PARENTHOOD

RANDY NEWMAN

Rating:

Original Review: Randy Newman is what's technically known as a "feelgood" composer. Back in the early days, Newman's pop songs often had a political edge or a touch of social satire running through them. Since entering the film music world, though, Newman's scores have either been pure, sweeping Americana such as The Natural and Avalon, or light-hearted family fare. Parenthood falls squarely into the latter category. One of Ron Howard's early cinematic successes, Parenthood starred Steve Martin, Mary Steenburgen, Tom Hulce, Rick Moranis, Dianne Weist and Jason Robards as three sets of California parents trying to bring up their respective children whilst coping with, amongst other things, sibling rivalry, Mafia hitmen, semi-autism and missing clowns. Newman's unique, jazz-tinged vocals again grace (if that's the word) the opening of this rather short album, as the tinkly piano 'Introduction' segues into 'I Love To See You Smile', a whimsical, upbeat little ditty that's firmly set in the song style Newman has cultured over the years. If you listen close you'll here gurgling faucets and tweeting birds making guest appearances, just to bump up the sweetness factor even more. Similarly, the 'End Title' features a full rendition, and a third verse to boot. It was nominated for an Academy Award in 1989, but lost out to the all-conquering The Little Mermaid. Newman's underscore is a generally agreeable affair that encompasses a variety of musical backgrounds. The album is an entirely enjoyable series of cues, but on the whole there are no particular standouts, and this is the score's only drawback. While you're listening to it, it's fine, but you have a hell of a time trying to recall any of it afterwards. Having said that, 'Kevin's Graduation' is a great bit of sentimental "dad proud of his son" Americana with a light Sousa-style march. There are a couple of attractive and lyrical themes for piano, flute and theme in 'Father and Son' and 'Karen and Gil/Montage', while 'Kevin's Party' recalls the best bits of Three Amigos! with some terrific of pseudo-Mexican orchestrations and a comedic sequence of Magnificent Seven heroism. Also, 'Drag Race/Todd and Julie' and 'Kevin Comes Through' really see Newman on top form, proving without question that he can do action music! There's really not a lot more to say about Parenthood. It has its moments, and has a catchy main title song, but the shortness of the album could be seen as a problem and may put some people off. On the whole, though, I like it, and anyone who enjoys Randy's music is likely to feel the same way.

Track Listing: Running Time: 28 minutes 33 seconds

Reprise Records 9-26001-2 (1989)

Music composed and conducted by Randy Newman. Orchestrations by Jack Hayes. Recorded and mixed by Shawn Murphy. Edited by Dan Carlin Sr. Album produced by Lenny Waronker and Randy Newman.


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