By Erin V.

One of the best films of the year so far, The Help will be remembered for it’s soundtrack – that is the songs, and in particular, The Living Proof by Mary J. Blige – rather than the score.  But that’s ok.  This is a brief review of the score which was released last week.  The [song] soundtrack has been available to buy since last month.

Setting the tone for the film, this score has a quiet feel.  But where Thomas Newman’s strength lies is in taking the simplicity he’s conveying and giving it a quiet resistance and power, which fits this story so well.  Like a lot of Thomas Newman’s other works, the score for The Help runs on the slightly more minimalist side.  The simple melodies are memorable throughout and pleasant to listen to.  I particularly like the parts where piano takes over.

Not every score will be as standalone, although I can’t really picture any other score with this film, so therefore I’d consider this a job well done in that regard.  But although it may be stronger within the film, because of it’s understatedness it does make for good music just to have playing in the background, or to put on while you’re working.

The first time I heard it, I figured it wasn’t really one I’d go back to again and again in my playlist, although I did like hearing it all the way through once.  That being said, I actually decided to listen to it again and found myself enjoying and appreciating it more the second time around.  The recurring themes are quite nicely developed and there are interesting wind instrument elements throughout, along with the likes of piano, guitar, and strings.  Ultimately, with an appropriate mix between more serious and lighter tones, it works.  If you liked the film, you will likely be pleased to add this score to your collection for some easy listening.  ___________________________________________________________________________

The The Help soundtrack was released by Varèse Sarabande into stores September 21st, 2011.

The score soundtrack has 20 tracks and runs for 59 minutes, 22 seconds.  The original score is composed by Thomas Newman.

You can read out reviews of The Help here.