Rogue One is the first theatrical Star Wars film to feature a score by a composer other than John Williams. Music has always been fundamental to the saga, so this departure filled many fans (myself included) with a certain amount of trepidation. It also set an incredibly high bar for Rogue One composer Michael Giacchino to meet. Fortunately, we needn't have worried - and after seeing Rogue One and being blown away by the film's score, I immediately went out to pick up a copy of the soundtrack on CD.
Giacchino makes full use of his formidable scoring experience (his resume includes work on Lost, Fringe, Mission Impossible, Star Trek, Jurassic World, and a number of Disney Pixar movies including The Incredibles, Ratatouille, and Up) and produces a soundtrack that is both distinctly Star Wars, and refreshingly original. Of particular note is the unique new opening theme found at the end of "A Long Ride Ahead". The real centrepiece, however, is the equal parts tragic and inspiring "Jyn Erso & Hope Suite" that is reprised throughout the score, and beautifully dovetails into Williams' original Force Theme in "Trust Goes Both Ways".
If you're a fan of the music of Star Wars, then you'll certainly want to add this soundtrack to your collection. Giacchino has done phenomenal work, and his score for Rogue One has earned a well-deserved place alongside Williams' scores.
