Sherlock Holmes: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Hans Zimmer · 2010
52 min · 12 tracks · video game music
A whimsical blend of orchestral swells and quirky motifs that perfectly captures the eccentricity of Sherlock Holmes.
Top tracks — play these first
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Discombobulate Start here — Opening the album with frenetic energy, this track sets the tone for the film's adventurous spirit while cleverly intertwining motifs that reflect Holmes' chaotic world.
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My Mind Rebels at Stagnation — This piece encapsulates Holmes’ restless intellect through dynamic shifts and intricate melodies, highlighting Zimmer's ability to mirror character psychology in musical form.
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Panic, Shear Bloody Panic — With its escalating tension and urgency, this track mirrors the film's suspenseful moments, showcasing Zimmer's knack for enhancing dramatic scenes through sound.
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Psychological Recovery… 6 Months — A lengthy composition that explores themes of recovery and reflection, it stands out for its emotional depth and complexity, representing a more introspective side of the score.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe soundtrack's inventive orchestration and dynamic shifts create a distinctive listening experience that captures the film's spirit.
What we noticed
- The opening track features a rapid tempo with layered strings and brass, establishing a whimsical tone that persists throughout.
- Several tracks incorporate unconventional instruments like the mandolin and accordion, adding to the quirky character of the score.
- The album frequently shifts dynamics, alternating between intense orchestral swells and quieter, more introspective moments.
- Many tracks end with abrupt cuts rather than traditional fades, creating a sense of urgency and surprise.
- 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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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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
- whimsical orchestral adventure
- dynamic exploration with surprises
- playful motifs that engage
- climactic moments of tension
Maybe skip if you
- seeking straightforward, uniform tracks
- prefer songs over instrumental pieces
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — The soundtrack is critically acclaimed and showcases Zimmer's innovative orchestral style.
- Themes
- Victorian intrigue· quirky orchestration· chaotic brilliance
- Career context
- By the time this soundtrack was released in 2010, Hans Zimmer was an established composer, known for his work on films like 'The Dark Knight' and 'Gladiator'. 'Sherlock Holmes: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack' came shortly after he won an Academy Award for his contributions to film scoring, further solidifying his status as a leading figure in cinematic music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- John Williams· Ennio Morricone· Howard Shore
Tracklist
- 1 Discombobulate Start here 2:25
- 2 Is It Poison, Nanny? 2:53
- 3 I Never Woke Up in Handcuffs Before 1:44
- 4 My Mind Rebels at Stagnation 4:32
- 5 Data, Data, Data 2:16
- 6 He’s Killed the Dog Again 3:15
- 7 Marital Sabotage 3:45
- 8 Not in Blood, but in Bond 2:14
- 9 Ah, Putrefaction 1:50
- 10 Panic, Shear Bloody Panic 2:38
- 11 Psychological Recovery… 6 Months 18:18
- 12 Catatonic 6:44
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Edward Scissorhands - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Danny Elfman
Combines lush orchestral arrangements with whimsical themes reflecting chaotic brilliance.
Skyfall – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Thomas Newman
Features rich orchestration and emotional depth, echoing themes of intrigue and adventure.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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