CHARIOTS OF FIRE (OST)

'Chariots of Fire' is the first introduction to Vangelis for many people such as myself becasue the film was so popular and for that reason it is a very accessible album. The music is absolutely beautiful and captures the essence of the film and the longing for greatness. The music is incredibly uplifting and there are no filler tracks here. The music became such a statement of the running on the beach footagte that it is impossible to imagine the film without it and vice versa. The music is haunting and memorable. The theme is based on the old hymnal but is laced with classical influences and those trademark heavy symphonic keyboards.

I can recommend this over many other Vangelis albums as it is captivating from beginning to end. It is worth getting hold of just for the 20 minute magnum opus on the last track which is a blend of all the thematic motifs and acts as a type of multi movement suite or overture.

I am not a huge Vangelis fan but his soundtracks are all great. I prefer 'Blade Runner' with its darker visionary style to this, but 'COF' is still great music by any standard.