TITANIC (2 CD) (ANNIVERSARY ED

James Horner's score for James Cameron's epic romance Titanic is much like the film itself -- against all expectations, it delivers exactly what it promises. His score is grand, without falling into typical melodrama, and delicately romantic, without being sickly sentimental; it offers genuine emotion and excitement, with the haunting vocals of Norwegian singer Sissel providing a nice counterpoint to Horner's blend of strings, vocals, orchestras, and synthesizers. Celine Dion's "My Heart Will Go On" may feel a little like an afterthought, especially after experiencing Horner's wrenching, affecting score, but its heart is in the right place. Nevertheless, it is Horner's instrumental work and its whirlwind of emotions that makes the score of Titanic a voyage worth repeating. (The soundtrack was reissued in 2012 with a remastered version of the original score, as well as a bonus disc featuring period music from I Salonisti, the folk quintet that appeared in the film.) ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Rovi