Same as many of you, I could not resist the temptation when the "Duel of the Fates" single came out. I downloaded the MP3 of it. Although I did not like the the choral part at first, I LOVED the piece very much. I played the MP3 at least 20 times that night. (That is more than 80 minutes of non stop "Duel of the Fates.") "Duel of the Fates" is definitely different than the old Star Wars music. In the previous Star Wars themes, non of them has actual lyrics in them. I did not like the sound of the words at first. But after listening to it so many time, I start liking them. I think the melody and orchestrations of it is over the top. I just love those cello and horn sound. It just spins in my head nights and days. It is more like the 90s of John Williams, at the transition part (2:37 to 2:43), you can definitely hear some Lost World.

The album opens with the familiar Star Wars theme. "The Arrival of Naboo" is very short but none the less very enjoyable. The horn melody seems a little slow but has a little old school Star Wars flavor. "Anakin's Theme" is a very gorgeous theme. The use of the strings actually reminds me of Sleepers. Listening 0:16 to 0:22 carefully and you will see what I mean. The same transition appears again later in the theme. Of course, Anakin is the future Darth Vader, the melody of the Imperial March is hinted at several spots. "Jar Jar's Introduction" is the first track that really reminds me of his old style. It is definitely because of the tuba solos, which we have not heard in Williams' score for a long time. "The Swim to Otoh Gunga" sounds mysterious, which matches the visual of the movie very well. This track just brings back all those Star Wars music memories. "The Sith Spacecraft and The Droid Battle" is the first fast paced action music. The track is just over the top. The bombastic horns, flying woodwinds, and catchy rhythm just blow my mind away. I just love the way he puts the "Duel of the Fates" theme in it. "The Trip to The Naboo Temple" has an excellent string rhythm. Hear those trumpets at 0:46 to 0:47? Those are old school. "The Arrival at Tatoonie" opens with the theme that we heard in "Jar Jar's Introduction" and is a very nice track also. "The Flag Parade" is another favorite cue of mine. It actually reminds me of the Indiana Jones music a lot. It may sound a little slow when listening to it alone, but it accompanies the visual very well. I hope he can conducts it a little faster when it is played as a concert piece. In 1:33 to 1:40 of "He Is the Chosen One", you can hear some of the "Sleeper's strings" again.

"Anakin Defeats Sebulba" picks up where "The Flag Parade" left off. I think the track is very interesting in terms of style. It is because it is definitely one-half The Lost World and one-half Star Wars. I guess the timpani and flutes make it The Lost World and the others make it Star Wars. "Panaka and the Queen's Protectors" is just another great action track: a track that you want to hear over and over again. "The Droid Invasion" reminds me of Raiders of the Lost Ark. This is especially true for the rhythm of the trumpets (1:26 to 1:35) and trombones. The last action cue we heard is "Qui-Gon's Noble End." It is, again, a great track. But it does not seem to give enough final boost. The last track "Augie's Great Municipal Band" is the only track that seems to be out of place. It, however, works with the movie very well. The track is too electronic and it probably the weakest track. It probably reminds many people of the few new pieces of music added in the Special Editions. Tthe "End Title" is just the reprise of the Star Wars Theme, Duel of the Fates, and Anakin's Theme.

Honetly, I do have the feeling of being a little bit disappointed. I and you, however, should not be. No matter how you compare this score to other John Williams' score, it is still a great one. The score is thematically strong, the orchestrations are elegant, and just about any one of the action cue will knock you socks off. The "Dual of the Fates" theme is intelligently inserted in some tracks. Those are the moments that I enjoy the most. The album is also sequenced very well. It does not have any track that runs too long. (Remember those obnoxiously long tracks in the Special Edition releases?) The great performance of the London Symphony Orchestra just gives it another plus. There is no doubt that the style is different than the previous Star Wars music, but there is not a whole lot. Some of the orchestrations actually reminds me of Hook a little bit also. The occasional use of some of the old themes ties it up with the previous three scores. It makes it less of a separate score. The movie is a lot more colorful and has more action scenes then A New Hope. So, it is not right for one to expect this score has the same tone as A New Hope. Star Wars: The Phantom Menace is another gem from our master and idol John Williams. It is really bad that they did not make it a 2CDs release right away. (But they will definitely release the complete score in the future.) Nevertheless, I hope you enjoy this release as much as I do.