For nearly a full minute, there's nothing but a low rumble opening the album with "The Coral Atoll". This is the first indication that this score will be difficult to recognise as coming from Hans Zimmer. The pause here is an effect that, once expanded upon, draws you into a whole new world of expression from a composer previously known for his all-action pyrotechnics (Crimson Tide, Broken Arrow for example). Here are placid textures for a gentle celebration of being alive--and the tragedy of it being cut short. When freshman troops land and make their nervous way to a holding point on the island, Zimmer follows them for an extraordinarily protracted time ("Journey To The Line"). The first six minutes (all the cues are as lengthy) build from a subtle ticking beat into an enormous crescendo of sound. It's also the closest the score gets to an easily identifiable theme. You'll pick out moments of melody (lovely harp figures opening "Light"; tolling bell and wailing male voice in "The Lagoon"), but really this is an abstract soundscape of wonder and terror. Zimmer's masterpiece is better seen with the film, but speaks to the heart as directly in isolation. --Paul Tonks