Before the orchestra, there was the PPG Wave synthesizer. Rain Man (1988) and Driving Miss Daisy (1989) are minimalistic masterpieces. The exclusive here? The original Black Rain (1989) soundtrack. The Japanese import contains percussive elements cut from the US release. Tracking down the 1989 Toshiba EMI pressing is a holy grail for completists.
Most recently, Zimmer’s work on Dune (2021) showcased his ultimate mastery of world-building. He refused to use themes from previous adaptations, instead inventing new instruments and utilizing "screaming" electric guitars and ancient-sounding throat singing. The score does not sound "sci-fi"; it sounds anthropological, as if it was dug out of the sands of Arrakis itself. hans zimmer discography exclusive
Terrence Malick cut half of Zimmer’s score. The commercial album is 50 minutes. The promotional "For Your Consideration" 2-CD set is 120 minutes. It includes the legendary "Journey to the Line" (later used in every single movie trailer for ten years) in its raw, 17-minute glory. A CD rip of this FYC is the most downloaded bootleg in soundtrack history. Before the orchestra, there was the PPG Wave synthesizer