**RotK Soundtrack - Into the West**

[Arathiriel]

Okay, I've listened to the clip of "Into the West" the theme song for the Return of the King - here are the words we hear in this segment:<BR> <BR><I>What can you see over horizon?<BR>Why do the white gulls call?<BR>Across the sea<BR>(Something) horizon<BR>The ships have come to carry you home...</I><BR> <BR>Anyway, from the little segment I have heard of this song I think perhaps this song will have to grow on me, much as Gollum's song did - but then we have not yet heard the entire effect of the song in its entirety - who knows I may fall in love with this song from the moment I hear all of it for the very first time!<BR> <BR>And I also have mixed reaction about Annie Lennox's voice used here - not that I am saying her song is bad but will her singing this song, when heard in its entirety, but as haunting as Enya singing "May It Be"? I hope so but so far I have mixed reviews upon hearing her!<BR> <BR>What were <B>YOUR</B> reactions?<P>(Title edited by moderator to make it 'official')<p>[ November 25, 2003: Message edited by: Estelyn Telcontar ]

[Iarhen]

I did not like it. I was expecting someyhing more dramatic... more sad since its the end of an era! With many great things passing...<P>I wanted something more elegant and tragic, a là "Love song for a vampire"... Not that...<P>çi hope that the rest of the song is a little more sad... This is supossed to be a sad movie... and the movie song has to reflect the movie!!<P>So the thing is that I did not like it...

[Arathiriel]

Correction on the lyrics posted above:<P><I>What can you see over the horizon?<BR>Why do the white gulls call?<BR>Across the sea<BR>A pale moon rises<BR>The ships have come to carry you home...</I><P>I think this song is growing on me and I think I will love it by the time I hear it all!

[HCIsland]

I agree it's tough to call when you just get 30 seconds in the middle of the song. I'm pretty neutral towards it. Personally, it sounds to me like the type of song directed straight to the Oscar academy, especially with using such a recognizable name as Annie Lennox.<P>It could be worse. They could have gotten Phil Collins. <P>H.C.

[Amarantha_Daisy]

I just downloaded all the clips they had at ToRN, and they made me all teary-eyed... *sniffle*<P>I agree with HC in that I'm neutral. At first I flat out disliked it, but it certainly is growing on me. It's hard to say, really. I think listening to the whole song will give me a final answer <P> <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> It could be worse. They could have gotten Phil Collins. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>*snicker*

[Gorwingel]

I will most definitely have to listen to the entire song before I make a final opinion about it. From the very short snippet I heard though, I didn't like it. It just didn't sound right, it seemed kind of rough. But I will have to listen to the entire song though.

[Imladris]

I really want to listen, but I can't find it anywhere! Could someone please post a link?

[THE Ka]

I really don't know about this song. With any Soundtrack Album or song you really can't tell entil you've heard the entire song and in what scene or "Enviroment" it has been placed in. Always a good thing to remember about songs like these is " The roll of music in society is to support the needs of the moment." or film if you will. So, i am a nutrual about this. Oh, before i forget it also depends on the ARTIST singing, or playing the song and if their music is appropriate for the film or does it fit in. <BR> With a film like the return of the king, since it is the end of a set of three you had better have matching music or you'll be able to see the bruse of it at the academy awards. If you catch my drift. <P> All, in all, it is good that they have someone like Anne Lennox or Enya compose songs for this film. <P>Because really, people, listen to me, i don't think The lord of the rings really needs Christina Agulaura singing " Dirty" instead of Anne's "into the west". <BR> <BR> Yes, i know that Christina is a freak. <P><BR> <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>" Whoa! there goes another poor Bronze casting Academy award!" - The Ka, in response to one of last year's Academy award winners. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

[Amarantha_Daisy]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> I really want to listen, but I can't find it anywhere! Could someone please post a link? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>Sure! <A HREF="http://www.theonering.net/staticnews/1068391654.html" TARGET=_blank>Here's</A> the TORN link. They have clips of every song on the soundtrack. "Into the West" is number 19.<p>[ November 10, 2003: Message edited by: Amarantha_Daisy ]

[HCIsland]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> With any Soundtrack Album or song you really can't tell entil you've heard the entire song and in what scene or "Enviroment" it has been placed in. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>I agree though I think we can be pretty sure that the Lennox song will be playing during the closing credits.<P>H.C.

[Imladris]

Thank you, Amarantha_Daisy, for the link. *grins*. I listened to the song and I was, uh, less than thrilled. I mean, she's not even singing it properly (she's "twanging" her vowels and, as my old choir teacher would say, she doesn't have an "ah" sound to it). It actually sounds almost anti-climatic. But I must admit that I was just getting used to it when the snippet ended, so maybe it'll get better as it continues. Thanks again!<P>Imladris<P>*Dashes off to listen to the others*

[Morquesse]

At first I was like this without the smile. I've listined to it a bit more, now I'm edging toward nuetral. <BR>I didn't like the "Gollum song either, though I'm better with it now. Maybe they should have stuck to Enya or another celtic gal for the credits.<BR>Hopefully it's better in its full form.<BR>See you later!<BR>~M<p>[ November 10, 2003: Message edited by: Morquesse ]

[dancing spawn of ungoliant]

Oh, this is so depressing! I decided not to listen it before the movie but even reading your replies makes me feel cranky! But I'm positive about the rest songs being brilliant.

[Essex]

Who really liked the gollum song when they first heard a titbit of it? I thought it sounded like a Bond theme tune, but it works perfectly in the film. So I have no problems with annie's song.<P>As to the song having to be sad. No, it needs to be bittersweet.<P>PS The flute playing of Sir James Galway on the Return of the King track had me bawling my eyes out. And the grey havens music had me going, oh no, this will send me over the edge when I see the movie......<P>What I also love is the little bit of tin whistle you can hear on the billy boyd track. I love the tin whistle, and again, Sir James makes it sound beautiful.

[Goldberry]

The lyrics I don't mind too much, but the whole song in itself just doesn't sound Middle-Earthy (is that a word?) to me...especially when it is sung by Annie Lennox. Maybe if it was sung by somebody with a less bright voice, it would sound a little better. <P>But who knows, maybe it will sound better once we hear the whole thing.

[ArathorofBarahir]

I think that they sound great!

[Sapphire_Flame]

I like Gollum's Song and May It Be better.<P>Abedithon le,<P>~*~Aranel~*~

[Amarantha_Daisy]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> The lyrics I don't mind too much, but the whole song in itself just doesn't sound Middle-Earthy (is that a word?) to me... <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>I know exactly what you mean, and I agree! Enya and Emiliana Torrini had perfect voices for LotR, because they were kind of...urethral. I think Annie Lennox's voice is a bit too strong. Of course, this is only judging from the small piece we hear in the clip...<P> <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> I like Gollum's Song and May It Be better. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>Ditto.

[Tigerlily Gamgee]

Wow, I am in a minority here.<BR>I, personally, really like the song from the 30 seconds that I've heard. It didn't even take a second listen.<BR>I think people are judging Annie Lennox because of her "pop" background... what would you think if it wasn't Annie Lennox but someone who sounded pretty much the same?<P>Sometimes I think the less perfect a voice is the more it can convey sadness and heartbreak. So, I think it fits very well. I am also addictive to the melodic value of the song... <P>So, I stand proudly in saying that I LOVE IT!

[Imladris]

Tigerlily, my mom liked it, too, and thought it was very sad. I'm starting to like it a little more...I guess I thought it just sounded un-Lord-of-the-Ringish. At the end of the movie, my mind probably will have changed though...

[Arathiriel]

I personally have started to love it as well - I especially loved the melody of the song, a melody which is hinted at in Track #15 <I>The Black Gate Opens</I>...<P>I can't wait to hear the song and indeed the soundtrack in its entire form!

[Enorëiel]

My first thoughts when I heard the very beginning of it "what? Moulin Rouge?" That only lasted for a second though. I do agree that is sounds a bit un-Lord-of-the-Ringsish but I also agree with Imladris <P> <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>At the end of the movie, my mind probably will have changed <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>As soon as the movie is through I don't think I'll really care about what I was thinking right at this moment.

[Daisy Brambleburr]

I just listened to Into the West, and to be honest I didn't like it very much. Her voice seemed to harsh for the song, I'd imagined that it should be much more gentle. But the actual lyrics were nice and I liked the tune. I'm just not sure about Annie Lennox's voice. But maybe it will improve once I've listened to it a few times. I liked May it Be instantly, but Gollums Song took a while to grow on me, and I'm still not sure about the lyrics. But never mind, it'll probably improve with time!<p>[ November 16, 2003: Message edited by: Daisy Brambleburr ]

[Rose Cotton]

I liked it. In fact I think it's perfect for the end of RotK.<P>When the Fellowship ended "May it Be" fit because it was about hoping for a victory and a brighter day. It was sending Frodo and Sam on their journey to Mordor.<P>After Towers ended "Gollum's Song" was perfect because it centered around Smeagol. It reflected his constant struggle throughout the film and foreshadowed his betrayal.<P>This year, we'll come to the end with Return of the King. The whole audience will already be feeling sad. There will be a sence of loss. From what I've heard in "Into the West" it's a song that's ment to lift us back up. To give us a hopefull feeling. This is not the end. Only a wonderful new begaining.<P>That's my two cents.

[Amarantha_Daisy]

You know what? I've actually become quite partial to this song...<P>It does take some getting used to. Or at least for me, but that's probably just because I was expecting a...softer voice. But now that I've listened to it more, it seems to be growing on me.<P>I'd love to hear the full version, and I'm sure it will work quite well in the movie. (or in the credits, I should say) I guess I was just a bit shocked when I first heard it. Was expecting something quite different...

[HCIsland]

Well luckily OneRing has just posted the whole song.<P><A HREF="http://img-nex.theonering.net/sounds/Annie_Lennox_-_Into_The_West.rm" TARGET=_blank>Into the West</A><P>I just listened to it and if you do I think all arguments will end.<P>H.C.

[Arathiriel]

Oh I <B>LOVE</B> it!<P>It is a beautiful, haunting song IMNSHO!

[Arathiriel]

Here are the lyrics someone posted over at ToRN - the only thing they're unsure of is the lyrics Dawn will fade" or "All will fade":<P>Lay down <BR>your sweet and weary head <BR>Night is falling, <BR>you have come to journey's end. <BR>Sleep now, <BR>and dream of the ones who came before. <BR>They are calling <BR>from across the distant shore. <P>Why do weep? <BR>What are these tears upon your face? <BR>Soon you will see <BR>all of your fears will pass away, <BR>safe in my arms <BR>you're only sleeping. <P>What can you see <BR>on the horizon? <BR>Why do the white gulls call? <BR>Across the sea <BR>a pale moon rises -- <BR>The ships have come to carry you home. <P>Dawn will turn <BR>to silver glass <BR>A light on the water <BR>All souls pass. <P>Hope fades <BR>into the world of night <BR>through shadows falling <BR>out of memory and time. <BR>Don't say, <BR>"We have come now to the end." <BR>White shores are calling <BR>you and I will meet again. <P>And you'll be here in my arms <BR>Just sleeping. <P>What can can you see <BR>on the horizon? <BR>Why do the white gulls call? <BR>Across the sea <BR>a pale moon rises -- <BR>The ships have come to carry you home. <P>And all will turn <BR>to silver glass <BR>A light on the water <BR>Grey ships pass <BR>Into the west.

[ElenCala Isil]

I from the short segment, was fairly dissapointed in this song. I agree it didn't seem middle-earthy... I don't think it 'pulls at our heartstrings' as much as the others, which I think is sad, because it's the end of the whole epic trilogy. It just doesn't seem to give me the feeling I get when I read the books, but...I can't judge it too well, I haven't heard the whole thing, in context with the end of the previous song to see how it truly makes me feel... that's just my opinion on it so far.

[Rose Cotton]

My reaction to the full song:<BR> <P><BR>I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<p>[ November 18, 2003: Message edited by: Rose Cotton ]

[Imladris]

That was so wonderful! Indescribably sad! My mum cried when listening to it and I became sad (but didn't cry). I think it's my favourite song out of the three (May it Be and Gollum's Song)

[Esgallhugwen]

Well, well well. May it be is my favourite song. when I first heard Gollum's song I thought it sounded as if it belonged to a James Bond movie. (like some of you have said) When I hear the new song thought I havn't heard the whole thing I do not like it at all! It seems too loud, and her vioce is...uummm what would be a good word. A little to masculine almost and it doesn't seem sad enough. I was hoping they would have another woman that sounded like Enya. She seems to have the perfect quality for singing LOR songs, she has that marveuosly haunting Elvish voice. With the Gollum song like I said above and also it sounded almost if Bjork sang it. But I have become not so much used to it that I have come to feel the saddness in it and such. Wow I'm having a really hard time trying to explain myself..Oh well I'll just have to listen to the rest of it.<P>But shelob's lair and ash and smoke are good the others are probably good too. Must listen.

[HCIsland]

I guess folks are just replying to the first post, but it seems at least a couple of people have missed that the whole song is now available. So in order to catch their attention ...<P> <P><A HREF="http://img-nex.theonering.net/sounds/Annie_Lennox_-_Into_The_West.rm" TARGET=_blank>THE WHOLE SONG!!!</A><P> <P>I really think that if you click on the link above, your worries will be laid aside.<P>H.C.

[Arathiriel]

LOL - You know I would love to sit in the theater after ROTK is over, and listen to this song and cry some more - yes I know the ending will have me bawling like a baby already - I would love to sit and listen but I suspect my bladder will be saying to me <B>"Get up ALREADY you MORON and go to the bathroom! I'm about to pop!"</B><P>Yes, I DO love this song - I truly do!!!

[dancing spawn of ungoliant]

I just listened the whole song and when the trombones first played I had tears in my eyes! Or were they trombones...I think they were.I DO love this song - I truly do!!! I second that! The melody is beautiful, the lyrics are touching and it's snowing outside. I just want to cry. *sigh* War of the Ring (http://www.warofthering.net/competition/scorecomp.shtml) has some competition concerning this song. Click if you're interested.

[Aethelwine]

Wow, wish I'd found this thread sooner!<P>What I heart of the small clip, I really loved it! My mom didn't, though. But she also didn't like Gollem's song.<P>BTW, thanks a whole lot HC!<BR>When I first listened to the full version, I was stuned! It's so beautifull!<P>HC, or anybody else who might now this, are there any full clips from the other songs from the soundtrack?<P>Navaer!<P>Aethelwine.

[dragoneyes]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> Or were they trombones...I think they were. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>They sounded like French Horns to me.<P>The lyrics and music are very touching, but they don't bring Middle-Earth to mind as the other two did. But I think that I must be hard to please because the other two didn't capture me much either (I started arguing with Gollum's song ).<P>At times it sounds like a Christmas Carol (I must listen to some weird Carols!) and then at the end it sounds like something from Fantasia.<P>Not really how I'd imagine the ending of RotK. Just as well I'll probably be out of the cinema by then!

[ElentariGreenleaf]

I like it, but yet I don't like it. It's not even remotely middle-earthish. I stayed behind to listen to Gollum's song in the cinema, but I'll be leaving before this starts!

[dancing spawn of ungoliant]

They sounded like French Horns to me.Brass instruments anyway. :p are there any full clips from the other songs from the soundtrack? I don't know about the tracks being full lenght on this (http://www.soundtrack.net/features/article/?id=110) site but at least there are some clips. I haven't tried them because I want to see the movie first.

[Essex]

The song is beautiful. <P>slightly off thread, but does anyone know anywhere that's selling the soundtrack in england yet? it's saturday and I can't find it. I know it's not due out until tuesday, but last year I got TT at leat 4 or 5 days early in a Virign record store. alas none yet. Anyone found it yet? If so, could you PM me and tell me where? I can't wait!

[Imladris]

I thought the song was absolutely brilliant. After listening to it over and over, I'm quite impressed at it's sense of loss. You can almost see Frodo and Sam talking to each other:<P>Sam to Frodo after the Ring is destroyed: Why do weep? <BR>What are these tears upon your face? <BR>Soon you will see <BR>all of your fears will pass away, <BR>safe in my arms <BR>you're only sleeping. <BR>~~~~~~~~~<BR>He was very hopeful and protective during the entire journey.<P><BR>Frodo: Don't say, <BR>"We have come now to the end." <BR>White shores are calling <BR>you and I will meet again. <P>[Sam nods and watches Frodo leave for the Valinor at the end of the book]<BR>***************8<BR>But that's only me 'humble opinion.

[Calencoire]

The lyrics were beautiful, but Annie's coarse voice grates on my ears. (Nothing against her, but it just doesn't mix)It seems like she's trying so hard she's nearly shouting. The song in it's entirety would be fine, but I feel it doesn't fit. Too folkish for Middle Earth. A clearer voice and a different rhythym would have suited better. To be honest, I can't really see the ship sailing into the west with this song.

[Arathiriel]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Don't say, <BR>"We have come now to the end." <BR>White shores are calling <BR>you and I will meet again. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>You know the more I think about these lyrics the more they almost sound as though they're addressed to the audience because I know the experience of seeing ROTK will be a bittersweet one for all of us as it means we have to say goodbye to these characters we have watched grow and suffer and triumph over adversity for three years. I can't help but think of the lyrics:<P> <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Don't say, <BR>"We have come now to the end." <BR>White shores are calling <BR>you and I will meet again. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>When I think of the ending of the journey!

[dancing spawn of ungoliant]

The voice of Annie Lennox reminds me of Galadriel smiling to Frodo in the RotK trailer. Both Lennox and Galadriel have deep voices. This piece brings unbelievable beautiful images into my mind.

[Goldberry]

Hmmm....I'm not quite as thrilled as the majority of people here. I'm not <I>as</I> dissapointed about Annie Lennox's voice anymore, but the song's chorus sounds a bit materialistic to me. It doesn't seem as original as May It Be or Gollum's Song. Probably by the end of the movie it will seem fine, though.

[Arathiriel]

You know I love this song but Annie Lennox's voice will have to grow on me. I know they didn't want to use Enya again but why couldn't they have used Loreena McKennitt and even Maire Brennan (Yeah I know she's Enya's sister) as both have <B>beautiful</B> voices?<P>*sighs*<P>I hope AL's voice will grow on me!

[mollecon]

1) McKennitt is great, but as far as I know out of the loop due to a family tragedy a couple of years ago.<P>2) Enya's voice <I>is</I> beautiful - but there are other considerations than pure beauty when it comes to delivering a song - see my comments on the soundtrack thread.<P>Were I to choose between listening to an Enya album or a Lennox ditto, I'd choose Lennox anyday - I love Enya's contribution to the first soundtrack, but I think she'd bore me to pieces if i had to listen to a whole CD with her.

[Arathiriel]

Just listening to this song on my copy of the soundtrack and I think it will go along beautifullly with the movie - it is actually quite beautiful to hear the tracks <I>The Grey Havens</I> along with <I>Into the West</I>!<p>[ 01:04 AM November 26, 2003: Message edited by: Arathiriel ]

[Arathiriel]

Oh yes, <I>Into the West</I> is growing on me as is Annie Lennox's voice!

[Enorëiel]

Everything I said before... forget it! I love this song! I got the soundtrack and am now in love with this song! It made me so sad that i wanted to cry! It's beautiful!

[Iris Alantiel]

I've heard the song one time, and I have to admit, I didn't like it as well as I liked the other two. But then, I also have to admit that I'm biased for a couple of other reasons.<P><UL TYPE=SQUARE><LI>1) I was hoping to hear more from Enya, as she is one of my favourites. This was probably an unrealistic hope, but this is something I did after TTT, too; I hated 'Gollum's Song' at first for not being by Enya. But it grew on me (as I'm expecting 'Into The West' to do) and now it's - dare I say it - my favourite LotR song (sorry, Enya!)<BR><LI>2) I love Loreena McKennitt, she's my number one favourite of all time (sorry again, Enya!) and I was thinking of how she would have done the song differently from how Annie Lennox did it. Which is not exactly fair to Annie Lennox. <BR><LI>3) I seem never to like these songs all that well the first time around. Come to think of it, I wasn't all that crazy about 'May It Be' upon first hearing it - I remember thinking it was a pretty song, but I'd heard Enya do better before. Same goes for 'Gollum's Song', I had to wait for it to grow on me, and presumably same for 'Into The West'.<BR></UL><P>So I guess the moral of the story, or at least what I'm trying to get at, is I'm waiting for the song to grow on me, as all the other ones have, and trying not to make a quick judgment based on a comparison to other singers or songs. Ask me again in about a month, and I'll probably say it's the greatest song ever, or at least have some sort of balanced perspective.

[Oddwen]

I wasn't sure the first few times I listened to it, but now I think it might be my favorite of the three main tunes. It seems more Tolkien-ish rather than Jackson-ish, more folky and I like it a lot.

[Elizabeth Elindel]

I had to listen to it. It's playing now. I think that it's wonderful. I will be excited to hear it after I save up enough money to buy the CD - my realplayer needs to be updated, it's not the best thing to hear it with. I think it's a beautiful song, and anyone who hasn't listened to it yet needs to!<BR>Elizabeth

[Sapphire_Flame]

Well, now that I've heard the whole song, I like it much better. The louder bits in the chorus are still a bit grating, but it really is a gorgeous song; the lyrics are very good, and I love the melody.<P>Oh, and just to contradict what some people seem to keep saying: <B>I *LOVED* "Gollum's Song" the first time I heard it!!!</B> <P>Abedithon le,<P>~*~Aranel~*~

[Luthien_ Tinuviel]

I absolutely adore it. I can easily say that it's my favorite of the three LOTR credit songs, even though I really liked "May It Be". I actually waited to get the soundtrack until Christmas, so when I saw ROTK I hadn't heard it before (but everyone talked after the film was over, so the second time I heard a lot more of it). Then I got the soundtrack and now I've listened to it ten or eleven times. And the first nine times I heard it, I cried. It does that to me. It's so beautiful and touching, and seems to me to be so relevant especially to Sam and Frodo's relationship, which is my favorite part of LOTR and one of the things I am always most concerned with. It was <I>very</I> bittersweet. I think it made me cry all the more, though (especially during the movie, where it ties in so wonderfully) is that it's particularly relevant to my life. The theme of bereavement is not exactly a new one to me, and I do long for Valinor. And it just has this piercing beauty that I love. So I think it especially affects me because of my nature and love of bittersweet and joyfully sad things.<p>[ 8:18 PM December 28, 2003: Message edited by: Luthien_ Tinuviel ]

[Cibbwin]

The lyrics are amazing. I tear whenever I read em.<P>Annie Lennox's singing was fair, but the music itself just wasn't organic enough... the beginning was especially weird.

[Lathriel]

I love the Lyrics but Annie lennox's voice makes the song sound too popish compared to May it be and Gollum's song.If you think I am judging her because of the songs she wrote before, well I have never heard any of them. I think Annie Lennox sings too loud during the climax because the song doesn't have to be loud especially when you finish the movie with a quiet scene.<BR>So what I do is I sing along and that way the song seems to sound better.

[Cibbwin]

Ditto that, Lathriel! Yay for compromise.

[Orominuialwen]

I really hated it when I heard the clip, but after hearing the whole thing, I absolutely loved it. I don't mind Annie Lennox's voice at all. In fact, I'd never even heard of her before the soundtrack (shows you how much I know about pop music!) When we saw RotK, my brother and I stayed in our seats during the credits ang sang along with <I>Into the West</I>. My only complaint is that the very end of the song, after the singing is done, is rather anti-climactic. I would've preferred if it had ended with the Gondor theme, like <I>May It Be</I> ended with the Fellowship theme, and <I>Gollum's Song</I> ended with the Rohan theme. Other than that, I absolutely LOVE the song, although I still think <I>May It Be</I> is my favorite.

[Eldawen of Lorien]

I got the soundtrack for Christmas and I absolutly love <I>Into the West</I>. I agree it would have been better if Enya, or Loreena McKennitt, or someone with more of a lighter, celtic like voice if you know what I mean. I think the lyrics are awesome though and I don't mind Annie Lennox too much. As for the end of the song after the singing, I liked that it was soft because it represtents sort of a soft closure, but that's just what I think.

[Eldawen of Lorien]

Forgot to say that out of all three of the ending songs, I still like <I>May it Be</I> the best, then <I>Into the West</I> comes in at a very close second, unfortunatly <I>Gollum's Song</I> is still growing on me.

[Luthien_ Tinuviel]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> In fact, I'd never even heard of her before the soundtrack (shows you how much I know about pop music!) <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>Me neither. But she really doesn't sound all that pop-ish to me. I know I'm going against the flow here, but I really can't hear it. <P> <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> I think Annie Lennox sings too loud during the climax because the song doesn't have to be loud especially when you finish the movie with a quiet scene.<BR> <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>I don't mind it, in fact, it fits for me. Maybe I'm just weird, but the song represents a lot of different things to me, and one of them is sea-longing. So the surges in the volume reflect the surges of the sea, and the surges of sea-longing itself. I don't know if Frodo and Sam got sea-longing (I doubt it), but it would be a nice idea. The elves have it, anyway, and since going "Into the West" involves a sea-voyage, it makes sense.

[Gorwingel]

Well after listening to it a few times I have to say that my feelings are mixed about it. There are some parts that I absolutely love where the melody and the lines of the song blend perfectly, but then there are other parts where it sounds like Annie Lennox is pushing her voice too much. I like the beginning, and when Mrs. Lennox is singing more softly, but when she trys to go louder and higher it just dosn't work for me <P>Oh, and I am a slight fan of Annie Lennox, and for the people who think she is too "pop", she really isn't. She is known for always being different, and experimental. She can do the popish stuff, but then she can do stuff that is much, much, different.<p>[ 10:58 PM January 01, 2004: Message edited by: Gorwingel ]

[Knight of Gondor]

I myself refrained from listening to the soundtrack until after seeing the movie. Now that I have heard it all, I have some thoughts.<P>You might, by the way, look up my review on Amazon.com, in case you want to. (You see, I'm shooting for a top 1000 slot, and it takes helpful votes, so if you find it helpful...) <P>Okay, first of all, I was not a very big fan of Enya's May it Be. It was sort of a boring song, and it didn't make much since. Darkness comes, believe and you'll find your way, darkness comes, but a promise lives within you, blah blah. I don't mean offense at Enya fans, or Enya, but the song failed to sound good to me.<P>For Gollum's Song, I'm sure the singer had a nice voice, but the song itself was sour enough that I didn't enjoy it much either. The singer didn't do that well, in my opinion either.<P>As for Annie Lennox, my brother told me pre-soundtrack release that she was going to sing a song, and that she'd been the one who'd sung at the end of Apollo 13. I really liked the end credits music for that, so I figured it'd be good. And then he listened to a sample online, and told me it was great, she was singing about HEAVEN. We got the soundtrack maybe a couple of weeks after its release, (darn slow store) but we put it up on the shelf and didn’t listen to it until after the movie. <P>So the first time I actually heard it was in the theater. And, nice try, the folks at the theater accidentally turned the music and end credits off right as they were beginning. My brother (or should I say Gandalf the White) ran out to thrust his staff at them and make them turn it back on, which they did. Then I heard it again on the CD at home.<P>Of the three end-credits songs, I believe I find Into the West to be the best. (I’m not even going to point out that that rhymed) I do agree that there is something about Annie Lennox’s voice that seems <I>just</I> a little mismatched, both with the movie and the music. But on the other hand, it’s the first song that goes anywhere (on the scale) without singing in a hopeless sounding manner. Being a born-again Christian, the lyrics are especially inspiring as a promise of the life to come, in Heaven. (I think it would be kinda cool to have your last words be I Aear cân ven na mar — the sea calls us home)<P>So of the three, Annie Lennox and Into the West get my vote as the best.