Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!

JFH Music Review




John Debney
The Passion Of The Christ: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack



Album length: 15 tracks: 52 minutes, 08 seconds
Street Date: February 24, 2004


Instrumental motion picture scores are a guilty pleasure of mine. Since picking up Danny Elfman's Men In Black score some seven years ago, I'd become hooked on instrumental soundtracks to my favorite films. I went on to pick up David Arnold's Tomorrow Never Dies, James Horner's Titanic, and Jerry Goldsmith's The Mummy to name a few. In the mix, I grabbed one by a composer I'd never heard of named John Debney who had scored Jim Carrey's Liar Liar. The sound was light-hearted, upbeat and certainly theatrical. He'd created a wonderful feeling of innocence surrounding Carrey's character's little son as well as a bouncing and thrilling comedic backdrop for the more off-the-wall sequences. Since Liar Liar, Debney brilliantly scored last year's Elf, and ironically Bruce Almighty, as well as offering comedic subtlety to last month's Welcome To Mooseport. But on February 24th of this year, Debney's most crucial piece hit streets on the eve of the release of one of the most impacting films to ever grace the silver screen.

The Passion Of The Christ: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack is a collection of 15 instrumental pieces composed almost entirely by Debney for this film. I'm sure when Debney took on this project, he never imagined he'd be in for the spiritual battle of his life, working on his toughest film yet. Debney uses a wide range of tones musically throughout the soundtrack from somber and sorrowful to emotionally-fueled bursts from the orchestra. The majority of the music is subtle and only raises in volume and intensity at key moments in the film. This is utilized especially effectively in one of the film's most heart-wrenching scenes in "Mary Goes To Jesus." Songs like "Bearing The Cross" mix a Middle Eastern influence with an almost congregational chant melody. It's amazing to hear how versatile Debney really is. I'd never guess in a millenium that the same man who composed the goofy light-hearted Liar Liar had so successfully pulled off the serious and dramatic and emotionally-saturated Passion.

A touching melody opens "Flagellation" before it slows until the music can barely be heard with haunting vocals and percussion fading in and out of the background. A lot of the music in the film is used sparingly. It oftentimes creeps in without you realizing it, with the soundtrack separated being the only way you really noticing it. The emotionally exhausting crucifixion in the film is accented by Debney's haunting drums followed by beautiful string melodies and resounding vocal ensembles. Alone, the music may sound overly dramatic, but it fits the mood of the film when mixed in. The score appropriately finishes with the glorious "Resurrection" that wonderfully represents this most triumphant event.

Much like how the movie itself is a haunting experience for the viewer, so is the musical score. As the music brings scenes back to your memory, you can't help but feel the need to worship Jesus for His immeasurable sacrifice. It's clear a lot was poured into this scoring, as it should be. Thanks Debney.

- Review date: 3/2/04, written by John DiBiase



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Check out JFH's Lloyd in his first-ever childrens book!

 

CD

Buy This CD Online


. Record Label: Sony/Integrity Records
. Album length: 15 tracks, 52 minutes and 8 seconds
. Street Date: February 24, 2004
. Buy It: Amazon.com

  1. The Olive Garden
  2. Bearing The Cross
  3. Jesus Arrested
  4. Peter Denies Jesus
  5. The Stoning
  6. Song Of Complaint
  7. Simon Is Dismissed
  8. Flagellation/ Dark Choir/ Disciples
  9. Mary Goes To Jesus
  10. Peaceful But Primitive Procession
  11. Crucifixion
  12. Raising The Cross
  13. It Is Done
  14. Jesus Is Carried Down
  15. Resurrection
spacer Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 


(JFH Sponsor Spot)

 

 

                 
Check out JFH's Lloyd in his first-ever childrens book!

Search JFH




This Tuesday, November 19, 2024
SINGLES
Mat Kearney Certainty - Single (independent)

This Wednesday, November 20, 2024
ALBUMS
1K Phew Let Go Let God: The EP [Reach]

SINGLES
Drew & Ellie Holcomb High Seas - Single [Magnolia]
Sleeping At Last Let It Snow - Single (independent)

This Thursday, November 21, 2024
ALBUMS
The Choir Translucent (independent)

SINGLES
Wilder Woods Curioso [Dualtone]

This Friday, November 22, 2024
ALBUMS
Coqui I'll Still Have Christmas Day - EP [DREAM]
for KING & COUNTRY A Drummer Boy Christmas (LIVE) [Curb]
The Kingsmen Decades: Vol. 3 & 4 [Horizon]
Jonathan McReynolds Red & Green - EP [Capitol CMG/Motown]
NEEDTOBREATHE Acoustic Live Vol. 1 (CD Reissue) [Omnivore]
NEEDTOBREATHE Live From The Woods (CD Reissue) [Omnivore]
R.kitect Vicious Circles - EP (independent)
Run51 Let's Celebrate - EP [DREAM]
Van Zant Always Look Up [Frontiers Music]

SINGLES
7eventh Time Down I Speak Jesus - Single [BEC]
99 APEX Find A Way Freestyle - Single [Syntax]
Cory Asbury You're Still The One - Single [BEC]
Ashes Remain Lost Light - Single [BEC]
Paul Baloche Angels We Have Heard On High/Glorious (feat. Sarah Kroger) - Single [Integrity]
Elan Brio Sun Rays - Single (independent)
Amy Jay And So It Goes - Single (independent)
Jericko Holy Ground - Single [Syntax]
Reece Lache' Energy - Single (independent)
Vic Lucas Presha - Single [Syntax]
Cliff & Antoinette Murray O Emanuel - Single [DREAM]
Procyse, Dave A. You’re Not Free - Single [Polished Arrow]
River Valley Worship This is Our Jesus (feat. Moriah Christian) - Single [BEC]
Vineyard Worship Royal Son - Single [Integrity]

VINYL
NEEDTOBREATHE Acoustic Live Vol. 1 (Vinyl Reissue) [Omnivore]
NEEDTOBREATHE Live From The Woods (Vinyl Reissue) [Omnivore]

Next Thursday, November 28, 2024
VINYL
Van Zant Always Look Up Vinyl [Girder]

Next Friday, November 29, 2024
ALBUMS
Sixpence None the Richer Dawn of Grace (Deluxe) [Flatiron]
Thrive Worship Christmas, Vol. 2 - EP [Integrity]

SINGLES
ICF Worship Light of the World - Single [Integrity]
Selah Glory Hallelujah (feat. Mike Weaver) - Single [Integrity]
Slow Salvation The Ghost of Christmas Past - Single [Velvet Blue]
Uche Agu, Revival Today Worship Medley of Hymns - Single [DREAM]

VINYL
Sixpence None the Richer Dawn of Grace (Deluxe) Vinyl (Record Store Day Exclusive!) [Flatiron]



For all release dates, click here!
 



Check out the new album from Taylor Holland Armstrong!



Listen to the new Single from Second Adam and the New Creations!

Check out depositphotos for royalty free images