Breakheart Pass

Breakheart Pass represents one of Jerry Goldsmith's less exciting ventures into the western genre -- its pedestrian approach is all the more surprising given that it originates from 1975, generally considered the beginning of the creative zenith that defines the composer's work throughout the latter half of the "Me Decade." While it contains in abundance the heroic arrangements, dramatic melodies, and kinetic energy that are the hallmark of all of Goldsmith's finest efforts, what Breakheart Pass lacks is a sense of unity and evolution -- the individual themes simply don't add up to a complete listening experience. La-La Land's limited-edition 2006 reissue contains a pair of brief bonus tracks as well as an illustrated booklet with in-depth liner notes -- an excellent presentation of a so-so score. ~ Jason Ankeny