Soundtracks are a tricky business. Very rarely do they stand out with artistic merit. Most of the time the main purpose of their release is to capitalize on the success of the movie they accompany, and if that works well, you’re likely to see a sequel to the soundtrack. Does anybody remember Hackers 2? Anyway, every once in a while you get a really good soundtrack that delivers more than just a catchy theme tune, or an awful love song that was meant to satisfy the legions of lollipop suckers out there.
Such a soundtrack is Blade II, brought to you by the good people of Immortal Records. Immortal Records are also responsible for the platinum selling soundtracks of Judgment Night and Spawn. And they continue their tradition of excellence with Blade II, a tour de force if there ever was one. The soundtrack showcases a fusion of genres featuring cutting-edge artists in both hip-hop and electronica. A marriage made in music heaven.
The soundtrack kicks off with thumping drumbeats, hard-edged hip-hop sounds and electronic melodies. Mos Def and the always amazing Massive Attack’s pairing, “I Against I,” starts the gothic festivities the way it should, brooding and angry. The track is dark and menacing, which mixes electro vibrations with Mos Def’s rhythmic tones ripping on the mic. Excellent track.
In a similar vein, Ice Cube gets funked up with the help of superstar DJ Paul Oakenfold for “Right Here, Right Now.” The gentle dance melody slams up against Ice Cube’s hard rap style. Brilliant!
One of the cooler tracks on the album, “The One”, features Busta Rhymes’ distinctive rap style over a phat bassline-dancey hip-hop. With the unmistakable talent of the Dub Pistols and Silk The Shocker exploding into a fantastic track. Bubba Sparxx and The Crystal Method come up trumps with their, exciting and energetic fusion of hip-hop and soaring electro undertones.
“PHDream” is both mechanical and inspirational. Other highlights on Blade II are, “The Child Of The West” and “Gettin’ Aggressive”. “The Child Of The West” intro is a heavily futuristic electronica, courtesy of Roni Size, which is then fused with Cypress Hill’s unique rap styles. Driving beats and electronica are perfectly melded with a simple wicked vocal.
“Getting Aggressive” is a definite treat. The track features Moby and the raw rap styles of Mystikal, accompanied by the gentle female vocal melody and underground bassline and drum loop. Other collaborations include: Eve and Fat Boy Slim, Redman with the Gorillaz, BT and the Roots. A great and innovative soundtrack.
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