John Williams, arguably the greatest composer to write for film, has been semi-retired for the last several years. His last score for a non-Spielberg directed film was in 2005 for Memoirs Of A Geisha. After that he took a three year break until Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull came along in 2008, and then another three years until now. 2011 brings us two new Williams scores, both for Spielberg, with The Adventures Of Tintin and War Horse.

The latter is the best score of the year thus far, and Williams' finest score since Munich in 2005. The score has some welcomed English touches that will remind Williams fans of his score for Far And Away. These will mostly be found in some of the lighter cues, but the music shines brightest when Williams pulls at your heartstrings with his gorgeous theme. Heard in part throughout the album and in full glory in "The Reunion," the theme is one of Williams' warmest compositions. The tone and style of the score sounds unlike anything he has done before, yet it is unmistakably his music. An appreciated change from his style in the 00s. Williams' unmatched technical skill is there as always, but the music has heart, which cannot be said for some of his other recent scores. For the battle scenes, Williams adds a touch of militaristic percussion and vigor, which can be heard in "The Charge And Capture," "Pulling The Canon," and "No Man's Land."

War Horse is a superb return to form for John Williams, who has been largely absent from the film industry over the past six years. Those looking for the composer they know and love, will find what they are looking for plus much more here. A very rewarding listening experience that does not come along very often these days. I suspect Oscar #6 will be awarded for this one, it would be much deserved. War Horse will be released on November 21st by Sony Masterworks.