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James Bond 007 -Everything or Nothing- Collector's Edition Score :: Review by Chris
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Album Title: | James Bond 007 -Everything or Nothing- Collector's Edition Score |
| Record Label: | Electronic Arts | |
| Catalog No.: | N/A | |
| Release Date: | November 17, 2003 | |
| Purchase: | Buy at eBay |
Overview
While best known for portraying Jack Bauer on the 24 series, Sean Callery did find the time to depict another agent with the same initials in 2003, for his video game debut James Bond 007: Everything or Nothing. Those who pre-ordered the game received a bonus DVD featuring the 15 track soundtrack for the game, including the three versions of the vocal theme.
Body
As with the digital release, the soundtrack includes a full-length rendition of the James Bond theme. Sean Callery hints at his electro-orchestral tendencies here, but largely stays faithful to the melodies of the original. He waits till the main gameplay sequences to really assert his identity. For example, on "To Arms", he combines the exuberant orchestrations and punchy brass typical of David Arnold, with various percussive elements and electronic distortions typical of his 24 scores. The result has an enormous impact in the game and serves as some of the series' most appealing music on a stand-alone basis too.
While Everything or Nothing didn't receive a widespread music release, Sean Callery clearly intended the music to stand on its own. From a functional perspective, "Silent Ascension" enhances the infiltration feel of the game's stages with its electro-orchestral ambient soundscaping. However, it is also quite satisfying on a stand-alone level, thanks to Callery's creative use of solo and tutti strings. "Kiss Kiss Fight" is another impressive fusion of orchestral and contemporary elements that brings genuine chaos and intensity to the action sequences. "Freefall" turns the volume up a few notches and proves to be a gigantic action cue.
While most of the tracks on the score are electro-orchestral fusions, there is still plenty of diversity within. For example, the fusion of "Tunisia" introduces various Spanish instruments and tonalities, culminating in a fantastic interlude at the 0:42 mark. It's a very entertaining depiction. "Egyptian Descent" further focuses on regional elements — this time Arabian instruments and vocals — but includes the hook of the James Bond theme as well. It comes together surprisingly well. A further highlight is "Restoration", a more cinematic entry that depicts the antagonist in a stereotypical but exciting way with Russian choir.
The vocal theme for the game, simply entitled "Everything or Nothing", combines a haunting vocal performance with an upbeat electro backing. While the lyrics are fairly silly, Mya's performance is an excellent one and the electronic stylings are well done. This track is actually featured in three different versions during the soundtrack. In addition to the main version, the team offers a sleaky jazz remix in line with the series' past scores and an electronic remix to close the soundtrack. Overall, a solid song that is both creative yet distinctively Bond.
Summary
On James Bond 007: Everything or Nothing, Sean Callery offered the combination of creative musical stylings and cutting-edge production values not shared by prior scores in the series. It is impressive how he manages to integrate his characteristic hybridised stylings into the score while still keeping the Bond feel alive. The vocal theme is also a major highlight.
