At World’s End, the final film of the Pirates of the Caribbean Trilogy is, arguably, the weakest of the franchise with a plot that is too convoluted and a story that is too fantastical. It is ironic then that the soundtrack is easily the best of the three. With this particular installment, composer Hans Zimmer has further expanded his palette to great effect. Not only does he have the themes from the first two films to draw upon, but he adds a couple of new themes and motifs that are just as enjoyable.

Indeed, the At World’s End soundtrack represents an evolution for composer Hans Zimmer. Whereas Dead Man’s Chest had some superb tracks (“The Kraken” comes to mind), At World’s End has some fantastic new themes. The highlights of the soundtrack include the new “Hoist the Colors” and “At World’s End” themes which are wonderfully, and appropriately, adventurous, epic and pirate-y. The two form the musical centerpiece of the album and frequently appear, in multiple variations on the soundtrack. Furthermore, they represent some of the very best theme work that Zimmer has done on the three Pirate scores.

Overall Grade: A-

Musical technique aside, At World’s End represents one of the most enjoyable soundtracks I have listened to in a great long while. And it has a very, very high replay factor as well. In fact, I find it very difficult to listen to anything else. If you’re a fan of epic, adventurous scores, you may want to look into buying this one – even if you’re not particularly a Hans Zimmer fan. It’s just that good.

Hoist the Colors – 1:31

I’m not a terribly big fan of the boy (or even the chorus) who sings the lyrics to this song. But the lyrics themselves are enjoyable enough. And the melody, which will become the de facto theme of the film, is very good. As such, this track can be enjoyable in spite of itself.

Singapore – 3:40

The distinct Asian flavor of this track is very interesting indeed, with the combination of pan flute, vocals and percussive instruments. But it is when the track winds up and becomes a full-fledged action cue, that the track becomes truly memorable. There’s enough subtlety and variation – along with a full statement of Jack’s Heroic Arrival theme – to make this a very good installment on the soundtrack.

At Wit’s End – 8:05

This rather lengthy track encompasses a great many very good cues. It begins with a very subtle rendition a new prominent theme for the film which then slowly builds in volume and tempo. Zimmer makes liberal use of a chorus here which is quite effective in conveying a kind of ethereal, otherworldly mood. In fact, it reminds me a bit of The Lord of the Rings – with the male choral parts sounding a bit like Khazad-Dum, and the female vocals sounding a bit like Lothlorien.

At about the point, the music finally explodes in full volume with a full rendition of this new “At World’s End” theme. Most prominent are some strings and brass which, when combined with the chorus and percussive elements create a very powerful musical statement – one that is both memorable and enjoyable.

This is followed by a much quieter passage which makes use of what almost sounds like a music box (which integrates into the track much more effectively than what we heard in “Davy Jones” from the Dead Man’s Chest soundtrack). This passage, in turn, leads to a more forceful section which is highlighted by its rhythms, particularly from the percussion end of the spectrum. It all ends in a great deal of excitement as the tracks comes to its triumphant conclusion.

Multiple Jacks – 3:51

This is one unusual track. It has two sections. The first features “Jack’s Theme” (first heard in the Dead Man’s Chest soundtrack). But it’s presented in a disjointed, halting manner that utilizes, among all things, a mouth harp and accordion. The second section is even more “other worldly” in its presentation. But it’s also more rhythmic and cohesive.

Up Is Down – 2:42

This is easily my favorite track on the soundtrack. It’s a fun, thrilling, adventurous piece of music that features a blood-pumping rendition of the “At World’s End” theme. This track effectively uses a fiddle and a flute, along with the usual orchestral and percussive arrangements to create its unique sound. If any track were to embody the spirit of the Pirates of the Caribbean film, this would be it. Highly recommended.

I See Dead People In Boats – 7:08

The track begins with a somber rendition of the “At World’s End” theme. Throughout much of the first three minutes of this track, the somber mood is maintained. The mood is heightened at around the three minute mark by a haunting female choral presentation (the best part of this section of the track) which leads into despair.

The final two minutes of this track becomes an action cue (an odd juxtaposition). It begins with a rhythmic string section which, with about a minute left, erupts into a bold action statement before ending with a single organ note.

The Brethren Court – 2:21

The track opens much like “Multiple Jacks” with a halting rendition of Jack’s Theme before we hear a slow male choral (but no lyrics) presentation of “Hoist the Colors”. The theme is then given another variation, much more comical and lighthearted by way of a fiddle. Quite enjoyable and entertaining – if a bit brief.

Parlay – 2:10

This is a great track for creating and establishing tension. The pulsating rhythms, like the ticking of a clock, build to a crescendo which only breaks with soaring electric guitar. This is certainly one of the most memorable and moving tracks on the entire album.

Calypso – 3:02

This track starts off quiet, yet ominous before reaching a chanting male choir. The payoff is certainly worth the buildup, as the chanting is certainly powerful and epic. And yet, for some reason, the track is almost lost within the rest of the album.

What Shall We Die For – 2:02

The “Hoist the Colors” theme is the centerpiece of this track which is inspirational and evocative. Building slowly, the track first gives a full orchestral presentation of the theme before being joined by a choir, singing excerpts of the “Hoist the Colors” lyrics which end with “never say we die!” Good stuff.

I Don’t Think Now Is The Best Time – 10:44

Opening with frantic strings, this is *the* action track from the album, written to accompany the final climactic battle of the film. Tucked neatly into the nearly eleven-minute run time are a myriad of themes from across all three films, including: Hoist the Colors, the At World’s End theme, Davy Jones, He’s A Pirate, Beckett’s Theme, and Jack’s Theme. As expected, this track rises and falls in emotion as the fortunes of battle rise and fall.

There are three main sections with the first feeling much more epic and tragic and the second being a bit more bombastic and adventurous. It is in this section that we hear the greatest variety of musical themes being mixed together. The final section is cued by a particularly somber and tragic piece of music before ending with new variation on a familiar action theme.

One Day – 4:01

Both tragic and heroic, this track is yet another amalgamation of the “Greatest Hits” of the Pirates scores. Featured prominently are “He’s A Pirate” and the “At World’s End” theme. This is one of the most enjoyable tracks on the album due, in part, because it mixes themes so well. But another strong factor is the mood that the arrangements evokes. There’s a definite bittersweet quality that is quite compelling.

Drink Up Me Hearties – 4:31

Building toward the now familiar “He’s A Pirate” concluding fanfare, the track opens with a fun rendition of the theme. But the real joy of the track is twofold. First, “He’s A Pirate” is allowed a lengthy presentation. Second, we also get a full presentation of the “At World’s End” theme, with all of its separate sections. It’s a triumphant way to end the album and the trilogy.

Topics: Film Music
Filed under: Pirates of the Caribbean