Arrow Season 1 Score Review

“Blake Neely? What is she?” That was basically my reaction when I read who was composing for the Arrow TV series. I repent in dust and ashes, shaving my head and clothing myself in the most sack-ish of sackcloth. This. Score. Is. Phenomenal. Some amazing scores for superhero shows have come out over the years, but this re-defines amazing. In all reality, I would have to say this is very possibly better than the scores for most superhero films. I only know of two or three that are even slightly better than this. Okay, I'm done fangirling. On to the actual review.

Neely utilizes a thematic formula for this score, which works wonderfully. There isn't a single theme on this album I can find fault with. I don't mean to sound like more of a fan and less of a critic, but there's honestly not much to criticize here. As a result, this may be a shorter review than usual. Perhaps my only criticism with this score is that the electronic instruments in some of the action tracks can start to feel a little over-done, but this is only a minor complaint. While I'm on this subject, I will mention that this score does utilize electronic instruments, but they're evenly blended with orchestral ones. Often, their combination creates excellent action tracks.

The thing I love most about this score is its tone. It's easily the darkest superhero score I've ever heard, and yet it's very possibly the most hopeful one I've ever heard. I guess what I'm trying to say is you can feel Oliver's (otherwise known as Arrow, for those of you who aren't well-educated on superheroes) humanity. One minute, the score is riveting action and the next it's gut-wrenching emotion. The concluding track, in particular, does an incredible job of summing up his character.

Overall, I'm forced to give this a perfect score of 5 out of 5 hooded vigilantes. Some highlight tracks include: Five Years, I Forgot Who I Was, Train and Hunt, The Dark Archer; It Is I Who Failed This City, I Can't Lose You Twice, Sacrifice, and, lastly, Oliver Queen Suite. The last one especially is phenomenal. If you don't buy any other tracks, buy it. Ultimately, though, every single track is excellent. I'm just picking personal favorites.

Are you still reading this review? GO BUY THE SOUNDTRACK! NOW! STOP WASTING YOUR LIFE!

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