Customer Reviews

Spirit Stallion Of The Cimarr

5 star:		(86)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

When I saw the movie, I noticed Bryan Adams' music right away. I didn't realize how perfectly matched the soundtrack was for the movie until I bought the CD and listened to it, then watched the movie again. It's wonderful! You almost can't help but to sing along, and Adams' vocal performance is particularly poignant. Since the movie is largely about non-speaking characters, the music is particularly good at conveying the feeling behind certain scenes such as when Spirit is in the train car and imagines he sees his herd in the snowflakes. You'll listen to this cd over and over.

Music always enhances an atmosphere, and on occassion it can also digress one. In the case of this music, the atmosphere and the emotion surrounding the movie were by far intensified beyond what my words can describe. In many ways, I feel that of all the soundtracks that Hans Zimmer has written scores for, this is one of the top ranking ones. (...) I understand the power of music. This CD is beautiful. I bought it probably 2 years after I saw the movie, because I never actually got around to picking it up within good time of seeing the movie. This is by far one of the most grasping CDs I've ever bought. Once you start playing it, you can't help but want ot listen to the whole thing. It is beautiful.

I recently got this CD after wanting it for about 2 years. I'm so happy the waiting is over! I listen to it all day, loving each moment of every song! When you're feeling down in the dumps, "Sound the Bugle" is there to lift your "Spirit"s! Feeling romantic? Try "Nothing I've Ever Known". When angry or under stress, why not listen to "Get Off My Back"? This CD has a song for everybody, and it's definetly worth every penny.

While I must give in and confess that it's a movie made for everybody, what really made the flick standout above the rest was how the story was told - through music. Music is a powerful weapon and can add greater emotion to any scene of any movie. If done right, the movie will become an even greater experience after it reaches the climax. Luckily, a good friend of mine had a copy, to which I borrowed for a few days and listened. I came out of the listening sessions with an aching desire to check out more works of Bryan Adams. Bryan Adams, along with Award-Winning composer Hans Zimmer, collaborated to bring the movie to life through music.

But before I even speak of the music and how beautiful it can be for the ears, I'll explain the story behind Spirit - Stallion Of The Cimarron. The movie is an animated flick and tells the story of a Kiger mustang named Spirit, who runs wild and free on the Cimarron (New Mexico) wilderness with his family and is determined to make sure they are kept away from enslavement. Unfortunately, a group of soldiers discover and capture Spirit, thus forcing Spirit to be away from his family, as the proud horse is taken to a U.S. Calvary fort, where they attempt to master the proud horse. Sick of seeing his kind being treated in a bad fashion, Spirit escapes the fort with a new goal in mind - to return home and be reunited with his family. Along the way, he encounters new friends and old enemies, not to mention falling for a beautiful paint mare named Rain.

Whereas most stories that you see in movies are told through dialogue, the movie's plot is told through a different standpoint - narration. Matt Damon was hired to convey Spirit's thoughts to the audience. Though little dialogue is heard, the music is what really does that talking, as two musicians team up to deliver a solid, heart-wrenching performance, both vocally and musically.

Bryan Adams steps up to the plate and creates lyrics that gives the lead character a whole new dimension, adding more feelings on how the mustang feels when he is taken away from his family by strangers he never met in his life or how he feels towards Rain, the love of his live, not to mention his determination in returning home for good. Overall, as far as vocals and lyrics are concerned, Bryan Adams does a brilliant job in moving the audience and getting them surrounded with the atmosphere.

So if vocals and lyrics are superb, what about the music? The music is just as uplifting as the two elements combined. Hans Zimmer's role in the entire project felt like magic the moment the movie began. Hans concentrated more on the orchestration, with Bryan pitching in by using acoustic guitars in several songs that helped to display Spirit's emotions during the flick. The instrumentals are also satisfactory, as they manage to let the atmosphere of that era grab you and take you to a different place. Some of the standout tracks are "Here I Am", "I Will Always Return", "Brothers Under The Sun", and "Nothing I've Ever Known", just to name a few. Those tracks should be given more than just one listen, since I can recall myself humming the tune for days.

In conclusion, this is perhaps one of the best movie soundtracks I've heard in years. It opened up my eyes to Bryan Adams and got me to seek out more of his famous works. It also made me realize that music is just as important than to everything else in a movie - without it, the movie won't succeed on its terms. Yes I know - this movie is a kid's movie and it's for everybody, but who cares? In the end, I tend to listen to music that moves me these days - Spirit did a wonderful job in captivating my soul. If you are an aficionado of music soundtracks, then pick this up. Though the movie was released in 2002, which was two years ago, if you think about it, two years later, the music can still stick to your head and never leave your memories for a while.

Being a huge Bryan Adams fan since mid 80s, I have mixed feelings on this masterpiece soundtrack in 2002 featuring Canne winning title track HERE I AM. How I rejoiced when I found Bryan name on Billboard when this album came out. And I am glad to encounter great composer Hans Zimmer. I WILL ALWAYS RETURN is Bryan's best style of ballad which is used in two more versions in this album, and GET OFF MY BACK ,classic style uptempo rocker ,is my #1 favorite. It is good for Bryan Adams fans since 90s who love his ballad movie hits but for me it is a bit of frustrating because I still reminisce "The Summer of 69" Bryan. I bet he will return with his uptempo rockers that "Bang The Roof". Rick Springfield just did that in recent album why not Bryan?

Recommended for Bryan Adams, Hans Zimmer fans and soundtrack collectors.

This is the best soundtrack i've ever heard! It has all the music from the movie. Buy it now!

I love the movie "SPIRIT" and of course, I love my Spirit soundtrack! You can really understand the horses in the movie, even if they don't speak! That's what makes the music so special. It seems perfect for what a wild stallion would feel. All of the songs express different emotions, in some way, and sometimes you can just picture wild mares, colts, foals, and stallions running free. The soundtrack and the movie are tied in quality. In the movie, it's from the horses' point of view. It's as if it's saying, " how would YOU like it if that happened to you?" The soundtrack is so real that you can almost HEAR horses' hooves clopping on the ground, and horses' breathing! The music, ( by HANS ZIMMER,) really go along with the words, ( by BRYAN ADAMS.) Both of their tunes have the feeling of wild horses. It is great to hear it! I listen to my soundtrack... almost every day! My opinion is that if you get this, you should get the HOME ON THE RANGE soundtrack, where cows are on an adventure themselves' in the wild west. The songs are great in both of these. They're even better if they go together!

I saw the movie first. Watched it on HBO Family. Normally movies don't have an emotional effect on me, but this one just blew me away. Who would have thought a "G" rated kids movie could do that! I personally believe the credit goes to the incredible music. Admittingly, I went and downloaded the songs from Gnutella immediately. I was so impressed though, that I went and bought the entire soundtrack only a few days later. I plan to buy the DVD when I get my next paycheck. I've been listening to the music almost non-stop for the past several days now. This really is awesome music! My favorite songs would have to be (in order): You Can't Take Me, This Is Where I Belong, Sound The Bugle, uh.. sheesh, its so hard to pick a favorite order, I just play them all randomly.

ONE: I Will Always Return (Credits)

This one was quite likable. It starts abruptly, with quiet instruments backing up Bryan Adam's whimsical-type voice, which automatically makes you want to like it. The words are quite good, albeit, slightly unoriginal at parts; "now I know it's true, my every road leads to you" which have certainly been used before. But the tempo is good and the tune original. In the end, it's just rowdy enough to interest, and makes for a fine start to the soundtrack.

TWO: Here I Am (Beginning)

This is a great second track, mostly because it's a little more soothing than the first one. The music is toned-down somewhat, with a echoing quality as well. The words are both original and well-done. I liked it especially because it seems to ring the feel of a newborn horse, which is the scene it's played for in the movie. Charming!

THREE: This is Where I Belong

I actually liked this track better than ONE, though I'm not sure why, considering a lot of the words are the same. I liked the tone more, I think. ONE is rather chop-full of rowdy music, whereas this track seems beautifully sincere; more the majestic of horses it was meant to be. Between the excellent lyrics and piano solo, it's an easy favorite.

FOUR: You Can't Take Me

It's exciting. With the sudden build-up of the music after some brief drum-beating, you're automatically wanting to like it. The chorus is stimulating with fast lyrics that make you want to tip back and lip-sync. Good words too, considering they seem rather 'obstinate'. Very cool, this one.

FIVE: Get Off My Back

This one is more fun than anything else. I guess it's mostly because the corresponding scene in the movie was so hilarious. True, with words likes "get off my back" it does seem a song you don't want to be singing much. In the end, however, it's fun, and the lyrics aren't all that bad. Bouncy, exciting, lip-sync material.

SIX: Sound the Bugle

With a title like "Sound the Bugle" one doesn't expect this to be interesting, they expect 'Yankee Doodle'. But this song is actually a very sad and touching one. Starting with the lonely piano solo, you get the feel of it. Not depressing, but pleasingly emotional. Starting with words like "now I can't go on, I can't even start, I've got nothing left, just an empty heart" and then ending with the hopeful reminder of one's identity, "remember who you are". Beautiful.

SEVEN: I Will Always Return

Again, quite familiar lyrics, but with a very different tone. I liked the feel of this track; it's more soothing than the first one, and has more of the rhythm of THREE, which really fits the movie quite well. Good to listen to!

EIGHT: Don't Let Go (with Sarah McLachlan)

This one senses the ethereal. It's a mellow sort of tone that has just enough beat to keep you from drifting into a daydream...or sleep. The words are good; it's the most romantic song on here, and Sarah and Bryan's voices mix together beautifully with excellent harmony. Quite lovely.

NINE: Brothers Under the Sun

This one has a rather toned-down feel to it as well. It's not all that long, but it puts across a neat idea; "you are my brother under the sun". Between poetic lyrics and original music, this is an awesome piece, definitely worth a hear! I listen to it over and over. It's quite soothing.

TEN: Rain (all music)

This one; lovely. It starts out quietly with a basic theme on wooden instruments, giving a very innocent lighthearted feel. It then picks up some, but never becomes too deep for the care-free theme. Peppy and anything but too deep or shallow.

ELEVEN: Fly Like an Eagle (all music)

A very spirited piece that makes you want you to run as fast as you can. It's an open and somewhat empty piece, but it's so enthralling with its own beats and drums that this track draws you right in. You can listen to it easily.

TWELVE: Run Free (all music)

This is one beautifully adventurous theme you're sure to be humming to yourself an awful lot. It's a deep and fulfilling piece that seems to resound of a story of someone, and their journey. Again, it makes you want to run as fast as you can across a huge, open space. You can also hear snatches of the other themes throughout it's changing tempos. Exceptionally brilliant, and deserving of its length.

THIRTEEN: The Long Road Back (all music)

This one is even longer than TWELVE, and at times it may seem to drag, but it too has a style that is quite lovely, and you can still hear pieces of the other themes and tunes amidst the rest of the orchestra, which keeps it easily in-line with the rest of the CD.

FOURTEEN: Here I Am (End)

I can't rave enough. It's a fulfilling tune that goes exactly where you wanted it to, with a steady beat in the background keeping you pepped throughout it. Well-written lyrics and an addicting melody makes for a fabulous song for any listener. The best!

FIFTEEN: Nothing I've Ever Known

This was a neat, quiet and yet steady sort of way to end off the CD. It's the more lonely charm of the movie, Spirit, with an echoing quality that makes you daydream. Moving and intricate, an excellent end to this soundtrack.

OVERALL: The Spirit Soundtrack

All-in-all, it was quite professional. Between Hans Zimmer's 'brilliant-as-always' compositions that bring originality and intelligence, and Bryan Adam's 'breath-of-wind' voice which adds consistency and depth, this makes for an excellent listen for anyone.

I don't find disappointment likely for this Soundtrack.

RATING: 5 stars

I considered removing one star due to some of the slower moments, but decided that they were few enough that the Spirit Soundtrack deserves full marks. Each star was well-earned!

Cheers!
~Chloe

Ya~ i admit that i am only a young girl who rushed to buy this CD after the day watching "Spirit".
The songs are simplly too spiritual and comforting, to the music, lyrics and of course, Bryan Adam's soulful voice, especially for "Homeland" , "Sound The Budgle" and "Here I am".
I've become a crazy fan of Bryan Adams since this album, and I recommend all fans who loved him 'coz of this album should get a copy of "Best of Me",which contains slow and soft songs of him, or ,if you loved rock'n roll, get the album "Restless".