Seven Pounds [Soundtrack]

Let me start off by saying this is an amazing movie, a must see. I haven't been touched by a movie like this one in many moons. The score is a beautiful poetic journey of notes and rhythms. Angelo Milli is an audible genius and only 33 years young. However,for all those chopping at the bit for the rest of the songs, I have compiled a list. Note that the song "Feeling Good" starts off being sung by Nina Simone but then is blended in with Muse's version towards the middle of the song. You can preview and buy all these songs on ITunes.

"Asi Sera"
Written by Rick Garcia and Rene Reyes
Performed by The Green Car Motel
Courtesy of Red Porch Music

"Have No Fear"
Written by Kathleen York (as Bird York) and Michael Becker
Performed by Kathleen York (as Bird York)
Courtesy of Blissed Out Records
By Arrangement with Ocean Park Music Group

"Feeling Good"
Written by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley
Performed by Muse
Courtesy of Warner Music U.K. Ltd.
By Arrangement with Warner Music Group Film & TV Licensing

"One of These Things First"
Written and Performed by Nick Drake
Courtesy of Universal-Island Records Ltd.
Under license from Universal Music Enterprise

"Fantasie in D Minor K.397"
Written by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Performed by Loretta Mento, Pianist
Courtesy of Eroica Classical Recording

"I Don't Know"
Written by Brook Benton and Bobby Stevenson
Performed by Ruth Brown
Courtesy of Atlantic Recording Corp.
By Arrangement with Warner Music Group Film & TV Licensing

"Que Sera Sera (Whatever Will Be Will Be)"
Written by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans
Performed by Sly and the Family Stone (as Sly & The Family Stone)
Courtesy of Epic Records
By Arrangement with SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT

"How Insensitive"
Written by Antonio Carlos Jobim, Vinicius de Moraes and Norman Gimbel
Performed by Diana Krall
Courtesy of The Verve Music Group
Under license from Universal Music Enterprise

"Lovin' You"
Written by Minnie Riperton and Dick Rudolph (as Richard Rudolph)

"For Me Formidable"
Written by Charles Aznavour, Gene Lees, Jacques Plante and G. Calabrese
Performed by Charles Aznavour
Courtesy of EMI Music France
Under license from EMI Film & Television Music

"The Crisis"
Written and Performed by Ennio Morricone
Courtesy of Sony BMG Masterworks
By Arrangement with SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT

"I'm into Something Good"
Written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin

An affecting drama which reunited actor Will Smith with his Pursuit of Happiness director Gabriele Muccino, Seven Pounds tells the story of IRS agent Ben Thomas who, for reasons which initially are unclear, embarks on an extraordinary journey of redemption by changing the lives of seven strangers, including a greeting card maker with a heart condition played by Rosario Dawson, and a blind meat salesman played by Woody Harrelson. The score for Seven Pounds is by 33-year-old Venezuelan composer Angelo Milli, whose only previous international exposure came in 2006 with the Peruvian drama La Mujer De Mi Hermano. Milli's music for Seven Pounds is performed by a fairly traditional orchestral complement, with emphasis on piano and strings, but has a definite contemporary feel, especially in the way he incorporates subtle synth drones and processed electronic tonalities into the fabric of the score - supportive and clearly defined, but not overwhelming. However, far from being uplifting, Milli's score is definitely on the downbeat, reflective side, matching the overarching feeling of the redemptive journey Smith's character makes. There are some lovely individual moments of note - the clarinet performance in "Seven Names" that gradually unfolds into a beautiful, dark string piece, the intimate piano motif in "Inez", the gorgeous cello lines in "I Thought I Was Strong", and the conventionally sweeping "Love Theme" for example. At times, his string and piano phrasing and his tendency to write prominent woodwind counterpoint reminds me of Thomas Newman, which can only be a good thing. Milli bring a soaring choral element to the table in certain key cues, using it to underline important moments of emotional resonance in the sensational, cathartic "Requiem" and the haunting, angelic "Surgery" (although the former does contain an unexpected inclusion of the James Horner's dreaded `four note motif'). There's even a little bit of dissonance, in the appropriately uncomfortable "A Good Man", which adds some depth and a welcome change in direction to the score, however brief it may be. Overall, Seven Pounds is a very confident and assured mainstream debut for Milli, and I look forward with anticipation to see how his career develops from here.

One of the most underrated movies of the year will most likely have the most underrated score of the year to follow right behind it. Angelo Milli's work on Seven Pounds is one of sheer brilliance. Being a fan of scores, I judge how good they are by two factors: How the music plays off the screen, and how well it supports the images on the screen. I'm glad to say that in both areas this CD passes with flying colors.

For those who have never seen this movie, all i will say about it is that its a sad movie. Period. I mean this is on the same level as "Pursuit of Hapiness" sad. But more then it being sad, its extremely powerful in its imagery, story, and of course, the music. The background music was done perfectly for this movie. It's subtle and calm enough to stay in the background and not remind the view they're watching a movie, yet still noticeable enough for you to know how good it is. You cant watch this and not acknowledge it. The violin and cello work is amazing.

I also really like this album because of its consistency. I can listen to this all the way through no problem. For those who are like me that appreciate a good "calming" set of music from time to time, this is a great choice. In addition to it being calming, the power behind it is more then I can covey with words. You may have to see the movie first to really get the full effect of the music, but not necessarily. The movie brought tears to my eyes, and the music is very capable of doing the same thing without the images.

I encourage everyone to grab a copy of this if your a fan of good music. Even if its not your thing, give it a try, you might surprise yourself. This is ESPECIALLY directed to anyone who is a fan of scores and instrumental music. This is a must for you! Support great artistry. Seven Pounds the movie is the bomb, and the soundtrack will blow you away.

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