Men in Black II


Sony Music (5099750822326)
Movie | Released: 2002 | Format: CD, Download
 

Subscribe now!

Stay better informed and get access to collectors info!





 

# Track Artist/Composer Duration
1.Worm Lounge #1 (Worms In Black)5:58
2.Logo0:22
3.Titles5:01
4.Big Jeff2:25
5.Headquarters1:52
6.Chop-Chop1:59
7.Heart Thump1:50
8.Customs0:51
9.Hunting for K1:40
10.J Nabbed / K's Back2:20
11.The Real Story1:41
12.Sleuthing2:20
13.The Defense Begins2:47
14.The Chase3:22
15.The Light5:43
16.The Finale0:18
17.Worm Lounge #23:08
18.Titles Revisited2:54
19.I Will SurviveTim Blaney3:00
20.Black Suits Comin' (Nod Ya Head)Will Smith4:20
 53:51
Submit your review Show reviews in other languages

 

Men in Black II - 06/10 - Review of Tom Daish, submitted at
While I wouldn't wish to be seen as complaining (as if), I'm surprised that the release of the long awaited Men in Black II hasn't produced another song album headlined by the Will Smith (end) title song instead of going straight in with Danny Elfman's score. Then again, most of non-film music friends seem to have their ears perked up whenever something is scored by Elfman and in true internet style, after seeing Spider-Man, it was noted that 'Danny Elfman rocks.' Indeed. Maybe Elfman's general popularity made the record company change their mind, but whatever the case, we should be grateful! His contributions to Men in Black II aren't quite as sophisticated as they were for Spider-Man, but it's certainly not for lack of fun and imagination.
Whether it's coincidence or otherwise, but there seems to be a trend by which originals have some great highlights, yet somewhat unremarkable music in between. However, when the sequel comes along, there are fewer stand out moments, but the listening experience is a little smoother and so seems to be the case with Men in Black II. Whereas first time round the main titles and finale stood out brilliantly against the rest, this time the titles are longer and a little more defuse and the finale doesn't have the monumental hair raising brilliance. On the other hand, the rest of the score seems less choppy and a bit less chaotic, although still retaining the quirky freshness that Elfman effortlessly brings. The album starts with the hilarious Worm Lounge #1, of course lounge music with an Elfman twist - notably the amusing backing vocals which intone a variant on the main theme. It's not that obvious, but on careful listen, it's definitely there.

The main theme appears quite often throughout in various guises and often just quoting little bits or even just chord progressions. It therefore lends plenty of coherence to the music, without the main theme sounding overworked. For me, the stand out of the original score, melody wise, was the gorgeous guitar theme for K and despite the plot of the sequel seeming to require its use quite prodigeously, Elfman keeps its use to a slightly disappointing minimum. Then again, when it does appear, the results are suitably wonderful. K's Back and The Finale both turn it from the intimate guitar melody into a more sweeping orchestral statement, both of which are the musical highlights within the film itself and lend the film far more gravitas and genuine emotion than it manages to muster on its own.

After more Worm Lounge music (less fun than the first one, but still enjoyable) and the new Elfman trick of 'revisiting' or 'remixing' or 'deconstructing' or doing whatever to the main titles we have the point where most Elfman fans will click off. Frank the Pug, who ends up possibly being the most amusing character in the film, expands out his brief I Will Survive skit from the film into a proper recording and stretches what was a briefly amusing joke into a painful full length performance. Will Smith's follow up rap and r'n'b type effort isn't quite as slickly enjoyable as the first one, but is far from the worst spin off movie song ever. Both as a film and a score, Men in Black II doesn't offer up many surprises, but as Elfman's only genuine sequel score outside of Batman Returns, it's a more than enjoyable follow up.
Trailer:



This soundtrack trailer contains music of:

Men in Black (1997), Danny Elfman (Movie)
Black Suits Comin' (Not Your Head), Will Smith (song(s))
Demolition Man (1993), Elliot Goldenthal (Movie)




Report a fault or send us additional info!: Log on

 



More