Sim City (Chris Tilton)

Personally, I hadn't heard of Chris Tilton before this and while he doesn't boast such an extensive list of credits as perhaps other film/game/tv composers, with Sim City he's managed to come up with something truly special. Not even in soundtrack terms but in music man...music.

I mean listen to the main theme. Which begins just like the break of dawn before going through so many awesome themes that I lost count. There are just so many sounds and instruments rushing from one catchy melody to the next, capturing the emotions of a city perfectly and in a way you don't hear very often. I dare you to put this on when you're out and about in town. Things shift into place and suddenly everything just makes sense. (Might just be me though.)

The album goes from lively energetic (even life-affirming), to brooding and worrisome, even throwing in some night mixes of the tracks which makes for great background music around the house. (Unless the people around you hate that/you.)

Every different "view" of a city seems represented here. The busy rush to get to and from work, the quiet lunch break looking at the clouds, the bustle of the everyday, and some almost heroic themes that give off a sense of pride and accomplishment.

Even in the game the score adjusts to what you're seeing/doing. Zooming in close to your city will get you a simpler and more intimate version of the score while zooming out will give you the real deal, even adjusting to the size of your city, saving the best sweeping themes for your masterpiece of a metropolis.

Score Rating:
****

Sophisticated, often iconic melodies that take you on a musical journey through a bustling city. Does the game justice and has, for me anyway, far outlived the actual game. Of course this is mainly a matter of taste (also this whole blog) but at the end of the day Tilton has crafted some fine music that makes you feel good. It does what it promises, and a little bit more.