Jonny Greenwood, the innovative multi-instrumentalist and composer best known for his work with Radiohead, delivers a powerful and atmospheric soundtrack with "There Will Be Blood." Released on December 18, 2007, under Nonesuch Records, this album is a masterful blend of orchestral and electronic elements, perfectly complementing the 2007 film of the same name. Clocking in at just under 39 minutes, the album is a concise yet impactful journey through a landscape of tension, drama, and raw emotion.
Greenwood's compositional prowess shines through in tracks like "Open Spaces" and "Future Markets," which set the stage with haunting melodies and intricate arrangements. The album's centerpiece, "There Will Be Blood," is a tour de force of orchestral intensity, showcasing Greenwood's ability to evoke a sense of foreboding and grandeur. Other standout tracks include "Prospectors Arrive," with its eerie, dissonant strings, and "HW / Hope of New Fields," a hauntingly beautiful piano piece that underscores the film's themes of ambition and despair.
The album's shorter tracks, such as "Proven Lands (Intro)" and "Proven Lands," serve as atmospheric interludes, adding depth and texture to the overall listening experience. Greenwood's use of unconventional instruments and techniques, as heard in "De-Tuned Quartet," further highlights his experimental approach to composition.
"Prospector's Quartet" and "Stranded the Line" showcase Greenwood's ability to blend classical and modern elements, creating a sound that is both timeless and contemporary. The album's final track, "De-Tuned Quartet," leaves a lasting impression with its unsettling, unresolved harmonies.
For fans of Jonny Greenwood's work with Radiohead or his previous solo endeavors, "There Will Be Blood" offers a compelling and immersive listening experience. The album is a testament to Greenwood's versatility and creativity, making it a standout addition to any music collection.