "Main Title." It mixes Danny Elfman type female chorus with a saxophone melody, which eventually built up with an excellent rhythm. (The rhythm is so good that he has to use it again in his score to "Searching For Bobby Fischer" later.) The "Sneakers Theme" is a very light and happy tune. It has very simple and catchy melody. The use of saxophone with small orchestra adds a special flavor to it. There is also a sad saxophone theme which sounds like some of his themes from the 80s (48 Hrs. etc) "The Escape/Whistler's Rescue" is the only enjoyable track that does not have saxophone. It sounds like a track from Cocoon. The track is later merged with the The Sneakers Theme in "...And The Blind Shall See." - another great track. In general, the enjoyable moments are when the saxophone is involved. Other than that, you are just listening pieces from Apollo 13, Patriot Games, Pelican Brief, and Clear and Present Danger.
Track Listing: Main Title (2:59) "Too Many Secrets" (6:17) The Sneakers Theme (3:34) Cosmo... Old Friend (7:09) The Hand-Off (3:07) Planning the Sneak (3:22) Playtronics Break-In (10:39) The Escape/Whistler's Rescue (3:24) Goodbye (3:24) "...And the Blind Shall See" (4:29) Total Time: 48:27