The Music of Command and Conquer: Red Alert

Finally, Westwood Studios releases the soundtrack to Command and Conquer: Red Alert. It's about time more US companies released competitive game music. I'm listening to the CD as I type. Intense. Thought provoking. Energetic. Just three feelings of many conveyed by this CD.

Those of you who haven't heard of Red Alert ore even its predecessor, Command & Conquer, are missing out on an aural treat. The sequel to Command & Conquer, Red Alert has music that combines elements of rock, techno, and pop. "Hell March" starts off with the sound of a marching troop and a low, cool bass bar and then switches into high-gear heavy percussion and heavy metal guitars in Metallica style. There is an assortment of heavy guitar tunes throughout.

Those of you who are techno fans and worried about an all rock soundtrack, however, do not have to worry, as there are other styles that lie on this CD. Tracks such as "Radio" and "Crush" are reminiscient of some "other" techno group's songs, but still retain an original tune and beat. "Mud" is a very groovy, slow pop-like song that could be well placed in a spy movie (it's one of my personal favorites). Also within many of the songs are slow, new age movements. As a whole, the theme of war is of course prevalent!

Other noteworthy tracks include "Face the Enemy", which is more orchestral in nature and surprised my friend. "It doesn't sound like Command and Conquer music to me." Perhaps this was the case because it seemed better fit to be in a movie or cinematic sequence of the game. This track makes excellent use of drums (kettle and otherwise) as well as an orchestra (possibly synthesized, but good nonetheless) and other synthesized instruments.

With the fifteen tracks listed, it comes as a surprise that after track 15, "Smash", there is a long silence and then a track which sounds rather monaural - it begins with horns and then jumps into a "Pulp Fiction" spaghetti guitar song! The minute you hear it, the idea of Pulp Fiction / Surf Tune will enter your mind. I suppose this was writer and performer Frank Klepacki's way of showing off his many musical talents, which are impressive indeed.

A slight disappointment comes from the fact that a track from the game is missing (I think it ran under the title "Paratroopers"). I'm surprised that it wasn't included. Perhaps it was because the CD's total length is a hearty 72 minutes. Quibble aside, this music CD is more than just game music. It's got a solid beat, contains crisp sounding percussion, and has energetic grooves worth checking out.