John Carter
Michael Giacchino · 2012
74 min · 19 tracks · film score
Epic orchestration weaves together adventurous motifs with sweeping melodies, embodying the grandeur of a distant planet.
Top tracks — play these first
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John Carter of Mars — This track encapsulates the essence of the film's themes, blending grandeur with emotional depth as it underscores pivotal moments in John Carter's journey.
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A Thern for the Worse — Opening the score with a dramatic flair, this piece introduces listeners to the tension and stakes of Barsoom, setting the tone for the adventure ahead.
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Carter They Come, Carter They Fall — This track showcases Giacchino's ability to combine action-driven rhythms with lush orchestration, perfectly mirroring the film's high-energy sequences.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalGiacchino's orchestration showcases strong thematic development and craftsmanship typical of film scores.
What we noticed
- The pacing varies significantly, with some tracks building to climactic moments while others provide quieter interludes.
- The final track serves as a grand conclusion, tying together themes introduced earlier in the score.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- epic soundscapes for adventures
- dynamic journey with peaks
- wave-like pacing invites immersion
- cinematic moments encourage daydreaming
- sweeping melodies evoke vast landscapes
Maybe skip if you
- dislike lengthy orchestral pieces
- prefer straightforward, upbeat tunes
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Ambitious score that showcases Giacchino's orchestral prowess and creativity.
- Career context
- When Michael Giacchino released this score in 2012, he was already an established composer famous for his work on films like 'Up' and 'Lost'. 'John Carter' marked a continuation of his collaboration with Disney, following his Academy Award win for 'Up', and showcased his ability to blend traditional orchestral elements with modern cinematic storytelling.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Hans Zimmer· John Williams· Thomas Newman
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 A Thern for the Worse 7:40
- 2 Get Carter 4:25
- 3 Gravity of the Situation 1:21
- 4 Thark Side of Barsoom 2:56
- 5 Sab Than Pursues the Princess 5:34
- 6 The Temple of Issus 3:25
- 7 Zodanga Happened 4:02
- 8 The Blue Light Special 4:13
- 9 Carter They Come, Carter They Fall 3:55
- 10 A Change of Heart 3:06
- 11 A Thern Warning 4:04
- 12 The Second Biggest Apes I've Seen This Month 2:36
- 13 The Right of Challenge 2:23
- 14 The Prize Is Barsoom 4:30
- 15 The Fight for Helium 4:34
- 16 Not Quite Finished 2:07
- 17 Thernabout 1:19
- 18 Ten Bitter Years 3:13
- 19 John Carter of Mars 8:54
What to play next
Lost: Adventure Edition (1st Season)
2005
Continues the epic orchestration with adventurous themes and rich storytelling.
Super 8 – Music from the Motion Picture
2011
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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