This Is England '90: Original Soundtrack

Artist: Various
Title: This Is England '90: Original Soundtrack
Format Reviewed: MP3
Format Released: 2nd October 2015
Reviewed By: Dan Stoten

I'll hold my hands up now and say I've not watched the most recent This Is England programmes. The original film, however, is one of my top five favourites ever: I love the style, the music, and of course the message. It's a work of genius.

The reason I haven't seen any of the latest TV shows is purely down to a lack of time: I thus took the decision to wait until the whole set are out on DVD and spend a weekend revelling in it.

However, having spoken to a number of friends about the musical score within the most recent TV shows, I have heard it's a blinder once again. When the soundtrack landed in the TPA inbox, I jumped at the chance to have a listen.

It's always tricky to review a compilation of tracks which many people have heard before: there's only a couple of new tracks here. There are some brilliant classics, though, which take you back to the 90s within seconds. A great example is Dub Be Good To Me from Beats International, a song which many know and love.

There's a brand new recording of Toots And The Maytals' seminal 54-46 (Was) My Number from Kiko Bun, which takes the original and adds a certain modern twist. God Song from TOYDRUM is also released for the first time on this album.

Another highlight amongst the classics is Ludovico Einaudi's Whirling Winds. I'm not a fan of classical music per se, but this is a gorgeous, haunting and moving song. I've heard much about it in the TV show, reputedly reducing people to tears in seconds. It's a wonderful piece.

It seems this compilation has captured the essence of the TV show perfectly: and that's all you can expect of such a record.