About this album
Where they were
When 'Signs' was released in 2002, James Newton Howard was well-established in Hollywood, having composed scores for films like 'The Sixth Sense' and 'Primal Fear.' This album marked his further ascent into the realm of prominent film composers, showcasing his ability to weave suspenseful soundscapes that complement director M. Night Shyamalan's storytelling style.
Why it matters
The score for 'Signs' received critical acclaim and was nominated for a Grammy Award, highlighting Howard's impact on film music during this era. The haunting themes contributed significantly to the film's atmosphere, reinforcing its box office success and cementing Howard's reputation as a leading composer in psychological thrillers.
Essential tracks
- "Main Titles" — This opening track sets the tone for the entire score, introducing eerie motifs that encapsulate the film's suspenseful atmosphere.
- "In the Cornfield" — With its slow build and unsettling textures, this piece perfectly captures the tension and fear experienced by the characters as they confront the unknown.
- "The Hand of Fate, Part I" — This track exemplifies Howard's orchestral prowess, blending emotional depth with ominous undertones that reflect the film's central themes of fate and fear.
Release Date
July 30, 2002
Artist Origin
United States
Tracklist
- 1 Main Titles 1:45
- 2 First Crop Circles 3:15
- 3 Roof Intruder 2:19
- 4 Brazilian Video 1:56
- 5 In the Cornfield 5:42
- 6 Baby Monitor 1:09
- 7 Recruiting Office 2:11
- 8 Throwing a Stone 5:47
- 9 Boarding Up the House 3:00
- 10 Into the Basement 5:23
- 11 Asthma Attack 3:42
- 12 The Hand of Fate, Part I 5:32
- 13 The Hand of Fate, Part II 3:48
