Walt Disney Records

Ron Howard’s tale of the young Han Solo is carefully constructed by John Powell by stitching together a new theme by John Williams, some old Star Wars classics and new  score by himself.

Say what you like about Michael Giacchino’s score for Rogue One, and I know that not everyone appreciated what they saw as a copycat Williams lite, but at least it was its own thing. Solo, regrettably for John Powell, is not such a singular piece of work, being more Williams than Powell, and frequently reverting to the former’s anthems. Of course, this isn’t a reflection on Powell’s ability as a composer – he has consistently delivered exciting work for over 20 years – it was probably just a case of having to make it sound as much like Star Wars as possible, and at the expense of his own sound.

We don’t feel too sorry for the composer, as he expresses in the liner notes his joy at getting the chance to work with the maestro, and I imagine it’s many a composer’s dream to be working alongside such a legend. Williams himself has written and conducted The Adventures of Han, a glorious, sweeping Korngoldian anthem for our hero that opens the album. It is then interpolated by Powell across the remainder of the album to highlight dramatic moments, surrounded by Powell’s work which serves as the glue.

Powell delivers a great motif for the mysterious Marauders in Marauders Arrive, embellished with chanting by Vanya Moneva Women’s Choir and Sofia Session Choir; It’s a fresh new sound for the Star Wars universe. Han and Qi’ra also get their own love theme (Lando’s Closet, The Good Guy) which like the Corellian’s other love theme (Han Solo and the Princess) is a throwback to Golden Age Hollywood.

Williams’ contribution is not just limited to the main Han-theme, as evidenced when Powell drops in TIE Fighter Attack, Asteroid Field and the main Star Wars Theme into Testing Allegiance, swapping them in and out repeatedly – it’s a bit all over the place.

Verdict: Finally a John Williams theme for Han Solo, but the rest of the material feels like a combination of temp track choices with linking material. John Powell deserves better – I’d like to see would happen if he carried an entire Star Wars movie rather than filling in the blanks. As it is, we have variations on a theme for Han, supported by the John Williams Star Wars medley mega-mix. 6/10

Nick Joy