A World Apart

Composer: Hans Zimmer
Lable (Release Year): Milan (1996)
Availability: ****
Rating: ****

I can sum up my review in one line: If you like "Post Crimson Tide" Hans Zimmer, you will be happy with this one.

Although there are 9 tracks, a major portion of his music belongs to track 2, a 18 minutes suite. Just like most of the long Zimmer tracks, it does not seem long at all. It starts off with a melody and rhythm that is very similar to Rain Man. The rest of it is reminiscent of Beyond Rangoon. Sounds low key most of the time but it has enough good motifs to keep you interested. There are a few darker moments but they will not bore you very much either. His vintage strings-like synth sound is the dominant instrument. There are three dominant themes. The first is the very upbeat Rain Man like theme. It appears only briefly on track 2. But you will hear more of it at the "End Title." The second one is Molly's Theme. It appears in a few different forms in track 2 and is the backbone of it. It is a little sad but it carries hope at the same time. That theme is probably the reason why I think it sounds like Beyond Rangoon. The third theme is an African tune which is sung by The Messias Choir. Well, you know how good Zimmer is in composing African music. (The Power of One is being the best example.) Hopefully you have heard enough Zimmer and know what I am talking about.

It may seem that Zimmer's tracks are a little spread out in the album. But that is not the case. The songs are mixed very well with his score. I find the three songs by Lovermore Majaivana very enjoyable and definitely a highlight in the album. For those who like the non-action side of Hans Zimmer, you just can't miss this one out.



    Track Listing:
  1. Nkosi Sikelelai-Afrika (Trad.) Performed by The Messias Choir (1:30)
  2. A World Apart Suite (18:30)
  3. Zithulele MaMa (Trad.) Performed by The Messias Choir (1:55)
  4. Amandla (Hans Zimmer & Shawn Slovo) (2:35)
  5. The Pennywhistle Song Written & Performed by Lovemore Majaivana (2:40)
  6. Let's Twist Again (Kalman) Performed by Lovemore Majaivana (2:20)
  7. Bhayakala Written & Performed by Lovemore Majaivana (3:45)
  8. Molly's Theme (0:50)
  9. "A World Apart" - End Title (4:55)
    Total Time: 39:31



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