Up (Soundtrack from the Motion Picture)

Composer Michael Giacchino is no stranger to Pixar animation projects: his first high-profile feature film job was scoring 2004’s The Incredibles, and he also lent his touch to 2007’s Ratatouille. “Up with Titles” starts his score for 2009’s Up on a perky note, and then the film’s main theme, a waltz, is introduced on the slow and spare “We’re In the Club Now.” That theme is fleshed out on the next cut, “Married Life,” which features a striking violin statement. “Carl Goes Up” really takes the theme to town. First, we hear chimes rustle, harp strings flutter, and flutes jab as the balloon lifts off; later, swaying strings accompany the floating aircraft. Throughout the soundtrack, Giacchino keeps things fresh with his engaging melodies and variations, and Up succeeds as an old-fashioned score that doesn’t shy away from emotion or catchy tunes. The album also includes three tracks of sound effects and a bonus video documentary.