Waterworld was one of the first bombs for Kevin Costner although by some miracle it did manage to save itself through overseas ticket sales and such. It was an interesting premise that could have worked but unfortunately did not work out as well as originally intended. Especially against the likes of Speed. But aside from box office profit, the movie was so-so, but the music is a saving grace. Written by James Newton Howard, this score is heroic and fun at the same time. This is one of only two James Newton Howard scores I currently own, but if this soundtrack is any indication, I don't think that will be the case for too long. Starting off with the Main Titles the score leaps into a type of native tribal dance type of music. It is catchy and I often find myself dancing around my room with a stick in one hand and an imaginary circle of fire in the center. It is powerful using traditional instruments and a choir. It is sequentially followed by Escaping the Smokers and this is where we get our first taste of the action. It is also where Howard introduces his main theme for the film that represents the mariner. It is reprised again a number of times.
Prodigal Child is the track in which Enola's (the little girl with the map on her back) theme is presented. It is a simple piece that moves with a melody and works quite well. An even better melody that is used is in Swimming which also features a stirring vocal solo. We return to the action with The Skyboat which is heard over the attack on the Atoll sequence. Portions of this piece were used recently in the previews for Titanic. It is an exciting track that underscores the action of the moment perfectly. One of the best renditions of the Mariner's theme is saved for the end during Main Credits. Overall this score is worth getting if you like a mix of action and melody. If you're like me and spent more time concentrating on the music rather than trying to keep up with the lame story, you'll probably enjoy the music much more.
Total time: 68:41
1: Main Titles (4:43)
2: Escaping the Smokers (3:49)
3: The Atoll (1:42)
4: Prodigal Child (1:54)
5: Smokers Sighted (2:10)
6: Swimming (4:15)
7: The Skyboat (3:54)
8: National Geographics (1:46)
9: Speargun (1:44)
10: The Bubble (3:23)
11: Helen Frees the Mariner (3:27)
12: Helen Sews (0:50)
13: Slide for Life (4:51)
14: Half an Hour (4:36)
15: We're Gonna Die (2:02)
16: Arriving at the Deez (4:28)
17: Deacon's Speech (3:52)
18: Haircuts (1:32)
19: Gills (1:59)
20: Why Aren't You Rowing? (2:38)
21: Balloon Flight (0:48)
22: Dry Land (1:48)
23: Mariner's Goodbye (3:15)
24: Main Credits (2:18)