A Nightmare on Elm Street (Soundtrack)
A Nightmare on Elm Street
Composed by Charles Bernstein
Released: 2005
Label: Varese Sarabande
This release is the musical score to Wes Craven’s 1984 film A Nightmare on Elm Street, starring Heather Langenkamp, John Saxon, Johnny Depp, and Robert Englund.
Tracklist:
01. Prologue
02. Main Title
03. Laying the Traps
04. Dream Attack
05. Rod Hanged/Night Stalking
06. Jail Cell
07. Confrontation
08. Sleep Clinic
09. Terror in the Tub
10. No Escape
11. School Horror/Stay Awake
12. Lurking
13. Telephone Terror
14. Fountain of Blood
15. Evil Freddy
16. Final Search
17. Run Nancy
The Good: A Nightmare on Elm Street truly has a powerful score, when it comes to horror soundtracks. Bernstein utilized synthesizers, electric guitar, strings, and a strong kinetic energy, bringing fast tempos and pulse pounding beats to the forefront. Whereas most horror soundtracks relied upon a familiar slow string arrangement and buildup, A Nightmare on Elm Street pushed the envelope by having every piece be in-your-face. Each piece here has a layering process, always adding new instruments or effects to change up the tone it started out with. The prologue is perhaps one of the most recognizable themes in horror films, with its simple piano arrangement and eerie presence. Other standout tracks include “Terror in the Tub”, “Fountain of Blood”, “School Horror/Stay Awake”, and “Dream Attack”. Though these standouts are excellent, they by no means minimize the powerful attributes of the other pieces. Beyond a doubt, the score for A Nightmare on Elm Street is an absorbing and rewarding experience for the listener.
The Bad: Not much. Some listeners might feel the soundtrack is too rushed, always pushing onward and not leaving much for those interested in a slow or spooky pace.
Final Comments: A true horror classic, the soundtrack for A Nightmare on Elm Street effectively balances a dreamy quality with hard hitting energy, providing an engaging and enjoyable listening experience.
Grade: A
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