Battlestar Galactica: Season 4 (Original Soundtrack)

Unlike the previous BSG soundtracks, this one is two discs. Two discs of music from a low-budget sci-fi show, is that worth it? Hell yes. The second disc is exclusively the score from the epic finale, "Daybreak", which was an operatic journey through the entire series and absolutely needed to be presented in full. The first disc is music from the other episodes (not including Razor and the Plan, the TV movies which have a soundtrack album to themselves).The opening, an album version of Gaeta's Lament, is not sung impromptu and alone as it was on the show, but with an epic orchestral backing. It showcases the ability of the singer, though I do still wish some source version had been included. The instrumental version is also sightly different from the show's edit, but is tremendously entertaining and one that I skip to a lot. There's a strong Japanese element in season 4 that shows up in several tracks, as well as the long, sad string buildup from the episode in which they discover they spent most of the series in vain. More faithful renditions of everything from Roslin and Adama's reuniting theme to the eerie old english stylings of Baltar's harem are included. The "Watchtower" riff from last season is embedded in several tracks in radically different ways. There's also some solo piano, ostensibly from an important character on the show, and the climatic Diaspora Oratorio, a soaring choral ovation to the moment when (spoiler alert!) they find Earth. On the whole, the music of season 4 is richer and more orchestral than anything that came before it.The second disc is pretty much the finale score straight-up, unlike most of the BSG discs which have edited versions of the tracks and are ordered for emotional resonance, not in show order. It reprises virtually every theme of the shhow, introduces a few new ones, and builds to a massive climax in which an untold variety of sounds merge into one. As with the show, a long denouement of wistful reflection concludes the album. The Jimi Hendrix "Watchtower" that ended the show did not make it in (probably a wise financial decision on their part), but that's not exactly hard to find if you want it.Season 4 also includes a good-sized booklet with some great liner notes from people involved in the show.All in all, this is the only album I ever spent the entire shipping period checking anxiously to see if it would arrive in time for a (very emotional) trip I was taking. It got in just before I left, and it was and remains and incredibly satisfying musical journey.

Since the initial miniseries in 2003, BSG as a show started strong and went up from there to become not just great sci-fi, but simply great drama. Since Bear McCreary took over as composer for the series, the score itself has also grown and matured, becoming more powerful and intricate with each season. As much as John Williams did with Star Wars, and later Christopher Franke did with Babylon 5, McCreary has redefined what "sci-fi music" sounds like. And the musical art is richer for his influence. I've collected a good number of movies scores over the years, with James Horner's score to "The Wrath of Khan" probably my all time favorite. This score has well earned itself a place in that company.From the Alessandro Juliani's haunting vocals in "Gaeta's Lament" through the epic "Assault on the Colony" at 15 minutes by itself, the soundtrack to season 4 carries us through the emotional roller coaster and the epic journey that was BSG's final season.As a fan of the show and of movie scores in general, I must highly recommend this one. It's a rare thing that, in this digital age, that I buy full albums of anything anymore. With well over two hours of intricate themes woven together, this is one that was an easy purchase.

10 seconds into listening to this soundtrack for the first time (Gaeta's Lament) and I knew that I would be blown away even after loving all previous BSG soundtracks. I think without the score that had accompanied the TV series the show could not have been as epic as it was, and this album is definitely an epic score. I am pretty picky when it comes to music and I have never heard another composer use the drums more effectively than Bear has in his scores for BSG. What makes soundtracks so appealing to me is there ability to draw out the emotions that the characters were feeling and impress them upon you. This album does that greatly. With over 2hours of content here, there is no doubt that this is a must have for any soundtrack fan.

Every BSG soundtrack has been a winner, but the decision to include Daybreak's entire score on the second disc was a wise one. Season 4 was the culmination of Galactica's many various themes and I don't think there's a single one that doesn't make an appearance on this soundtrack. But the highlight has got to be Kara Remembers and Kara's Coordinates, both incredibly emotive and powerful tracks using the Final Five theme. I can't remember a single instance of music being used so perfectly and completely in a series before. I love this soundtrack.

This CD should be owned by every soundtrack fan. Bear McCreary's last take of Battlestar Galactica is epic, original and enjoyable from start to finish. Every queue in this 2 Cd set is completely worthwhile. If you are a fan of the Bear, this is a must-own. If you are not, then this CD is one of the best to start with. You will not regret it! Even though it's probably the best seasonal CD from BSG, part of what it makes it so good it to see the character themes and old leitmotivs return in full glory. Make no mistake though: this cd is a masterpiece on its own even without listening to previous seasons.The case and booklet are excellent quality and offer interesting insights of the music and the composition.This is an epic acomplishment. This is Bear McCreary in full glory.So Say We All!

McCreary has combined Celtic, Arabic, and Eastern elements to create a tribal / military / emotional collection of tunes that really give the series feeling.

Bought for my daughter as smoothing background music.

Excellent quality CDs with info booklet inside + timely arrival. Exactly what I was expecting and looking for. My favourites on the CDs so far are Kara remembers and Karas coordinates. Found those two very uplifting/motivating.