Vangelis' works for movies, albums and compilations

Frankly, I dislike any of Vangelis' compilations. Certain melodies are better-acclaimed among others. So popular that they have appeared in multiple compilations. While, some of his works are too hard to comprehend (for example, Beaubourg, and Mask) and won't be selected anyway. However, popularity isn't a good criterion to justify greatness. Furthermore, he has put strong core essence within his every singular album, and I don't think that the essence can be dissected into parts. The compilation of shattered souls is not a whole thing.

Especially his soundtracks to movies. The soundtrack albums are not always those music actually applied in the films. They are more likely to be Vangelis' personal view to the story. He tells us the stories through melodies, something like his far ancestor Homer did with Iliad and Odyssey lyrics.

The fame to Vangelis' music for films started very early. With Frédéric Rossif, a series including L'Apocalypse des animaux, La Fête sauvage and Opéra sauvage were released as albums. Thus he has established the basis to cooperate with film workers. Shortly after, his first peak achievement comes with Chariots of Fire. In fact, this name most people referred is actually named "Titles" in official album. Besides Titles, other tracks are also appealing.

The actual "Chariots of Fire" track is loaded at side B of the album, a medley running 20 minutes and 41 seconds. This is my first impression to his story-telling music. However, that medley lacks in concrete structure, more likely to be a serial flashback of movie highlights.

Then there comes The City. This is one of my favorites, because of the skillfulness and wholeness in this album. Vangelis describes his view to city life, a complete circulation. The techniques he discovered in The City induce 2 great albums later: 1492 Conquest of Paradise, and Blade Runner (1994 release).


Through his music, Vangelis has told better Columbus story than Ridley Scott did with the film. And the noir-atmosphered music is as classical as Blade Runner movie is in its genre. Vangelis has brought the soundtrack to a whole new level. The music is not only an ingredient of the movie, but the re-creation of the movie from the composer.

That's how I feel uneasy when I heard Come To Me was inserted between Monastery of La Rabida and Light And Shadow, in the compilation Reprise. It shouldn't be like this anyway.

Well, after all, the only compilation I will recommend to everyone is The Best of Jon and Vangelis. For a collection of great songs, it's as good as it can be.
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adapted from articles originally posted on Vangelis facebook fan forum