Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest
The soundtrack for the firstPirates of the Caribbeanmovie was infamous for having been whipped up rather hastily. For the sequel, Hans Zimmer takes the reins and comes up with his best effort in ages. Things start off with a nice cello theme for Johnny Depp's character, "Jack Sparrow." After that, it's high gear all the way, beginning with "The Kraken," on which Zimmer unleashes gales of symphonic aggro. Even when he closely follows what Hollywood execs clearly believe are set-in-stone rules for contemporary soundtracks, he throws in interesting wrenches. He does cram in both wailing female vocals and stomping percussion in "Dinner Is Served," but then the track abruptly turns into the kind of demented waltz you usually get from Danny Elfman. As usual with sequels, winks to the first movie pop in and out--theBlack Pearltheme reappears in "I've Got My Eye on You" and "Hello Beastie"--but overall this album is more consistent. At least until you get to the final track, that is, a pounding offering by melodic-trance overlord DJ Tiësto. Pirates, wave your arms in the air like you just don't care.--Elisabeth Vincentelli