Halo 4 OST Discussion
- Thread starter IJoel
- Start date
. Haven is incredible.ChimpBottle
Member
The Lord of the Rings movies found a perfect balance between keeping the iconic tunes in later instalments, and bringing in brand new tracks to add to the fantastic score with each film.
I really respect Davidge for wanting to make sure that with Halo 4 came a brand new OST, and I think that - not including tracks that were in previous Halo games - 4 has the best OST since Combat Evolved.
However, some Halo songs (such as the monk overture and A Walk in the Woods and all it's remakes) aren't in fact Halo 1, 2 or 3 songs. They're Halo songs. They're the tunes that remind you just what game you're playing. And I think there should always be a place for them in any numbered Halo game.
I really respect Davidge for wanting to make sure that with Halo 4 came a brand new OST, and I think that - not including tracks that were in previous Halo games - 4 has the best OST since Combat Evolved.
However, some Halo songs (such as the monk overture and A Walk in the Woods and all it's remakes) aren't in fact Halo 1, 2 or 3 songs. They're Halo songs. They're the tunes that remind you just what game you're playing. And I think there should always be a place for them in any numbered Halo game.
A lot of the soundtrack has that kind of sense about it. Halo's soundtracks have always been different, this one is a not-bad concession to the norm.
Maybe it will grow on me. Previously my least favorite Halo OST was 2's... and the rest were among my favorite soundtracks to anything, never mind just video games. 4's is okay. I like it, but I guess was hoping for more.
I'm listening to the ODST soundtrack right now and man, I love it. Jazz-bluesy, way different than what you'd expect to hear from a military shooter. That's what I mean by different.
Proelite
Member
Marty O'Donnel's music had that minimalism aspect to it. There isn't a single note, instrument, etc that is wasted.
The only song that come close to replicating the minimalist feel of Marty's music is probably To Galaxy.
Marty can convey with a with notes what other artist can't with a entire verse.
Not a music theory person by any means, just my two cents.
Randolph Freelander
Member
So after all this, I'm listening to all the previews on iTunes. I haven't detected anything that (the) Ohio State( university)'s marching band will play. Granted, I'm on track #9.
I try not to do this but look at his post history (SP 3000's) and try to imagine a world where he listened to it, never mind bought it). Make up your own mind about the ost, however.
I don't know what exactly it is that sets them apart... But listen to something like Covenant Dance or On a Pale Horse or A Walk in the Woods -- compare that to the sweeping chords of Halo 4, and then tell me which you prefer. Which sticks in your mind more?
I loved practically everything Marty did, but I guess it boils down to a matter of opinion. You might agree.
To Galaxy is my favorite so far of Davidge's stuff. It's certainly the most memorable.
That said, I am really glad it is different this time. Maybe that's what's important. Maybe it's good that I didn't like it right away.
I am not saying the soundtrack is all generic throwaway stuff, though. There are some weird idiosyncrasies I greatly enjoy, like the strange string-ish sounds on Immaterial at around 3:33.... but then that song kind of devolves into a series of "bum bum bums."
Do yourself a favor and listen to the whole thing. Previews do not do this OST any justice.
Jellycrackers
Member
I'm a huge fan of the big, epic style. I don't know why anyone would use "it has no iconic themes" as an argument against it. Nothing in a brand new soundtrack is going to be "iconic" right from the start. It becomes iconic when it stands the test of time and is remembered for its ties to the Halo franchise.
There are plenty of melodies. To Galaxy, 117, Green and Blue, Solace, Haven, Nemesis/Revival, and Arrival (off the top of my head) all have very clear melodies that I catch myself whistling all the time.
Granted, a couple of the tracks are filler music, but that's necessary in game scoring. But most of it is very melodic and musical, and an emotional roller coaster to listen to.
There are plenty of melodies. To Galaxy, 117, Green and Blue, Solace, Haven, Nemesis/Revival, and Arrival (off the top of my head) all have very clear melodies that I catch myself whistling all the time.
Granted, a couple of the tracks are filler music, but that's necessary in game scoring. But most of it is very melodic and musical, and an emotional roller coaster to listen to.
One thing I can compliment is that the soundtrack lends itself to the game's overall soundscape very well. The chords and melodies don't stand out, they blend into the emotional tone of the game. I don't think it was really designed to stand on its own in the same way Marty's music does. So it serves a purpose very effectively, but it doesn't do what we're used to Halo doing. The design of the game's audio is impressively consistent. So that's fine I guess.
The whole thing is on spotify so it's not really hard to listen to
I don't know what exactly it is that sets them apart... But listen to something like Covenant Dance or On a Pale Horse or A Walk in the Woods -- compare that to the sweeping chords of Halo 4, and then tell me which you prefer. Which sticks in your mind more?
I loved practically everything Marty did, but I guess it boils down to a matter of opinion. You might agree.
That said, I am really glad it is different this time. Maybe that's what's important. Maybe it's good that I didn't like it right away.
I am not saying the soundtrack is all generic throwaway stuff, though. There are some weird idiosyncrasies I greatly enjoy, like the strange string-ish sounds on Immaterial at around 3:33.... but then that song kind of devolves into a series of "bum bum bums."
The instrumentation is good in certain parts but as you said devolves quickly. It seems all the right tools and instruments are there there is just no melody that holds them together. It obviously has very high production values but all the money and sound libraries in the world can't make up for a lack of proper composition.
Yeah. Marty was amazing at this. To be fair he has some pretty uninspired tracks as well. Reach was by far the worst of the Halo games. At his best though, I don't think any other composer in the video game industry could touch him.
I remember when I first heard this my jaw dropped
APZonerunner
Member
"117" really is wonderful. The back end, where the traditional Halo world-saving theme echoes through into it is absolutely fantastic.
Regarding the lack of the 'classic' themes - there's one or two times throughout this OST where traditional themes push through beneath a new one, layered deep in, rearing themselves, as in 117. I really like that. It reminds me of Casino Royale - where a slight glimpse of the Bond theme was a massive reward and a massive moment. When you get one of those themes, it feels special.
Regarding the lack of the 'classic' themes - there's one or two times throughout this OST where traditional themes push through beneath a new one, layered deep in, rearing themselves, as in 117. I really like that. It reminds me of Casino Royale - where a slight glimpse of the Bond theme was a massive reward and a massive moment. When you get one of those themes, it feels special.
Sounds like an old theme breaking through the beginning of To Galaxy as well, and I agree those are good moments.
XANDER CAGE
Member
Listened through it twice. Legacy, To Galaxy, Immaterial, and some of 117 are all I really love. I think Arrival is one of the worst pieces of music in the series, up there with the stupid Halo 2 theme with guitar wanking over it or the silly rock parts of Halo Reach. I really do not like it.
Motifs and themes are pretty much out the window. Subtlety of any sort is out the window, outside of Legacy and Immaterial, and perhaps the melodrama of Green and Blue. That's the problem though, this soundtrack is beating you over the head no matter what it's trying to do. It's noisy and shapeless and basic, like bad trailer music. Even the quiet themes eventually swell into big dumb walls of sound, like Haven and Green and Blue. It feels like the soundtrack takes every opportunity it gets to operate in the lowest frequency possible. Lots of key changes in the middle of loud cascading strings to make the loud cascading strings more emotional, or something.
Also, breakbeats and other electronic oddities in orchestral soundtracks. I know that was Marty's bag as well sometimes, but it's a very dated crossover. Perhaps it was the cutting edge for Metal Gear Solid, but it just sounds goofy here. Also... ok, so we've seen video of people performing this music. Right? Why does everything sound like a super-polished fake sound library effect?
On to the positives. I do like some of the instrumentation. I think the deep piano on Awakening is awesome, and Legacy and Immaterial are excellent at conveying something old, alien, and strange. Both of those tracks feel very otherworldly. I also really like that analog synth pad on To Galaxy, and even though that track represents most of what I've been complaining about (low frequency strings, wall of sound, electronic beats alongside orchestral instruments, ~DRAMATIC KEY CHANGES~), I think it comes together really nicely.
Still, I'm not feeling this soundtrack. Maybe it'll click in-game, but I doubt it's gonna be part of my listening rotation. It's too dumb and too loud, with no themes or motifs that thread the whole thing together or even leap out at me individually in most tracks.
LOVE: Legacy, To Galaxy, Immaterial, 117
HATE: Arrival, Nemesis, Belly of the Beast
MIDDLING: Awakening, Requiem, Faithless, Haven, Ascendancy, Solace, Revival, Green and Blue
Motifs and themes are pretty much out the window. Subtlety of any sort is out the window, outside of Legacy and Immaterial, and perhaps the melodrama of Green and Blue. That's the problem though, this soundtrack is beating you over the head no matter what it's trying to do. It's noisy and shapeless and basic, like bad trailer music. Even the quiet themes eventually swell into big dumb walls of sound, like Haven and Green and Blue. It feels like the soundtrack takes every opportunity it gets to operate in the lowest frequency possible. Lots of key changes in the middle of loud cascading strings to make the loud cascading strings more emotional, or something.
Also, breakbeats and other electronic oddities in orchestral soundtracks. I know that was Marty's bag as well sometimes, but it's a very dated crossover. Perhaps it was the cutting edge for Metal Gear Solid, but it just sounds goofy here. Also... ok, so we've seen video of people performing this music. Right? Why does everything sound like a super-polished fake sound library effect?
On to the positives. I do like some of the instrumentation. I think the deep piano on Awakening is awesome, and Legacy and Immaterial are excellent at conveying something old, alien, and strange. Both of those tracks feel very otherworldly. I also really like that analog synth pad on To Galaxy, and even though that track represents most of what I've been complaining about (low frequency strings, wall of sound, electronic beats alongside orchestral instruments, ~DRAMATIC KEY CHANGES~), I think it comes together really nicely.
Still, I'm not feeling this soundtrack. Maybe it'll click in-game, but I doubt it's gonna be part of my listening rotation. It's too dumb and too loud, with no themes or motifs that thread the whole thing together or even leap out at me individually in most tracks.
LOVE: Legacy, To Galaxy, Immaterial, 117
HATE: Arrival, Nemesis, Belly of the Beast
MIDDLING: Awakening, Requiem, Faithless, Haven, Ascendancy, Solace, Revival, Green and Blue
I agree with you on pretty much all of this. I can contribute a great deal of my fondness for the other soundtracks to context though. I hope we see motifs come through in the game, though I have my doubts. One of the absolute best moments for me was Cortana's appearance in Reach and the brief reference to her musical representation. Things like that really pull it together and tell a story we can become attached to.
Demoncarnotaur
Member
So, first to be fully honest, I can't entirely judge it until I play the game. That said, I really do enjoy listening to the OST, and find it to be a pretty unique experience and it certainly packs a punch. Does it have as much unique charm, style and texture that Marty's OSTs had? Not really. It does have some stand out songs though, and it has a darker, more alien and electronic sound to it.
I really love To Galaxy, Haven, Solace, Immaterial, 117 and Arrival. Green and Blue is another beautiful track.
My biggest complaints are as follows
-No track that has the charm of some of Marty's work
-Seemingly no central theme. Plenty of songs would work as one, particularly To Galaxy, but it seems to not make an appearance in the other tracks.
- The lack of Halo's Iconic theme in any way shape or form. Sure, seeds of it make an appearance in a track or two, but they never fully formulate. Its like a new Jurassic Park or Star Wars without their iconic themes. ( I would have loved for a new take on the theme, like Spirit of Fire from Halo Wars)
That said, this soundtrack seems to pack an emotional and moody punch filled with eerie alien sounds and beautiful, ethereal tracks. The true test will be how the soundtrack is applied in the game and whether it used appropriately. I have faith it will, but I imagine it may suffer from the lack of an iconic theme.
--
Another great thing about this is the load of brand new tracks. The main Halo games mostly stayed true to the first Halo OST..its refreshing to hear all these new themes. Still, I there is a certain iconic charm to some of those themes, from the instruments, textures and to the tracks themselves.
I really love To Galaxy, Haven, Solace, Immaterial, 117 and Arrival. Green and Blue is another beautiful track.
My biggest complaints are as follows
-No track that has the charm of some of Marty's work
-Seemingly no central theme. Plenty of songs would work as one, particularly To Galaxy, but it seems to not make an appearance in the other tracks.
- The lack of Halo's Iconic theme in any way shape or form. Sure, seeds of it make an appearance in a track or two, but they never fully formulate. Its like a new Jurassic Park or Star Wars without their iconic themes. ( I would have loved for a new take on the theme, like Spirit of Fire from Halo Wars)
That said, this soundtrack seems to pack an emotional and moody punch filled with eerie alien sounds and beautiful, ethereal tracks. The true test will be how the soundtrack is applied in the game and whether it used appropriately. I have faith it will, but I imagine it may suffer from the lack of an iconic theme.
--
Another great thing about this is the load of brand new tracks. The main Halo games mostly stayed true to the first Halo OST..its refreshing to hear all these new themes. Still, I there is a certain iconic charm to some of those themes, from the instruments, textures and to the tracks themselves.
I'm really pleased with the soundtrack. To Galaxy is probably the main theme, yet there isn't a central theme.
I always thought Marty's work was kind of cheesy and just never took Halo to the next level and made it as serious as the devs claimed it to be. This is the grander tone that I hoped Halo would take and I'm glad it did.
There are plenty of great tracks, but nothing that truly sticks. I wouldn't call them forgettable, but nothing that I will say is iconic or anything that brings everything together. This is just the beginning. Halo 4 and 343 are making a new identity. Give them time.
I always thought Marty's work was kind of cheesy and just never took Halo to the next level and made it as serious as the devs claimed it to be. This is the grander tone that I hoped Halo would take and I'm glad it did.
There are plenty of great tracks, but nothing that truly sticks. I wouldn't call them forgettable, but nothing that I will say is iconic or anything that brings everything together. This is just the beginning. Halo 4 and 343 are making a new identity. Give them time.
I never took Halo very seriously, and it was never really meant to be. It was cool and awesome and magical and often very funny. The soundtracks reflected that. The new soundtrack reflects the new game.
Randolph Freelander
Member
If I enjoy the game, I may buy the soundtrack and do just that. But until then, the longish iTunes previews will have to do.
As someone mentioned, spotify has the full deluxe album so you can listen for free (I put the link in the first post). If you search YouTube you'll also find the full album (though beware reading YouTube comments due to spoilers).
Randolph Freelander
Member
I don't use Spotify. I forgot the YouTube option, I admit, but no, that's not how I typically go about listening to music. I will buy it and listen to it in due time if I enjoy the game. I reserve full judgment on the soundtrack until such a time.
brandonh83
Banned
BURN THE WITCH
I purchased this tonight due to this thread. Didn't realize it was out yet. I listened to it while cleaning up the house and I must say I'm very impressed. A lot of great tracks that fit right in with the halo universe.
The lack of the main halo theme does not bother me in the least. This is a new trilogy by a new studio and personally I think this new soundtrack fits that ideology.
The lack of the main halo theme does not bother me in the least. This is a new trilogy by a new studio and personally I think this new soundtrack fits that ideology.
So interesting how subjective music can be. Personally, I freaking love the soundtrack. As someone earlier said, I can listen from start to finish. I never felt like doing that with previous Halo soundtracks, and yes, I own them all.
I will say that Marty has some masterpieces in each OST, but there's also a lot of filler. His highs are higher, but his lows are lower. Halo 4 OST is consistently good.
I cannot understand how someone could think all these songs are forgettable. Some of them have serious melody hooks that are very catchy. To each his own, I guess, but I love it.
I will say that Marty has some masterpieces in each OST, but there's also a lot of filler. His highs are higher, but his lows are lower. Halo 4 OST is consistently good.
I cannot understand how someone could think all these songs are forgettable. Some of them have serious melody hooks that are very catchy. To each his own, I guess, but I love it.
100% agree on the filler part.
victreeb3l
Member
amazing soundtrack, but yeah it doesnt sound like halo.
this sounds "fuller" and "meatier" than martys work but really does lack that one or two iconic bits of sound. i really wish they kept some parts of the original halo theme though but a newer take on it or something.
this sounds "fuller" and "meatier" than martys work but really does lack that one or two iconic bits of sound. i really wish they kept some parts of the original halo theme though but a newer take on it or something.
Demoncarnotaur
Member
I totally agree. Im sure the game has its filler tracks also, but they probably kept em out of the OST to keep it streamlined. Still, this OST seems to have a lot of fully realized, unique tracks which is really nice.
Something like this would have been amazing.
This pretty much sums it up for me, too. Not even the slightest nod to the Halo theme (or any of Halo's other iconic tracks) really disappoints me. I was at LEAST expecting the newer piano theme from Halo 3 to be in there some where as I thought it would be a lead into John's new story, but it's not.
As harsh as it sounds, I hope they ditch Neil for Halo 5 and find someone else who can write themes that actually sound unique -- I feel like I could take every single track on Halo 4's OST and stick it in a Transformers trailer and it'd fit perfectly. This score just has absolutely no identity.
No central theme is part of the problem, not to mention a huge marketing flop. Your game needs to have a unique identity in every way it can -- I don't care if it's an IP as huge as Halo. Nothing in Halo 4's score really sticks with me as something I'd listen to long after playing the game and thinking "Damn, that's from Halo 4!" Nothing from 4's score is engraved in my mind as much as previous Halo tracks; nothing is no where near as memorable.
Also, if you're complaining about Halo's music being cheesy, I'm sorry but you should probably find another game. Halo in general is cheesy, and that's the point of why it's so special amongst the over-saturated FPS genre. No fun allowed?
TUROK
Member
How is a score for a game that isn't even out yet supposed to be iconic already?
TUROK
Member
You mean by taking the monk chant established by the previous game and tweaking it a bit?
This is a whole new direction of a game from a whole new studio.
'zactly.
I really don't have an issue with that. They don't have to use the old themes if they don't want to. The problem is that they don't have any good themes to replace them.
soulassssns
Banned
Iconic apparently means recycle.
I like Halo 4s soundtrack as is. To me the only good Halo monks theme was from Halo CE
soulassssns
Banned
Matter of opinion only.
You still have a context to go with the music.
XANDER CAGE
Member
No, it doesn't. I'd care fuck all if they'd put out a soundtrack that was completely different from Marty's work that actually had its own new leitmotifs and themes. This album doesn't really.
It's beautiful music, but nothing about it is particularly memorable or gets me pumped for playing the game. It didn't need to reference past games' music, but it should at least evoke some of the same feelings. Luckily, many early reports state that the music is the weakest part of the game.
If you ask me, heavy synth drums in most every track is the key to success.
If you ask me, heavy synth drums in most every track is the key to success.
Listening to 117 and it's amazing how subtle and well done the homage to the Halo theme is. Listen to the last minute and half of it; there's the main theme (chants and all), and some of melodies in Halo 3 as well. I hope there's some good open combat areas with this theme mixed in.