by johnwilliamsfan on 9/5/2005
favorite track: 6
 
This is without a doubt one of the best film scores Danny Elfman has ever composed. First off, this is not a musical like the 1971 film, but it does feature five original songs composed AND sung by Elfman. The CD begins with "Wonka's Welcome Song," which is clearly inspired by "It's a Small World." This tune will immediately get stuck in your head, and sets the stage nicely for the four other songs. The songs for the children use Dahl's words from the book, only slightly revised. Each of the songs have their own style, but the same thematic structure. The songs will also appeal to Oingo Boingo fans, especially "Mike Teavee." "Augustus Gloop" is an homage to Bollywood productions, with full-on brass. "Violet Beauregarde" sounds almost like a porn song, but it's still enjoyable. "Veruca Salt" is in the style of 60s hippie/folk music, a la The Mamas and the Papas. "Mike Teavee" will bring back fond memories for Boingo fans. Enough said. The rest of the album is score, and it's awesome.