A MAP OF THE WORLD

A Map of the World is Pat Metheny's twenty-second studio release, but is different than all albums before it. This is Metheny's first ever movie soundtrack. I have not seen the film A Map of the World, so I can't really tell you if his music matches well with it, or if it captures the movie's spirit. I can tell you, however, how good the music is, and what it sounds like, and from that, you can decide whether you'd like to buy it or not.

As you may have guessed, this is primarily a classical output. But by no means is it exclusively classical, though. In fact, there are some songs with straight drums and bass rocking out. (Rocking out may be a stretch...) Most of the songs, begin with Pat's gorgeously delicate guitar, before hints of strings arise, and soon, the whole orchestra kicks in. The main theme is depicted in the first and title track, and is repeated at times throughout the album. Even when it's not being played, you can still feel the theme's presence, and it seems as if Pat could jump into it at any moment (which he sometimes does).

There is no astounding musicianship, no mind-bogglingly intricate songwriting, no solos, no massive amount of diversity or variation. It is a very simple album: and is purely comprised of soulful compositions, beautiful melodies, and a sort of nostalgic, lush atmosphere. This is great morning music. The first I ever heard it was moments after waking up on a Saturday morning, and I couldn't get over how magical it was. That being said, the atmosphere is not wholly gripping, and fans of highly-strung prog will find this work tedious.

For a nice, mildly jazzy, slightly forgettable classical album, pick up Pat Metheny's A Map of the World.

The is a soundtrack to a movie by the same name based on a novel by Jane Hamilton. As such, a review of this album must take into account the restrictions imposed by a soundtrack format. The story is set in the midwest and I believe that because of this Pat has a connection with it that is uniquely his and transpires throughout the score. The score consists of a theme and variations. The main theme is initially presented by solo acoustic guitar and accompanied by a chamber orchestra. The melody is hauntingly beautiful and sonically lush. The theme is expanded upon over the next 6 tracks. Subsequent short tracks follow the dramatic storyline and the main theme and secondary themes come and go. The main theme is gloriously recapitulated in tracks 26 and 27 in unique PM style. If you appreciate PM's clean acoustic guitar playing beautiful melodic variations you will really enjoy this album. It is readily accessible but may seem repetitive to some. It is a soundtrack...but one that can stand alone on it's musical merit even if there were no movie to go with it. 4 stars.