The Omen cover

Released 50 years ago

The Omen

Lionel Newman · 1976

35 min · 12 tracks

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

95 /100
Summit
Higher than 100% of albums we've rated

A memorable choral motif anchors tightly shaped suspense cues, while the shifts in orchestral scale keep the score from relying on menace alone.

What we noticed

  • “Ave Satani” opens with a repeated choral chant and pounding percussion; its ritualistic figure establishes material that returns in the later cues.
  • The cue sequence alternates that forceful choral writing with quieter orchestral suspense, so the threat builds through contrast rather than staying at full volume.
  • The twelve-track presentation is made of short, scene-specific cues, with “The Homecoming” and “The Altar” carrying the sequence toward a final dramatic climax.
Composition 25% of the score
9/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
9/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
8/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
9/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 8/10

Defined its genre or moment. 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.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Ave Satani 2:39
  • 2 The New Ambassador 2:36
  • 3 Killer’s Storm 2:56
  • 4 A Sad Message 1:46
  • 5 The Demise of Mrs. Baylock 2:59
  • 6 Don’t Let Him 2:48
  • 7 The Piper Dreams 2:43
  • 8 The Fall 3:45
  • 9 Safari Park 2:09
  • 10 The Dog’s Attack 5:55
  • 11 The Homecoming 2:48
  • 12 The Altar 2:02

Reference: MusicBrainz · Wikidata