If Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl was an exercise in brute force, Dead Man’s Chest demonstrates what can happen when that brute force begins to be channeled into new and creative avenues. The soundtrack is still a sonic assault, but it also is much more diverse and epic than its predecessor. Composer Hans Zimmer greatly expands his canvas in this installment, including new themes for the Kraken, Davy Jones and even Jack Sparrow. The soundtrack is also longer, providing more opportunity for listeners to get to know the new musical additions.

If there is a criticism to this particular soundtrack – other than the usual criticisms that Hans Zimmer usually receives – it’s in the sense that the soundtrack as a whole isn’t quite as cohesive as its predecessor. The new variety is definitely a good thing, but it doesn’t completely come together to create a unified whole.

But otherwise this soundtrack, much like its predecessor, is very enjoyable to listen to. With the addition of a more complex approach, and with more variety, Dead Man’s Chest is a clear improvement over The Curse of the Black Pearl. And if you’re a fan of the film, chances are you’ll enjoy the soundtrack as well.

Jack Sparrow – 6:05
The track opens with a wonderfully playful violin and string cue which underscores the comic qualities of our favorite pirate captain. Following this, we get a more symphonic approach as we’re introduced to Jack’s theme. It’s a wonderfully enjoyable concert suite that is the perfect introduction to a new Pirates of the Caribbean soundtrack.

The Kraken – 6:54
Easily the best track of the album, The Kraken epic piece of music that utilizes organs, strings, guitars and subtle, yet ominous voice work. The strength of this particular track is in its arrangement, which takes the listener on a musical journey through darkness, conflict, despair and triumph. The arrangement itself is also aided by the myriad variations in tempo, volume, and instrumentation. Put simply, this track is a tour de force which demonstrates the potential strengths of a Hans Zimmer score.

Davy Jones – 3:15
I’m not a huge fan of the music box bookends to this track, but as it fits with what happens in the film, it’s difficult to fault the soundtrack for including it. By far the most interesting part of this track is how the music box theme for Davy Jones swiftly erupts into a bombastic organ, with choral voice work once again augmenting the music.

I’ve Got My Eye On You – 2:25
This is a track that begins in dissonance and ominous instrumentation. The choral work is certainly evocative of a place of despair. But just past its halfway point we get our first familiar theme returning: Jack’s Heroic Arrival cue.

Dinner Is Served – 1:30
I really enjoy the driving, tribal percussive beats that open this track. Voice work is once again utilized, this time from a female solo above a sepulchral underlying chant.

And then ….

And then we get the biggest surprise of the soundtrack a comic, almost circus-like waltz. It’s absolutely hilarious and a welcome change of pace.

Tia Dalma – 3:57
Opening with the familiar Barbossa Theme from the first film, the track then descends into an atmospheric piece in which a haunting vocal is superimposed above a cryptic percussion. We also hear another familiar theme – the one heard just after Barbossa was killed at the end of Curse of the Black Pearl. As an exercise in mood, this track is certainly one of the most ethereal and enjoyable of the soundtrack.

Two Hornpipes – 1:14
This is a wonderfully authentic-sounding piece of music, a kind of jig which you would expect to hear on the Disney World ride. A bit like the waltz heard in “Dinner Is Served” this track is a welcome change of pace.

A Family Affair – 3:34
Using elements of the Davy Jones theme, this is an ominously pulsating track which continues Zimmer’s use of background vocals to supplement the instrumentals of the track. The track turns a bit more melancholy with a focus on strings and violins to convey a sense of despair. But once again, the theme used is from Davy Jones, identifying the source, and focus, of the despair.

Wheel of Fortune – 6:45
This is the first real “action” track of the soundtrack, and it makes use of variations of familiar action themes from the first film. It also includes some of the newer material introduced in this particular soundtrack. In particular, there are elements from “Jack Sparrow,” “Davy Jones” and “The Kraken.”

The track itself goes through a number of variations in tone, tempo, and instrumentation. The result is a truly enjoyable track that, perhaps while not as powerful as, say, “The Kraken,” is certainly highly enjoyable to listen to.

You Look Good Jack – 5:34
This track begins quietly, but ominously. The strings highlight a growing sense of danger or doom – or both. This continues through much of the track until about the two-thirds mark when it becomes louder and more bombastic just before we get a frantic rendition of the Cursed Pirates cue from the first film.

Hello Beastie – 10:14
This is the final track which features music from the original score (the last track is a techno remix of “He’s a Pirate” which is so ridiculously stupid that I won’t even bother commenting on it any further). This track opens quietly enough. Following this, the music slowly builds to an epic passage as Jack Sparrow’s final moments on screen (in this film) come to pass.

Things become a bit more atmospheric just past the halfway point as the characters once again pay a visit to Tia Dalma. A harpsichord is used to solid effect in these passages.

Before the track ends, there are subtle renditions of some of the heroic Jack themes from the first film before we get a final full statement.

Topics: Film Music
Filed under: Pirates of the Caribbean