After Basil Poledouris's Russian score for The Hunt for Red October, the sequel's score was given to James Horner. However, unlike it's predecessor, this one would use more Irish and Gaelic style music. In a sense, this soundtrack was a precursor to Braveheart, and as such, some of the musical style and instruments found here, found their way to Braveheart's soundtrack three years later. Throughout the soundtrack, to keep the Gaelic feel going, Horner incorporates a flute played at very high notes in the same tune over and over again. It adds a bit of variety to the otherwise quiet or simple portions of the soundtrack.
Many of the action cues are trademark Horner, with their quiet moments suddenly giving way to the intense action. In other portions, such as in Putting the Pieces Together, the music sounds similar in tune to the opening titles of Aliens. At other times, the violence and crashes of the orchestra can be overwhelming but it serves to intensify the action on the screen and works well when viewing the movie, but it doesn't work as effectively without it. Maggie Boyle's performances throughout portions of also keep the Gaelic theme going. However, her rendition of the flute's theme is particularly good in Highland's Execution. Will everyone like this soundtrack? No, not everyone, but those of us out there who like James Horner will enjoy it.
Total time: 45:11
1: Main Title (2:55)
2: Attempt on The Royals (3:43)
3: Harry's Game (2:28) - Clannad
4: The Hit (8:06)
5: Putting the Pieces Together (2:13)
6: Highland's Execution (2:23)
7: Assault on Ryan's House (10:57)
8: Electronic Battlefield (3:19)
9: Boat Chase (4:28)
10: Closing Credits (4:11)