Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence – Soundtrack from the Motion Picture
About this album
Where they were
When Ryuichi Sakamoto released this soundtrack in 1983, he was already an established figure in music, having gained fame with Yellow Magic Orchestra. This album followed his critically acclaimed solo debut 'Left Handed Dream' and marked a significant foray into film scoring, showcasing his ability to fuse traditional and modern musical elements.
Why it matters
The 'Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence' soundtrack is notable for its critical reception, particularly the iconic track 'Forbidden Colours,' which has been widely covered and sampled. The score not only helped elevate the film's emotional depth but also solidified Sakamoto's reputation as a leading composer in contemporary cinema, influencing future soundtracks in the genre.
Essential tracks
- "Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence" — This title track encapsulates the film's emotional core with its poignant melody and intricate layers, setting the tone for the entire score.
- "Forbidden Colours" — 'Forbidden Colours' features haunting vocals by David Sylvian that intertwine beautifully with Sakamoto’s composition, making it a standout piece of both the album and Sakamoto's career.
- "The Seed and the Sower" — This track showcases Sakamoto's unique blending of electronic sounds with classical instrumentation, illustrating his innovative approach to film music.
Release Date
May 1, 1983
Artist Origin
Japan
Tracklist
- 1 Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence 4:36
- 2 Batavia 1:18
- 3 Germination 1:49
- 4 A Hearty Breakfast 1:23
- 5 Before the War 2:15
- 6 The Seed and the Sower 5:03
- 7 A Brief Encounter 2:22
- 8 Ride, Ride, Ride (Celliers' Brother's Song) 1:04
- 9 The Fight 1:30
- 10 Father Christmas 2:07
- 11 Dismissed 0:10
- 12 Assembly 2:17
- 13 Beyond Reason 2:01
- 14 Sowing the Seed 1:54
- 15 23rd Psalm 2:03
- 16 Last Regrets 1:43
- 17 Ride, Ride, Ride (reprise) 1:06
- 18 The Seed 1:04
- 19 Forbidden Colours 4:42
