The Last Airbender cover

The Last Airbender

James Newton Howard · 2010

66 min · 12 tracks · free jazz · film score

A sweeping orchestral journey infused with mystical elements and emotional depth, echoing the world of elemental magic.

Why this album works

'The Last Airbender' soundtrack received mixed reviews but stood out for its ambitious blend of orchestral music and cultural influences. The film's underwhelming reception contrasted with Howard's score, which has been noted for enhancing the emotional stakes of the narrative despite the film’s overall criticism.
Best for
dynamic journey through themes wave-like pacing with crescendos immersive orchestral storytelling experience
Context
By the time James Newton Howard released 'The Last Airbender' in 2010, he was already an established film composer known for his work on films like 'The Dark Knight' and 'Pretty Woman'. This soundtrack marked a departure from his typical projects, as it was based on the beloved animated series and aimed to capture its rich mythology through expansive orchestration.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Airbender Suite Standout 11:16
  • 2 Earthbenders 5:53
  • 3 The Avatar Has Returned Standout 4:42
  • 4 The Four Elements Test 5:30
  • 5 Journey to the Northern Water Tribe Standout 4:01
  • 6 Hall of Avatars 3:40
  • 7 Prologue 2:43
  • 8 The Blue Spirit 7:17
  • 9 The Spirit World 5:18
  • 10 We Could Be Friends 4:08
  • 11 We Are Now the Gods 5:46
  • 12 Flow Like Water 6:32

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata