Average Rating: 
Rating:  - I was skeptical
I have to admit, I have high expectations of a soundtrack for a movie based on such a literary treasure. I was also a bit dissapointed that John Williams wasn't doing the score for this movie-at first. Fortunately I was more than pleasantly surprised by this soundtrack. Not only does the music live up to Tolkien's great story, but Shore convinced me that Williams isn't the only amazing soundtrack creator out there. To me a good soundtrack not only flows along with the story, but it compliments the story itself. Both of these elements were true throughout the score. As I listened to the music, even the first time, I knew who/what/when/where the different pieces and themes referred to. The vocals were very powerful, with elven lyrics based on Tolkien's linguistic creations and poetry. I found Enya's ethereal, magical voice the perfect accompaniment for this fantasy score. The CD came with a beautiful collectible photo card, there were several versions to chose from including Frodo, Arwen, Bilbo, Saruman, Gandalf, Aragorn, and Merry/Pippin/Frodo/Sam together and an insert listing lyrics and translations. Overall this has become one of my all time favorite soundtracks. Its an essential for any collection and just plain enjoyable to listen to!
Rating: - Amazing Soundtrack
First of all, congratulations to Mr. Shore for winning the Academy Award. It is well deserved. I first purchased this CD in January and have listened to it practically every day since that time. The music takes you to another place, which is exactly what it should do. I am always amazed with the way Howard Shore combined the different instruments to create such a grand sweeping vista. I know I am in Middle Earth when I hear the music. I have been collecting soundtracks since falling in love with the theme from Exodus many, many years ago. But upon hearing this one for the first time, it totally blew me away. I had no trouble associating the music with the sequences in the film. It brought tears to my eyes. I love all of the tracks, but primarily #1, which sets the "feeling" of the film, #2 which just feels like happy-go-lucky hobbits living in one of the most beautiful places on "middle earth", #17 with the exquisite vocals of Edward Ross and of course #18 with Enya's amazing vocalizations. I am very pleased to add this and all future "Rings" compositions to my collection. It is a MUST purchase!
Rating: - Mystical and Magical!
After listening to this amazing soundtrack to "The Lord of The Rings: The Fellowship of The Ring". I just know that the movie will be good! The whole soundtrack has a mystical pagan sort of feeling. I wasn't enitirely sure that Howard Shore could do something like 'Lord of the Rings', considering he usually does scores for films such as 'The Score', 'Silence of the Lambs', 'The Cell', 'Dogma', etc. I would think they'd want to go with John Williams on this one, since he's defintely proven his ability to do fantasy scores with 'Haryy Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone'. Well, I was pleasantly surprised with Howard Shore! This is a excellent soundtrack, ideal for a film such as 'Lord of the Rings'. This music has a great way of setting the mood. I've heard numerous movie critics comment on how wonderful the music was and how it was extremely helpful in setting the mood. Critics don't usually bother with commenting on the score, so that tells you something; this must be a good soundtrack! Some of my personal favorites on this soundtrack are 'Concerning Hobbits', a very ubeat and magical piece. 'Many Meetings', 'The Breaking of the Fellowship', 'The Rings Goes Sounth', and others (that I just can't remember) are also my favorites. Actually, it looks like the whole soundtrack is my favorite! When I heard that Enya would be recording two new songs for the 'Lord of the Rings' soundtrack, I went nuts! Enya and 'Lord of the Rings' seem like a perfect match! The music in 'Lord of the Rings' is just the kind of music that Enya does best! Her beautiful voice will defintely match the intrigue, magic, and mystery of 'Lord of the Rings'. 'May It Be' is another beautiful song from Enya. Her voice is gorgeous and the lyrics are magical, just like 'Lord of the Rings'. The orchestration is just fantastic, no wonder 'May It Be' is the number #1 download on Amzon.com! Enya's other song on this track 'The Council of Elrond' is pure magic.
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