Aside from his productions for mega-selling stars like
David Bowie and
Coldplay, or his Windows start-up jingle,
Brian Eno's work has received its greatest exposure through film and television. While his earlier
Music for Films releases included pieces originally intended as imaginary soundtracks, many of which ending up being used later,
Film Music 1976-2020 is more like a greatest-hits compilation of his most memorable cinematic appearances. This includes everything from atmospheric pieces used in early
Derek Jarman films to somber cues for the British crime series Top Boy, as well as material which found its way into the occasional blockbuster, like Heat or
Trainspotting. There are also a few art-pop songs scattered about, including the sensuous, slightly over-long "Under" (from 1992's
Cool World) and a placid yet still genuine and affecting cover of
William Bell's classic
Stax lament "You Don't Miss Your Water" (from 1988's
Married to the Mob). The only other recognizable voice to appear on the release is that of
Bono, who pops up for exactly one line ("Time shoots on by") during "Beach Sequence," a tranquil drifter by
U2 and
Eno's short-lived
Passengers side project. "Reasonable Question," from 2020's We Are as Gods (a documentary about Whole Earth Catalog editor
Stewart Brand), has a scintillating melody and jittery IDM beats, and is easily the most exciting, kinetic track here. "Ship in a Bottle," co-written by
Jon Hopkins and
Leo Abrahams and featured in 2009's The Lovely Bones, is a simple but powerful weightless piece with a gorgeous melody. "Prophecy Theme," from
David Lynch's 1984 adaptation of
Dune (and the only piece from its score that wasn't by
Toto), is haunting and dramatic without being bombastic. Two highlights from
Apollo: Atmospheres & Soundtracks are included, with the ambient country daydream "Deep Blue Day" chosen due to its appearance in
Trainspotting, and the sublime "An Ending (Ascent)" logically closing out the set. Overall, the collection sums up
Eno's gift for creating evocative music which enhances cinematic scenes, yet works as enjoyable and compelling material on its own. ~ Paul Simpson
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