James Horner has written some fine, epic scores; Legends of the Fall, Braveheart and even Titanic were successful, particularly Braveheart which contains some of his most effective scoring for both action and drama. The approach is rarely hugely original or complex, but it works, which in a film is the most important thing. The problem is, when applied to CD format, the simplicity becomes all too apparent. The three listed are varied and dynamic enough to earn their playing time, The Four Feathers, rather unfortunately, does not. Harry's Resignation is a case in point, only shortly before the nine minute mark does something other than quiet strings and meandering piano actually happen. No doubt effective in the film, although I can't help thinking that it's little more than musical wallpaper that papers over the cracks rather than adds to it. The final minute of dissonance the track has to offer is more interesting, but it's just a bit late by that point.
The prospect of Rahat Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's vocals for some apparently genuine location flavouring can either be seen as a good use of a performer to enhance the score or simply a way of disguising the fact that underneath, the orchestral passages have been heard numerous times previously. The effect on the brief, but exciting Sniper! is notable, but without the singing, it would just be another outing for shakuhatchi and percussion led James Horner action motif #3. The dynamism is admittedly welcome, as it is in the extended Escape, but only because the rest is pretty sleep inducing. To Abou Clea is one of the better dramatic cues that features more interesting percussion and more interesting vocal effects, together with some surprisingly dissonant orchestral writing. The cue goes somewhere, it is interesting and it makes a musical and dramatic statement. Too many of them do not. The Mahdi has a pleasing martial atmosphere that is interrupted by the vocals in a surprising and exciting way, making if one of the finest and best sustained cues of the entire album. Unfortunately these moments of quality are a little thin on the ground.
The Four Feathers is more interesting than Windtalkers and more original than A Beautiful Mind, but like both of those, it is still too long. While Harry's Resignation is a crucial point in the film, a track of two minutes to cover this event would be enough. Like many of the quieter, longer tracks it simply doesn't add anything and is just padding, acceptable with the pictures, tedious without. The score is bereft of a strong main theme which doesn't help matters. Braveheart has several and while they are repeated quite frequently, their placing and variation means they never wear thin. The Four Feathers doesn't even one strong theme, Khan's vocals are the only striking invention and much of that down to the performance as much as the writing. Some good moments, but as with much recent Horner, you'll have to be patient to get to them.
Rating ~ 
Total Time ~ 79:18