The album opens with five songs - one for Wonka and one each for the four objectionable kids who are amusingly dispatched by some of Wonka's marvelous candy inventions. Wonka's Welcome Song is deliberately and outrageously cheesy, the sort of song that makes me never want to visit Disneyland and curiously reminiscent of the Duloc welcome song from the original Shrek. For the kids, Elfman mixes and matches his musical styles; Augustus Gloop and Violet Beauregarde are funky and slightly Broadway-ish (some have suggested Bollywood influence, but I'm not convinced), while Veruca Salt is an hilarious 60's hippy anthem but my favourite personal favourite is the crazily rocktastic Mike Teavee, which sounds like Bohemian Rhapsody had it been written by Elfman. I'm sure there are some who may find the songs annoying, but I'm only disappointed that they aren't longer. To add to his achievement, Elfman performs all of the vocal parts - genius.
Like his last Burton collaboration Big Fish, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a little eclectic but effortlessly filled with fine moments. The Main Titles introduces his crazily martial six note main theme which is used fairly sparingly in the body of the score. Curiously, there is little of the joy or wonderment one might expect for a film about a sweet factory, emphasising the industrial chocolate making process and Wonka's mild lunacy. Some strange, but effective synth and vocal additions only add to the off kilter vibe. For Wonka's First Shop, Elfman pulls out all the stops for a stirring orchestral barrage, while The Indian Palace goes off at a tangent with a smattering of sitar. Wheels in Motion introduces the rather lovely (if slightly Thomas Newman-ish) piano theme for Charlie and his family, adding some rather welcome warmth and humanity. As the only really likeable characters, it is fitting that Charlie's family receive the most genuine and "normal" musical treatment. The Oompa Loompa's receive a dollop of jungle drums and chanting in Loompa Land while the various "delights" of the factory vary from the heavenly The Golden Ticket - Factory to the rather wild River Cruises.
The Finale reprises the family theme for a surprisingly gentle send off. However, the End Credit Suite mixes all five songs together, without the lead vocals (ideal for Elfman Karaoke nights), concluding with a little devilish Loompa laughter. Unlike many of his fans, I rarely find myself pining for the Elfman of old - the macabre orchestral carnival composer - but Charlie and the Chocolate Factory brings back some of that style, while throwing in some of his more recent, slightly skittish mannerisms. It lacks the ephemeral beauty of something like Edward Scissorhands and its melodic content isn't quite so strong (although the songs have great tunes, just a shame they are only used once), but Elfman is still a composer working at the top of his game and while Charlie and the Chocolate Factory may not have the first time impact of his scores from ten years ago, Elfman continues to offer more delights and imagination than almost anyone else working in Hollywood today. Wonderful.
Rating ~ 
Total Time ~ 54:08