Best Score Ranking: 2010

Here's my personal ranking of this year's crop of Best Score nominees. For those of you who want to read more about these scores and what I thought of them (albeit, in a much more objective light) you can check out my post for LAMB Devours the Oscars!

5. 127 Hours - A.R. Rahman

I really think the score enhances the film though if you compare it to the others, it just seems a bit amateurish. Rahman is forced to be more traditional and unfortunately it doesn't quite work as well as "Slumdog Millionaire".

4. Inception - Hans Zimmer

Oh, Hans. I've said it before, Hans Zimmer can only write loudly and unfortunately it begins to get tiresome. I also wasn't a big fan of the movie itself. However, his style works well for "Inception", and for the most part it's a very successful score that creates a mood. It's also very important to consider that it has become really iconic since the film's release.

3. The King's Speech - Alexandre Desplat

Alexandre Desplat is never bad - this is certainly lesser work but it's still quite lovely and so, so effective. I love Desplat's orchestration...the instruments are so beautifully mixed and mingled and the tender sound is so lovable. It's not his best work, not even his best from the year but it's still amazing how unique it is.

2. How to Train Your Dragon - John Powell

In my opinion, Powell's score is the best part of HTTYD, which as you all may know, I majorly loved. The sweeping epic strings are traditional but beautiful. Powell has a lot of great moments to work with and be flashy, and his tender and fun score makes the movie soar.

1. The Social Network - Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross

Okay, I love this score. I'd call the "Hand Covers Bruise" theme the best opening movie theme since, like, "Lord of the Rings" or "Harry Potter". Every single piece of this score is just so, so effective and not only that, but it stands alone marvelously. A unique, fantastic masterpiece.

Should Have Been Nominated: Honestly, from the eligible scores, I think this was the best possible lineup (I haven't seen "The Ghost Writer"), except the snub for Rabbit Hole (Anton Sanko). Ineligible scores that I personally love include I Am Love (John Adams), True Grit (Carter Burwell), Black Swan (Clint Mansell) and Scott Pilgrim VS the World (Nigel Godrich).

Check out the updated overall ranking!

What were your favorite scores of the year? Sound off below!

Best Score Ranking: 2006

5. Babel - Gustavo Santaolalla

Even though I quite love this movie, that doesn't mean I can't hate on its score, which is really nothing more than glorified background music. And, as incidental muzak it's perfectly fine, in fact it's quite good, but it is nothing that belongs anywhere near an Oscar nomination (let alone a win). The best moment in the score (which I've sampled above) was the final scene, and Santaolalla didn't even write it! It's an old piece called "Bibo no Aozora", by other Oscar-winner Ryuichi Sakamoto. The Academy really should have done their research on this one...*sigh*

4. The Good German - Thomas Newman

Very good work from one of my favorite film scorers, Thomas Newman. It's really good, especially in that opening - however, something feels off about it. It's old-fashioned in the best sense of the word, but for some reason it still doesn't completely fit. Perhaps it was more the movie's fault than its own, because it's still pretty good. (Sorry, I couldn't find a clip of it on Youtube!)

3. The Queen - Alexandre Desplat

Alexandre's first Oscar nomination is one of my favorite of his scores. It can't be easy to write for small, intimate movies like "The Queen" but Desplat does it very well - the score is as refined as the film and its characters, and it has an element of whimsy to it that just works greatly. You almost forget it's there, but that's not at all a bad thing. Sometimes it's good to be subtle! (Take notes Hans Zimmer...)

2. Notes on a Scandal - Philip Glass

I looooove Philip Glass. Without this score, "Notes" would not have been half as intense as it was, and it's truly fabulous work. I suppose at times it can come off as being a bit overbearing, but it's not that big of a problem. Glass's minimal structures and powerful harmonies are perfect for this tense drama.

1. Pan's Labyrinth - Javier Navarette

The fact that this lost is just unbelievable. Navarette's score is so haunting - the lullaby theme is one of the most brilliant written in years. It's simple, brilliantly orchestrated, and beautiful. Listening to this score later after watching the movie, and you'll recall every feeling that it holds. Great, unique and sincere work that gives me goosebumps!

Should Have Been Nominated...

The Golden Globes totally disagreed with the Oscars this year, nominating "The Da Vinci Code" (Hans Zimmer), "Nomad" (Carlo Siliotto), "The Fountain" (Clint Mansell) and "The Painted Veil" (Alexandre Desplat, who won), the latter two often considered the biggest snubs of the year. They also nominated "Babel", continuing the nonsensical obsession with that movie's score. I'd like to personally mention "Little Miss Sunshine" (DeVotchKa, though it wasn't completely original so it wasn't eligible) and "Volver" (Alberto Iglesias) as being a couple of my personal favorites from that year.

So there you have it, what were your favorites from 2006? Do you agree with my disdain for Babel's nomination? Have I missed any snubs? Sound off with anything below!

Updated Ranking Here.

Best Score Ranking: 2000

An interesting year, for sure. Relatively solid. By the way, I try to pick my personal favorite track as the sample for each score, in case you were wondering. Oh, and I did this year by request, so take it as a lesson everyone...if you ask me for a year, I'll probably go and do it! :)

5. Gladiator - Hans Zimmer

I know this is going to be controversial because people love this one, but...this score confused me. There were parts I quite liked, there were parts I quite disliked (they sounded meandering or useless), there were parts that sounded exactly like "Mars" by Gustav Holst, and there were parts that sounded just like "Pirates of the Caribbean". The main theme is great, but it's only really used WELL during the end credits. So, overall, it's a "meh" and a "wha?" from me.

4. The Patriot - John Williams

Well, another score from the John Williams Factory. No, that sounds condescending. It's really great, irresistibly Americana but it's by no means Williams's best work. It's not particularly "memorable" either, but it's still very beautiful. And do I hear some foreshadowing of "Harry Potter" in the flutes? Hm?

3. Malena - Ennio Morricone

Well, obviously, Morricone is a legend and this is a great score. I didn't love the movie, which doesn't help, and there is some weird instrumentation sometimes that I really don't like, but overall it's a great score with a lush theme and some truly gorgeous moments.

2. Chocolat - Rachel Portman

Like most of Rachel Portman's scores, this one is very tasteful and while it doesn't take any huge risks, it is really lovely work. I like how she makes it sound almost like a fantasy movie, which gives the movie a "fantastical" vibe that works greatly. And the spicy track at the top is just irresistible!

1. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon - Tan Dun

One of my favorite scores, for one of my favorite movies. There's SO much good stuff about this score. First of all you have the amazing Yo-Yo Ma cello solos (playing that gorgeous theme). Then you have Tan Dun's brilliant decision to score the battle scenes minimally, only using drum beats to exhilarating effect...mmm. Beautiful, brilliant, and a great winner.

Should Have Been Nominated...

There is one horrendous, huge, horrible ommission here, and that's Bjork's haunting score for Dancer in the Dark. I know that not everyone like's Bjork's music, and maybe there was too much singing or something, but the score for Dancer in the Dark is just...beautiful. Haunting, painful, gorgeous, innovative...GAHHH

.

So what was your favorite score of 2000? Was Bjork truly snubbed? Do you like Gladiator more than me? Isn't Crouching Tiger awesome? Sound off belowww!

And see the updated ranking heeere

Best Score Ranking: 2001

Another great year! Here goes...

5. A Beautiful Mind - James Horner

I quite like the main theme (what you hear above). The rhythmic tension and use of piano and voice are so effective and exciting. It's too bad the rest of the score didn't quite live up to that. It often sounds too much like a made-for-tv movie

4. Artificial Intelligence - John Williams

Wow, JW was having quite a year, eh? Well, anyway, I really love this score as well, very beautiful. Not one of Williams's most memorable by any means but still very good. After all, Science Fiction is the genre in which Williams really knows what he's doing.


3. Monsters Inc. - Randy Newman

I've said it before, I have such a soft spot for Randy Newman. I just love the theme music. It's different, jazzy, and perfect for the movie.

2. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone - John Williams



Oh, in almost any other year this would have been my choice. This is one of, if not THE best John Williams score besides Star Wars. "Hedwig's Theme" is so memorable, and the instrumentation in this score especially is just perfect. Brings back so many memories!

1. The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring - Howard Shore

Well, DUH! I mean, really, how much is there to say about this. Shore's work for this movie is one of the best scores of all time - it's beautiful, grand, mischevious when need be, moving...and every moment of it is beautiful. Not a note out of place.

Should Have Been Nominated...

Amelie (Yann Tiersen) comes to mind immediately as having been snubbed. Such good music in that one. I also feel like Shrek (Harry Gregson Williams and John Powell) had a very good, and lasting score that probably deserved at least a nomination. After all, Dreamworks uses it in its opening sequence now and it's all over the Universal Studios Theme Parks.

And check out the full updated ranking!

What was your favorite score of 2001? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Best Score Ranking: 1998 Musical or Comedy

This is a very nice category. I'm glad they don't still split the scores up, because that's weird. But, still, this is a great year and I quite love all the scores (except Patch Adams. Sorry Marc!) I'll do the Drama portion of 1998 later. Enjoy!

5. Patch Adams - Marc Shaiman



I'm being maybe a wee bit harsh with only 2 stars, because it's quite a nice score. But...is it Oscar worthy? Not really. Simply because, don't we hear this same sort of thing in every single family movie ever made? I mean, just take any good ol' family film and you'll hear this same exact soundtrack. Just sayin'.

4. A Bug's Life - Randy Newman



Pixar movies always have such great scores! And, my heart melts for Randy Newman. It's really a touching little score, very cute, very nice, and perfect for the movie. Just like most of Randy Newman's work. Haha!


3. Mulan - Jerry Goldsmith, Matthew Wilder, David Zippel



I like the songs more than the actual score, but really, it's great. Jerry Goldsmith is a master, and this is an interesting medium to see him work with! It surpasses many, many Disney movie scores. And yeah, I know I picked the most cliche song in the movie as my sample clip, but I LIKE IT! :( ahaha


2. Prince of Egypt - Stephen Schwartz, Hans Zimmer



I'm not a humongous fan of Hans Zimmer - sometimes I feel like his music is just a little bit too LOUD ALL THE TIME! But, that being said, Prince of Egypt is an absolutely wonderful score and some of the songs, especially "Deliver Us", are just...GOOSEBUMP inducing. *Shudder*

1. Shakespeare in Love - Stephen Warbeck



Was this even a question? This score wipes the FLOOR with all of the others! Stephen Warbeck's subtle, gorgeous work was the icing on the cake that made me love Shakespeare in Love. It doesn't try to be "period", it doesn't try to be overly romantic, it just works so naturally and it makes me feel so warm inside!

If you're curious as to how these scores stack up against the others I've ranked, go check out the newly updated Overall Ranking.

So, what did you all think of 1998? Was Shakespeare your favorite, or did you prefer one of the others? Do you have a particular year you want to hear about next? React down below!

Overall Ranking of Best Score Nominees

Since I've done a couple of years so far, I'm going to go ahead and start putting up an overall ranking of all of the ones I've "judged". It's really hard to do this because...scores are so different, and not easily compared. So things may switch around occasionally. Anyway, here you go! N00bs italicized.

I've also now organized the rankings a bit more specifically into categories.

The Absolute Essentials

1. The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring - Howard Shore

2. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone - John Williams

3. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon - Tan Dun

4. Pan's Labyrinth - Javier Navarette

5. The Social Network - Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross

6. Curious Case of Benjamin Button - Alexandre Desplat
7. Wall-E - Thomas Newman

Fantastically Awesome

8. Shakespeare in Love - Stephen Warbeck
9. Up - Michael Giacchino

10. How to Train Your Dragon - John Powell

11. Notes on a Scandal - Philip Glass
12. The Hurt Locker - Marco Beltrami and Buck Sanders

13. The Queen - Alexandre Desplat
14. Slumdog Millionaire - AR Rahman

Quite Good

15. Prince of Egypt - Stephen Schwartz, Hans Zimmer
16. Mulan - Jerry Goldsmith, Matthew Wilder, David Zippel

17. The King's Speech - Alexandre Desplat

18. Chocolat - Rachel Portman
19. A Bug's Life - Randy Newman

20. Avatar - James Horner

21. Monsters Inc. - Randy Newman

22. A.I. Artificial Intelligence - John Williams
23. Fantastic Mr. Fox - Alexandre Desplat

24. Inception - Hans Zimmer
25. Milk - Danny Elfman

26. Malena - Ennio Morricone

27. The Patriot - John Williams

Not Bad

28. 127 Hours - A.R. Rahman

29. The Good German - Thomas Newman

30. Sherlock Holmes - Hans Zimmer

31. Gladiator - Hans Zimmer

32. A Beautiful Mind - James Horner

33. Defiance - James Newton Howard

34. Babel - Gustavo Santaolalla

Um...?

35. Patch Adams - Marc Shaiman

So there you have it! More updates to come! Check out the years' rankings so far...

1998 Musical/Comedy - 2000 - 2001 - 2006 - 2008 - 2009 - 2010

Best Score Ranking: 2008

This was a ridiculously strong year. Really, any of these could have won and I would have been happy, but the top three are especially wonderful. On any other given day their order could be completely switched around. :)

5. Defiance - James Newton Howard


The problem with this score is that it feels like it's trying too hard to be "Schindler's List". But, I mean, it works because it is still very beautiful.


4. Milk - Danny Elfman



I would have thought Danny Elfman a strange choice for this movie but he's actually perfect. The score was probably one of my favorite things about this movie - it's subtle, unique and lovely. Perhaps not the most memorable score ever, but still quite effective.


3. Slumdog Millionaire - A.R. Rahman



It's sad putting this as number 3 because I LOVE, love, love love this score. So exciting, so unique, and so perfect for the movie which I also love. Latika's Theme is the best. I just don't really think it deserved to win the Oscar - a lot of it is a "song" score, which is against their rules right? And some of the best moments use themes from classical music as well. Plus, I can't imagine this was much of a challenge for A.R. Rahman... Still, it's amazing.


2. Wall-E - Thomas Newman



Perfect, absolutely perfect in every single way. It's futuristic, the sweeping strings are gorgeous and I just melt when I hear the music for the scene where Eve and Wall-E are dancing in space.


1. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button - Alexandre Desplat



Oh, so wonderful. Magical, beautiful and enchanting just like the film. Alexandre Desplat is probably one of my favorite composers working today and this is just an absolutely amazing score.


Should Have Been Nominated...

Maybe The Dark Knight (Hans Zimmer) or Departures (Joe Hisaishi) would probably have been better fits for Defiance's spot, but really this is such a strong lineup that I think the music branch might have been almost perfect with this one.

What was your favorite score of 2008? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Best Score Ranking: 2009

As a musician, I always find the music categories of the Academy Awards interesting (albeit frustrating at times). Thus, I'm going to start occasionally rating their Best Score nominees, and giving them "scores" of their own! Ahaha. It's inspired by the Best Leading/Supporting Actress rankings of Sage Slowdive and Joe Burns on their blogs.

I'll make this thing more or less frequent, depending on how you guys respond!

So let's start with last year - 2010. From least to most favorite. With a rating of 1-5 "cinematic music notes". Haha.

5. Sherlock Holmes - Hans Zimmer

It's a lot of fun and definitely in the character of the movie, but Hans Zimmer is sort of just doing his same old thing, and he hasn't really trumped a lot of his past work (Lion King!!!)

4. Fantastic Mr. Fox - Alexandre Desplat

So cute and wonderful! Perfect for the movie, which I also loved. Not my favorite Desplat score from the year, but still quite perfect, and a great surprise nominee.

3. Avatar - James Horner

I really love the music for this movie. Sure, Horner uses a lot of his old material, and it's "I See You" over and over, but...those grand scenes with this beautiful work in the background are just irresistable.

2. The Hurt Locker - Marco Beltrami and Buck Sanders

I really, really like that this was nominated. The theme is fantastic, and the atmospheric music for the "suspensful" scenes really added to the movie, without being overbearing. Quite a deserved nominee.

1. Up - Michael Giacchino

Yes! I went with the actual winner, but really, it's marvelous! One of my absolute favorite scores of the decade, with such an absolutely wonderful theme. Makes me tear up every time I hear it!

Should Have Been Nominated...

Broken Embraces (Alberto Iglesias), Coraline (Bruno Coulais), Julie and Julia (Alexandre Desplat), Ponyo (Joe Hisaishi), Where the Wild Things Are (Carter Burwell and Karen O), and so many more, this was a great year for movie scores.

React below!!! I need some ideas since this is new. What year should I do next?