Justin Hurwitz - La La Land (OST) (LP)

A musical romance about a jazz pianist (Ryan Gosling) and an aspiring actress (Emma Stone) set in the City of Angels, La La Land was written and directed by Damien Chazelle, the man behind the 2014 Oscar winner Whiplash. He enlisted his former Harvard roommate Justin Hurwitz to write the songs and score for the film. The pair also worked together on Whiplash, about drummers, and on a 2009 student project that went on to receive theatrical distribution, Guy and Madeline on a Park Bench, about a jazz trumpeter. Hurwitz is joined here by lyricists Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, two veterans of musical theater (the off-Broadway musical Dogfight, TV's Smash, Broadway's Dear Evan Hansen) at the relatively young age of 31 by the time of release. (The latter is also true of Chazelle and Hurwitz.) La La Land's original soundtrack includes both songs and instrumentals, with the songs performed by a cast that also includes John Legend, fresh off his Oscar win for Selma's "Glory," and Callie Hernandez, a musician-turned-actress. Hernandez performs alongside Stone, Jessica Rothe, and Sonoya Mizuno on "Someone in the Crowd," a soaring, uptempo number with swing-era rhythms. Preceding it, the film opens with a big production number set in L.A. traffic that Hurwitz said was inspired by Jacques Demy-Michel Legrand film musicals of the '60s ("Another Day of Sun"). While listeners and moviegoers alike will find that Gosling and Stone don't quite have the singing chops of an Astaire and Rogers, their voices are warm and approachable, and their duet "A Lovely Night," in particular, is a bright charmer. Later, Legend delivers the goods on "Start a Fire," a song written in the context of a jazz musician trying to cross over to the contemporary mainstream. Score tracks range from the tender-slash-anxious piano piece "Mia & Sebastian's Theme," to the legit jazz exercise "Herman's Habit," to the Romantic tone poem "Planetarium." The film and the soundtrack wrap up with a second reprise of Gosling's "City of Stars," this time hummed by Stone, which will likely provide a feel-good earworm after the music ends.

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"La La Land (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)" by Justin Hurwitz is a delightful musical journey that perfectly captures the whimsical and nostalgic essence of the film it accompanies. Released on December 9, 2016, the soundtrack has been celebrated for its vibrant and emotive compositions that blend jazz, pop, and classical influences.

The film "La La Land," directed by Damien Chazelle, is a love letter to Los Angeles and the golden age of Hollywood musicals. The soundtrack plays a crucial role in bringing this vision to life, with Justin Hurwitz's compositions serving as the heartbeat of the film. Hurwitz, who has been a frequent collaborator with Chazelle since their college days, crafted a score that is both timeless and contemporary, capturing the dreams and struggles of the film's protagonists, Mia and Sebastian, played by Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling.

One of the standout tracks on the album is "City of Stars," a hauntingly beautiful duet performed by Stone and Gosling. The song's simple yet evocative melody, combined with its poignant lyrics, encapsulates the film's themes of hope and longing. "City of Stars" went on to win the Academy Award for Best Original Song, further cementing its place in cinematic history.

Another highlight is "Audition (The Fools Who Dream)," performed by Emma Stone. This track is a powerful and emotional ballad that showcases Stone's vocal talents and serves as a pivotal moment in the film. The song's message about the importance of following one's dreams resonates deeply with audiences, making it a memorable and inspiring piece.

The soundtrack also features instrumental tracks like "Mia & Sebastian's Theme," which is a recurring motif throughout the film. This piano-driven piece is both romantic and melancholic, reflecting the complex relationship between the two main characters. Hurwitz's ability to convey emotion through music is evident in this track, as it beautifully underscores the film's narrative.

Critically, the "La La Land" soundtrack received widespread acclaim. Major publications praised Hurwitz's work for its originality and its ability to evoke the spirit of classic Hollywood musicals while still feeling fresh and relevant. The soundtrack's success is also reflected in its commercial performance, as it topped charts in several countries and became a favorite among fans of the film.

In addition to its Oscar win, the soundtrack received numerous accolades, including a Golden Globe Award for Best Original Score and a BAFTA Award for Best Film Music. These honors highlight the impact and significance of Hurwitz's compositions in the world of film music.

The production of the soundtrack was a meticulous process, with Hurwitz working closely with Chazelle to ensure that the music perfectly complemented the film's visual style and storytelling. The collaboration between the director and composer is evident in the seamless integration of music and narrative, creating a cohesive and immersive experience for the audience.

Overall, "La La Land (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)" is a masterful collection of music that not only enhances the film it accompanies but also stands on its own as a remarkable achievement in film scoring. Justin Hurwitz's compositions are a testament to the power of music in storytelling, and the soundtrack's enduring popularity is a reflection of its universal appeal and emotional depth. Whether you're a fan of the film or simply appreciate great music, this soundtrack is a must-listen.