Halo 2, Vol. 1 Reviews

• Major correction generally unnoticed...

  
  By AC6LV5D2RKTIR on 2004-12-03
  Yes, Incubus and Hoobastank and Breaking Benjamin are on here. And yes, that music is all in the game. Instrumentally, that is. A lot of people immediately scream that they can't imagine hearing some of the music in game, when they actually did, and didn't notice because the instrumental versions were used. If you hate Hoobastank and Incubus, never fear, the instrumental portions of their music are the primary focus and their lyrics are more or less thrown over them. Thus, even the greatest hater is still going to love the power of the music behind the people.
  
  Marty O'Donnell and crew do it again. The soundtrack for Halo was one of the best videogame soundtracks ever produced, and Halo 2 might even up the bar. Long, flowing orchestrial pieces give way to thumping techno beats and intense musical queues that immediately create awe and wonder, or the urge to go out and save the world.
  
  Fans of guitar solo features from the origional game (a la "Rock Anthem for Saving the World") will be especially pleased, as the "Holo Theme Mjolnir Mix" pounds out an amazing start to this soundtrack. Fans of the Gregorian-style chants and the tribal rhythms that dotted pieces in Halo will also be pleased- many of the old themes have been brought back and updated to carry their impact into the new game. "Ghosts of Reach" is definately going to be a recognizable track for Halo fans.
  
  A great, great album on it's own merit made better by the videogame it represents. And heck, it's even got some pop influence to boot! Don't let the inclusion of a few big names keep you away from the rest of the content of this album- the pieces add to and back up Marty's work- they don't replace it.
  
  

• Score rules. Leave out the rock crap

  
  By A3ERDIBXJ6MHA6 on 2004-11-09
  It's pretty simple: the instrumental tracks are great. One of the better scores in video games that I can recall. But this soundtrack suffers from one great flaw--the "inspired-by" nu-metal acts that are randomly inserted between O'Donnel's score. Quite frankly, if I want to hear bad, commercially driven "rock," I'll buy a Breaking Benjamin or Hoobastank CD. The Incubus tracks were less jarring, mainly because they tried to incorporate some main themes, but once again, they didn't quite fit the rest of the CD. My suggestion is to get this CD and rip it onto your computer, without the tepidly inspired rock tracks. It makes for a much more pleasant listening experience.
  
  To put it bluntly, Hoobastank isn't really a band. It is a corporate driven entity marketed to you as legitimate music. It is not needed, or wanted on this CD.
  
  

• Great soundtrack--stop complaining

  
  By A2CXWAOZS0B610 on 2004-11-17
  There are a lot of complaints about the rock songs on this album, but most of them sounded fine to me. (We can X Hoobastank, since it really doesn't seem to have anything to do with the game, soundwise or not.) Save for that one, last track, I love the rest of the CD. "Follow" by Incubus is one song that I repeat all the time... in fact, it was that song that pushed me over the edge and made me buy the soundtrack. Hearing it in-game was a blast. (It's IN-game, so it is part of the game soundtrack, not just added in.)
  
  The "problem" here is not that there is rock on the album: Halo is changing, this game is more intense than the first, and from what I've played, I like the new sound. It can't always be just Marty, and the fact that some big bands contributed to the album really shouldn't be that big of a deal. I have tremendous respect for Incubus, actually, because they composed four different pieces of music for the game, most of them over five minutes in length. (By the way, think it's too long? Think of it like a symphony... then it makes sense.)
  
  My only real complaint is Hoobastank's song. I don't really like it. And "Never Surrender" throws me off a bit after listening to beautiful orchestral scores and intimidating rock songs--you want to talk about being out of place on an album? ^^;
  
  

• Long... BUT REALLY WORTH READING

  
  By A3KDK6S9U5IC4T on 2005-01-09
  Now... pretty much I'm writing a walk-through of another brilliant soundtrack written by Michael O'Donnell and I would like to say thanks to Bungie for making such a brilliant first person shooter. This soundtrack is really for the average gamer that played Halo/Halo 2 and likes the soundtracks, and I would recommend this for the average person that likes to listen to music. The Halo 2 tracks still keep the same elements of the first Halo soundtrack, with a few additions inspired by the first Halo. What I'm trying to say is that this is a soundtrack that is great with a few additions to the music to show that Halo 2 is a more intense game that deserves more intense music.
  Here's the walk-through.
  
  1: Halo MJOLNIR mix:
  This is an excellent remix of the first Halo's main theme. The crafting of the guitar makes the violin not sound out of date on the first game, but this gives that intense feeling inside the song.
  
  2: Breaking Benjamin's BLOW ME AWAY:
  This song does relate to the game in some way (maybe through the lyrics) and is intense in some parts with great "fuel for the soul" guitar parts.
  
  3: Peril:
  The staccato (I think that's how you spell it) gives that "now I'm curious" feeling that relates to that one level where you first hear that song. Excellently crafted.
  
  4: Ghosts of Reach:
  It has that holy feeling and that "I did not deserve death" feeling inside a part of the track, and really bet it picks up beats later. The slow beat makes a dramatic feeling inside the track.
  
  5: Follow (1st Movement of the Odyssey)
  It is fast pace, intense, and sounds a little bit familiar. It's a good song, and may sound random at some parts, but you'll see it's not random at all later in the track.
  
  6: Heretic, Hero:
  It does deserve the title, I don't know why, but this track sounds familiar from the first game soundtrack. The drums give it a great beat that matches the pace. It is familiar, and it has the brave dude feeling in it.
  
  7: Flawed Legacy:
  Perchance to Dream: It reminds me of killing those sleeping grunts at that one level in the first halo. It deserved that title and it has a drum set now! Wow... anyway time changes and so did the title.
  
  8: Impend:
  I like that drum that gives that Heartbeat and that desperate feeling. The background is dramatic, but still supports the title and it sounds really familiar. This is a good track.
  
  9: Never surrender- Nile Rogers.
  Nile Rogers did a great job at remixing the opening suite. I like this track, and the fast pace drums make the song intense. Reminds me of Linkin Park's SESSION song that I loved. I like this song, and the fact that it is remixed doesn't make it bad.
  
  10: Ancient Machine
  Scary, Slow, I seriously don't know where or how it got the title, but the ambience is dark, spooky. Reminds me of the flood, like I bet it's supposed to, and... Yeah!
  
  11: 2nd movement of the Odyssey:
  The song might sound random at first, but they did a great job with the guitar and the drum set and has that "relax! It's just another day" feeling. The base totally takes away the random feeling later.
  
  12: In Amber clad:
  I like what they did to the heartbeat-slow drums and the guitar to make the atmosphere like the band was surrounded by Amber and they are trying to explain it through music. Good job here. It reminds me of the first halo's WALK IN THE WOODS.
  
  13: Last Spartan:
  I love this song I love this song I love this song. The song is like "I'm maaaaarching off to kill some baddies." Then transitions to that slow dramatic part. They did a great job with this song and the violins and everything else in the song. This was the song, I bet, was on the teaser trailer on Halo 2. The trailer got me SO excited the first time I watched it, and they got great timing too. I saw it the day I beat the game on Halo. Wow. Such a great trailer and such a great song.
  
  14: Orbit of Glass:
  This song REALLY REALLY deserved the title. It made me feel like the room was filled with chandeliers. Really well made. It gives that golden feeling inside your chest, and it's a really good song.
  
  15: 3rd Movement of the Odyssey:
  Could sound random, but believe me. Listen for the bass guitar and it will never sound random anymore. They did a good job on the song making it give a "What's going on here" feeling.
  
  16: Heavy price paid:
  Even though this is a really strange title, the song has that feeling in it that makes you sad at the bottom of your heart. They did a REALLY good job at the piano and the background to support it. I like this song and it makes you sad in a good way, like a sacrifice had to be made.
  
  17: Earth City:
  I REALLY REALLY LOVE THIS SONG! It was in that e3 demo, it's fast paced and military-like. The piano was really fast and great. The drums had that really supported the main part of the song. The best part of the song was the ending. THE ENDING! The end has a very special suspense that I like. Like, in the series "24" in the end of every episode, there would be so much "nose-bleed" suspense, your eyes and your brain will start begging you for more. Like 24, this song is addicting.
  
  18: High Charity.
  Sad song, like something very dear to you had to be sacrificed for good. This is like it was made in remembrance for something old and friendly. This really had a good title that matched the feeling of the song.
  
  19: 4th movement of the Odyssey:
  They did a good job with the drums in this song, it gives that that feeling like something old and ancient and evil. The fast pace supports the feeling in the song, like it can't live without it.
  
  20: Remembrance:
  This reminds me of MAW in the first Halo album, and to put many words in several, it does give Remembrance. The song's feeling is unique, I can't explain.
  
  21: Connected:
  I am a Hoobastank fan, and I did like reason. It got boring after I completely memorized the song. The recording was in the wrong place, so, the song might seem crappy, but in reality it isn't. The lyrics do relate to the song, and I'll let you find out who's connected to whom.
  
  
  
  The Game is great, the Sound is great, the graphics are great, the storyline is REALLY great, and the album has rock to show how time progresses in the game, to show how fast things change in time. Michael did a good job at the music and I'd like to thank him.
  
  IF YOU THINK THIS REVIEW IS NOT USEFULL, YOU'RE A DANG FOOL!
  
  
  

• Marty O'Donnel = 5 stars, the others = 1 star

  
  By A37DLZMMT4AKEG on 2004-11-22
  Why, oh why was the stellar soundtrack to Halo2 polluted with garbage from Breaking Benjamin and Incubus, two throw away "artists" of the modern "music" scene if there ever were any. Much like the original Halo, the score is incredible. One of the best ever in a videogame. The tracks composed by O'Donnel are very, very good pieces of music when it comes to evoking the alien sense of wonder that accompanies the game. The modern "rock" tracks are eminently forgettable. They incoporate some of O'Donnel's themes, but go on to ruin them with whiny angst ridden vocals. Steve Vai makes the only welcome addition by a musician not named Marty O'Donnel on the disk. He provides a pretty good guitar to accompany the Halo theme. I think the key difference there is Vai's quality as a musician and the fact he doesn't feel compelled to add terrible vocals.
  
  My reccomendation is to go ahead and get the disk, but be ready to skip tracks when you listen to it. Hopefully, Bungie produces another disk that contains only O'DOnnel's score. I'd happily buy it.
  
  
• Halo 2 vol. rox!
  By A1NKJ9HLYYNPUW on 2004-11-16
  Yea this Cd is great. Martin O' Donnell is one great composer! This music is highly recommended...especially is you like the first one...which is also amazing. The rock stuff actually is not that bad, but it takes up alot of the cd. Like the others have said i hope they put more of Martin's stuff on vol. 2. I emailed Nile Rogers, who produced this Cd, and he said that the rest of Martin's music would be included in vol. 2! Now here is my analysis of Halo 2 vol. 2.
  
  (Rating 10 highest 0 lowest)
  
  01. Halo Theme Mjolnir Mix-This is a great mix. Steve Vai is awsome on the gutiar, which is played with the excellent halo theme! (9)
  
  02. Blow Me Away-Actually I thought this was a well done piece. It plays instrumental in the game though and i hope that is released on vol. 2!! (8)
  
  03. Peril-This is a very happy track. Not to be played while blowing up grunts! (5)
  
  04. Ghosts of Reach-This track resembles (Track 25. Dust And Echoes) on the original halo soundtrack. When the percussion kicks in at the end it sounds great! (6)
  
  05. Flow (1st Movement)-I first heard about Incubus when I heard their "Warning" song, which is great. I listended to them on here and they are not that bad. This is one of their best tracks on the Cd. (10)
  
  06. Heretic Hero-Great song, which echoes (Track 6. Walk In The Woods) on the original soundtrack. Very cool. (8)
  
  07. Flawed Legacy-Amazing song. This is why Martin gets his music published! This one is similar to (Track 20. Perchance To Dream) on the original. (10)
  
  08. Impend-Starts off with a teary beginning, but then swithces over to a very technoish style. There is a beat that sounds like a heartbeat which is creepy. Nice track! (8)
  
  09. Never Surrender-...uhhh...no...they should of gotten prodigy or crystal method to do this one, but it gets a 1 for tryin (1)
  
  10. Ancient Machine-Another creepy track, but its not that good (3)
  
  11. 2nd Movement-Hmmmm...this one is kind of slow at the beginning, but when it hits the second minute it gets alot better. Great gutair! (8)
  
  12. In Amber Clad-Wow this is probobly my favorite track on this Cd. This one echoes a song that didnt make it to the original soundtrack (Actually to be found at bungie.com). Great beat and gutair!!! Very cool! (10)
  
  13. The Last Spartan-This one plays on most of the trailers for halo 2. Great song (7)
  
  14. Obrbit Of Glass-A very ambient piece...you could fall asleep to this one...not sayin it bad or anything lol (5)
  
  15. 3rd Movement-Another cool one that has a trumpet in it...it dont really sound like halo though. Not bad. (6)
  
  16. Heavy Price Paid-This song plays at the menu screen on halo 2. Very slow and teary..especially when the piano comes in..WOW! (10)
  
  17. Earth City-AMAZING!!! Wow this is great. Martin is awesome! This is Halo 2 in a nutshell! I like the last 25 seconds!
  
  18. High Charity-This one is another slow moody track. (6)
  
  19. 4th Movement-Great bongos at the beginng. Ineresting and nice closing for Incubus! (8)
  
  20. Remembrance-Another slow song to sign off O' Donnell. See ya in vol.2.....and possibly halo 3!!! (4)
  
  21. Connected-Hoobastank never should of had anything to do with Halo!!! (0)
  
  
  As you can see this is one great soundtrack. Get it if you like good music, someting to relax to, or of you like halo.
  
  
  
• Halo 2 Soundtrack sets the standard....
  By A35MEKOHYT2G59 on 2004-11-10
  The score for the original Halo was a masterpiece by Marty O'Donnell and Michael Salvatori. How could it possibly improve? Add legendary producer Nile Rodgers to the mix and you get PLATINUM! Under his supervision, the main theme Mjolnir Mix was brought up a notch with guitarist Steve Vai's virtuosity; bands that are true Halo fans wrote music incorporating either Halo original music or just the vibe of the game. Both Breaking Benjamin's "Blow Me Away" and Hoobastank's "Connected" are worthy of major air play on the radio. Fans of either band need to know this is the only place they can get these tracks. And, of course there is "Never Surrender" by Nile and Nataraj which is a mash up of the theme song for those in the dance clubs. This is a record that even non-Halo fans will dig. And for those who are Halo fans, www.nilerodgers.com has some exclusive video of the behind the scenes recording session with Vai and Marty. This is a must have.
  
  
• Dual Personality Soundtrack
  By A3H13BKE90ABBD on 2004-11-14
  I bought this CD thinking I'll get a wonderful CD like the original Halo's soundtrack. What I got was a CD with dual personalities! Whoa! The orchestral part of the CD (like 14 tracks) are wonderful and cool. The inspired-by rock crap sucks and is intermingled throughout the CD, screwing up the listening expreince. Thank goodness I have playlists capabilities on my iPod so that I can eliminate the rock crap and listen to the orchestral stuff like it should have been. The Hoobastank song truly sucked badly. The Incubus stuff is OK.
  
  
• Must have soundtrack
  By A3M49E9YJR1STJ on 2004-11-13
  When Halo was released I was surprised and amazed at its musical quality. So much so I bought the soundtrack myself. However after listening to the Halo 2 soundtrack I don't want to go back. Martin O'Donnell has created what is one of the most inspired game scores I have ever heard. While the music itself remains true to the original, it manages to create a new niche for itself among the Halo universe. From the orchestral title theme, with excellent accompaniment by Steve Vai, to the ambient "Ancient Machine" this soundtrack is packed with quality.
  
  Part of what I feel has made this soundtrack what it has become, is the inclusion of music producer Nile Rodgers, who managed to snag the aforementioned Steve Vai as well as Incubus, Hoobastank, and Breaking Benjamin who all lend their own original songs. Many think that the addition of these bands is an annoyance but I strongly disagree. All of the bands churn out some great radio worthy tunes that add to the atmosphere of the game. Incubus deserves special mention, their song "Follow" is divided into four sections totaling over 24 minutes in length, and is best described as a musical epiphany for the band.
  
  With its sweeping orchestral scores and the masterful inclusion of rock, this can appeal to not just Halo fans but anyone who enjoys music. And I would be more than happy to spend my money on it, and already have.
  
  
• Very strange choice of artists...
  By A12S5OL77C3GDB on 2004-11-18
  The Halo 2 soundtrack stays true to the spirit of the first one, but with some weird additions, like the Incubus tracks. Don't get me wrong, I love Incubus and the songs on this soundtrack are good for the most part, but they have no place amongst the moody ambient pieces that are actually featured in the game. The only song that I don't like is "Connected" by Hoobastank. As one reviewer put it, it's "wretched and useless". One other alt rock group, Breaking Benjamin, contributes to the soundtrack with a song that actually does appear in the game, only without the vocals. The song features some good old fashioned alt rock guitar work, and though it isn't complicated or even technically apt, it still evokes the feeling of wielding a large automatic rifle against alien scum... something that I look for in a song. The best guest appearance, in my opinion, is that of Steve Vai, who takes the Halo theme to new hights with his shred guitar version. All in all, a good soundtrack.
  
  
• Almost a Five Star Production
  By A1Z9O6DGQUMSBJ on 2004-11-17
  Seriously. If it weren't for the occasional "inspired by" track, this OST would easily be in line for a five star rating. O'Donnel's stuff is magnificent, with the occational Incumbus track mixed in as fire support. Unlike the first OST, H2 definitely has more of an rock edge to it, and it's an edge that sounds awesome in or out of the game.
  
  Aside from Hoobstank's unwelcome appearance- I mean, we're talking about music that belongs in something like a Tony Hawk production -there's not much that'll touch this CD in an American game title. Hell, the first remixed track is nearly worth the price alone.
  
  
• Spectacular, save for Incubus
  By A1ZU0REJ4RJ7WP on 2004-11-22
  As an avid fan of Halo and any music that isn't rap, I loved the original Halo soundtrack. The effort put into arranging the many orchestrated songlets into suites impressed me, and I must say the same for the Halo 2 OST V1. I especially loved listening to remixes of old favorites, such as the Halo Theme/Halo Theme Mjolnir Mix, A Walk In The Woods/Heretic Hero and Under Cover of Darkness/In Amber Clad remixes.
  
  The pieces by Marty O'Donnell perfectly capture the serene, militaristic nature of the epicness of Halo [2]- and the style he sets forth- mostly bass brass instruments, all string instruments, and an incredible variety of percussion- makes it feel all the more epic, without alienating the pretense that you are one soldier in a huge war. Granted, one supersoldier. Songs like "Ghosts of Reach" exemplify this- The end of the song, with the militaristic drums playing against a serene wind background evoke this incredible sense of awe- something majestic and powerful, by the strings, and also terrible and unstoppable, by the drums- something like the Scarab.
  
  The pieces by Incubus did not sit well with me, on the whole. After recording the OST on my UMD player, I left their songs '2nd- and 3rd- Movement of The Odyssey' off, because the songs seemed to me like a mishmash of various riffs that try to replicate some sort of feeling for an Odyssey presumably through space, but the instruments and movements sound more like something hamfisted together at the last moment. Their song 'Follow' is a great song, the thrilling, almost Arabian feel to it with the rapid guitar riffs interested me, until the band started to shout 'Follow'. I'm not sure about other folks, but the way they said it "Faah-ohhhh" and the sheer octave and tone of their voices through me off. Their last song, 4th Movement of the Odyssey, is other song I can appreciate, for the most part. It's a bit lengthy for what I listen to as a rhythm and guitar piece, but it's forgivable as it sounds half decent on the whole.
  
  The song by Hoobastank is a mixed bag. Sometimes I like it when I listen, sometimes I don't. The fact that the music itself is very monotous is a setback, but I can enjoy when I need to here something light and cheerful but still motivating. Some people say that it has no relation to Halo, but in my honest opinion, the song is a reference to the Master Chief and Cortana, or the Master Chief and his 'counterpart' (no spoilers, if I can help it).
  
  The song by Nile Rodgers and Nataraj, Never Surrender, is one of the few techno songs I like in this world. Not everyone likes techno, but I grew up on the Sega Genesis and Nintendo, and it's music really reminds me of some of my favorites games, like Silpheed, for instance. Also, I like hearing the modified chorale tracks and the guitar playing against the techno backdrop was impressive.
  
  The Breaking Benjamin song 'Blow Me Away' seemed a bit off to me at first, until I really started to think about, and realized it was a killer metal ode to the Orbital Drop Shock Troopers 'Helljumpers'. Honestly, the lyrics perfectly fit it- soldiers falling into line to enter the droppods (They fall in line, one at a time, ready to play), the sight of your allies and enemies on radar ("I can't see them anyway"), steadying the ship/gear (Steady your helm), ODST losing conciousness in rush of maneuvering/Droppod closing (I am losing sight again) the launch of the pods (Fire your guns, it's time to run, Blow Me Away), the fall (after the fall, we'll shake it off), and then the objective (show me the way). The pelicans returning them to the ship (Heaven, if the ground is Hell) Maybe I'm just reading into it too deeply.
  
  
• Mixed plate...but still a good meal.
  By A31Y316PIE6PKC on 2004-11-24
  I do not usually review music, because it is an extremely subjective form of art. So, I am writing this as a fan of the original Halo soundtrack.
  
  First of all, I give high praise for Martin O'Donnell and his associates, because that portion of the CD is fabulous and breathtaking. If you've listened to the first Halo, a few times at least, you'll most definitely notice that some of the music is essentially the same, but made more colorful by a wide assortment of new instruments. Especially impressive is the use of the guitar in at least two tracks, numbers 1 and 12. There are several completely original tracks as well, and two have been used to advertise the game widely to the public, so they will sound familiar. But out of all of them, track 2, Peril, is my personal favorite. It adds a sense of mystery and danger, while managing to sound almost cheerful in its presentation.
  
  As far as the inspired music goes, I will not bash it thoughtlessly like some reviewers here. Again, it will be mostly subjective, but several of the tracks seem to fit into the genre, and sound almost like ending-credits types of songs, like Blow Me Away. Never Surrender sounds more like a techno/dance/trance mix and I don't know why something that makes you want to put up your arms and dance is in there. I happen to agree that they don't belong intermingled with the instrumental music. I had the fortune of being able to burn and rearrange it, putting all the rock at the end of the CD, and it definitely sounds a lot better.
  
  Those minor gripes aside, I feel that this Volume 1 stays true to the core story of the game, and is definitely worth buying if you liked the first one. I do hope that Volume 2, the mystery of its release date looming over me like a dark shadow, includes everything else that was left out. Both of them together will make a complete and unforgettable soundtrack.
  
  
• Beautiful original music marred by track order
  By A10C6BDDXAHVWE on 2004-12-22
  I became interested in Halo when I heard my son and his father playing the game. I was so drawn in by the music that I learned to play, and since have become an enthusiast. My understanding is that the first soundtrack came out only after much public outcry for the CD.
  
  Like the first Halo soundtrack, the original score for the follow-up game is beautifully composed and arranged. O'Donnell and Salvatori use a counterpoint of sweeping orchestral themes and human chants against military and/or majestic rhythms. In texture and feel, the music is very reminiscent of Ennio Morricone's unforgettable score from "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly". The triumphant military beats against the mournful melodies are heart-wrenching, both when you are actually playing the game and when listening to the CD. In both Halo 1 and 2, the soundtrack is a combination of power and sorrow, exploration and loss.
  
  In the Halo 1 soundtrack, the first rock rhythms were introduced in the track "Rock Anthem for Saving the World". Although not to my taste, my 10-year-old son listened to the song over and over. These new tracks on the Halo 2 CD (as well as the song "Blow Me Away", which I believe was in the end credits of the game?) are in spirit keeping with that classic rock feel. These songs are high energy but lack the haunting quality of so many of the the orchestral tracks. Also, the variations on the trademark Halo melody played by these musicians sound embarrassingly amateur in comparison to the score. I believe this is inevitable due to the richness and the complexity of the orchestral arrangements. The "rock" songs would be fine on their own, but they pale in comparison.
  
  The main problem with the CD is that the new tracks are interspersed randomly with the orchestral score tracks. When the rock tracks start they are very jarring. I still give this CD 5 stars (which I definitely also give the score to Halo 1). What I suggest is that you buy the CD, and make your own copies, with all of the orchestral songs on one CD, and the rock songs on another. I plan to do so with my copies of Halo 1 and 2. I look forward to Volume 2 of this soundtrack.
  
  
• classical music listeners stop complaining
  By A3HYHCI2363I2F on 2006-05-10
  The worst part of this album was songs with lyrics (breaking benjamin, techno, hoobastank)...i dont understand then why people are upset with the incubus - follow has one word the whole song (two if you count "yeah") and their instrumental songs are brilliant, floyd-esque at times. for those of you reading others criticizing this album, ignore them, ignore the three bad songs on this album, and purchase it and enjoy it.
  
  
• Halo 2 Sounds Good
  By A3JY3QNB178LA4 on 2004-11-13
  You guys are retarded... The song from Breaking Benjamin is great and fits just fine with the rest of the score. The Hoobastank track on the other hand is not as good and doesn't really fit. Most of the new soundtrack is all alternative rock anyway, including the main theme and most of the other instrumental tracks. It's also interesting you didn't notice that the Breaking Benjamin track was actually produced by Martin O'Donnell. All in all a fairly good soundtrack. My personal favorite track has to be the Ghosts of Reach track, simply a haunting song.
  
  
• Marty's work is great - others are OK
  By A1VLNKVW8HS9XL on 2004-11-15
  What I expected from Marty in this soundtrack was some brand new compositions and maybe different versions of the old ones. (just to link HALO with HALO 2).
  What I got was some decent/good work by Marty. That said, there are some songs in here that are horrible.
  Marty should have worked on this one alone, just like he did for HALO.
  I am 80% satisfied. :(
  
  Here are the ones I like:
  
  1 Halo Theme Mjölnir Mix (excellent -very nice guitar notes to Orig HALO theme)
  2 Blow Me Away-Performed By Breaking Benjamin (good)
  3 Peril (excellent)
  4 Ghosts Of Reach (excellent)
  5 Follow (1st Movement of the Odyssey)-Performed By Incubus (not that great)
  6 Heretic, Hero (good)
  7 Flawed Legacy (good)
  8 Impend (ok)
  9 Never Surrender-Performed By Nile Rodgers and Nataraj (ok)
  10 Ancient Machine (sux)
  11 2nd Movement of the Odyssey-Performed By Incubus (Absolutely sux)
  12 In Amber Clad (ok)
  13 The Last Spartan (excellent)
  14 Orbit of Glass (nice snippet)
  15 3rd Movement of the Odyssey-Performed By Incubus - (sux at start, ends on a good note)
  16 Heavy Price Paid (nice slow one)
  17 Earth City (excellent - I LOVE THIS ONE )
  18 High Charity (slow one - ok - )
  19 4th Movement of the Odyssey-Performed By Incubus (decent)
  20 Remembrance (ok)
  21 Connected-Performed By Hoobastank-(-Ok-)
  
  
  
  
  
• Unexpected, but still good
  By AGZL8HDMSEENB on 2004-11-16
  Yeah, it was unexpected to have all of the rock on the album. That said though, I don't really think it takes anything away from the awesome original orchestral score by Martin and Mike. (Though I may rip the CD and separate the tracks, just for different listening preferences) I think Breaking Benjamin and Hoobastank both did good songs and I think they fit the game. Incubus' four-part 'Odyssey' is enjoyable, though I thought a little too long, taking up about twenty-five minutes of the sixty-nine minute soundtrack. I was pleased to see that this is a Volume One, and I hope there is more orchestral stuff on the indicated Volume Two. Overall, this is one of the best game soundtracks out there, and if you liked the first Halo soundtrack, you will at least like the orchestral stuff here, and it's worth buying.
  
  
• Great Songs, Drop Some of the Rock
  By on 2004-12-16
  I highly recommend this cd to any halo fan. My favorite songs were In Amber Clad, Peril, and Earth City. In Amber Clad gives an awesome sensation of rock, but it is not hard rock at all. Peril gives an energetic feeling, but there is absolutly no rock at all which is good. and Earth City is from the E3 demo when Master Chief is in the city riding in a warthog with other marines. I am pretty dissapointed that they put in the words to Blow Me Away by Breaking Benjamin, the song was great in the video game without the words, but the words kind of ruin it. The one by Hoobatank does not go at all with Halo 2. All of the Odysseys were terrible too but overall I give the soundtrack 2 thumbs up.
  
  
• Beautiful score, deplorable rock
  By A23QVBYGSOS4MJ on 2004-12-20
  I understand every business has a bottom line. In this case, Microsoft decided that it might help to include a bunch of stuff that... well, sucks, but sounds good to the sort of people who like music that sounds like disjointed noise.
  
  Marty O'Donnell is by far one of the most gifted and brilliant music men I have ever had the joy of hearing. As a connoisseur of stage, motion picture and video game music scores, I can easily place him among the greats. His incisive vision (and ear) is an alchemy of sound and music that can take an already incredible game and add an immersiveness that makes the game experience ten times better. He's an essential to the Bungie team.
  
  Every last O'Donnell track on this soundtrack is genius and worth listening to all by itself. If you enjoyed Halo 2's score, you'll enjoy his work. If you enjoy feature film scores in general, be prepared to be shocked that video games can have such a cinematic feel. Marty's sense of epic is awe-inspiring.
  
  Why do the non-Marty O'Donnell tracks not belong? Why are they so often complained about in these reviews? It's the same reason that Shakespeare is never filed beside MAD Magazine in the library.
  
  Halo 2's soundtrack is truly epic. Diluting it with such pedestrian music as Hoobastank is justifiable grounds for disappointment. At the cost of a few REALLY amazing tracks, you've got music that most buyers of this CD won't care about. Just the same, it's worth the buy. Let's hope for a more pure volume two.
  
  
• Marty good, rest is crap
  By A1JRSDXI8ABOLY on 2005-01-19
  Usually genious by Marty the Elder.
  The tracks by Incubus are total (...)
  The track by Breaking Benjamin isn't too bad, but the vocals suck.
  The opening theme has a cheesy guitar riff inserted that ruins it.
  Other than that my only complaint is the good tracks are too short.
  
  Tracks by Marty get 6 stars.
  All others get zero!
  
  
• Not what I had in mind...
  By A1WLEWKIPVUBU2 on 2005-02-16
  The Halo 2 soundtrack was poised to be without a doubt an excellent
  one, with beautiful tracks from the game itself. After purchasing it, i am little short of dissapointed. Many of the game's atmospheric tracks have been altered, and distorted in such a way that it is difficult to even imagine the game featuring such rubbish. Extra tracks have been added, and even though it has been said that these tracks feature in the game i am yet to find them and hope not to. they completely disrupt the flow of the music,
  
  If anything saved this album, it was the fact that at least a few songs have remained largely true to the game, although being very short and slightly modified. Why couldnt they have just kept the
  soundtrack true to the game? because that is why people buy it!!!
  
  
• A Beautiful CD, even If You're not a Halo Fan.
  By A21WCZ2XS67PBC on 2006-04-24
  But How can you NOT be, right? I'll tell you what I felt about each song...
  
  1.Halo Theme Mjolnir Mix-It was great, of course Steve Vai was fabulous. But I felt something was missing. Can't put my finger on it.
  2.Blow Me Away-When I first heard it I was like, (groan of dilemna), nah then I rated it 3 stars.
  3.Peril-Beautiful, awesome, passionate work by Marty.
  4.Ghosts Of Reach-This is an awesome addition to Rememberance.
  5.Follow-NO. The part before the singing? Maybe. But the rest-NO.
  6.Heretic,Hero-Possibly the best one on there. My fave w/o question. I'm listening to it now.:)
  7.Flawed Legacy-Yes, YES, we all remember the sleeping Grunts. I liked this one, especially how it ended.
  8.Impend-2ND FAVORITE!! But it kinda sounds like a beat Micheal Jackson rejected.
  9.Never Surrender?? Oh, god. Look, I respect Nile Rodgers and Nataraj for what they were trying to do, but it JUST DIDN'T WORK. I doubt you'll hear this blasting in the clubs.
  10.Ancient Machine-I thought it was wierd and just too short.
  11. 2nd Movement-Long, but it's gotta mean something, right??
  12.In Amber Clad-Awesome. Just Sweet.
  13.Last Spartan-Hmm, where have I heard this before??...Oh that's right.
  14.Orbit of Glass-Not much to say here. Pretty good.
  15.3rd Movement-I really liked this one because of the transition to the 4th.
  16.HPP-Nice and sad.I really like it.
  17.Earth City-Really motivational, nice to work with.
  18.HC-My new favorite. This one opens your soul and leaves you wanting more.
  19.4th Movement-this one made me cry. That's all I'm gonna say.
  20.Rememberance-kinda boring.
  21.Connected-whoa, whoa. You're gonna end the album with THIS?!?!? B@$&^*@$T!!
  
  I still think you should pick up this album. Great listen.
  
  
• Too many "non-rocking" Halo nerds...
  By A1RRLGRKVI7U4M on 2006-04-24
  Really, how is it that so many people are giving this CD low reviews because of Breaking Benjamin, and Incubus? Those bands are freakin' amazing! You nerds really need to open yourself up more, in a musical sense.
  
  Personally speaking, since this was a various artists album, I was hoping for more artist music, and not gaming music.
  
  But... 4 Stars overall. Definitely worth the buy!
  
  
• best video game soundtrack ever.
  By A13CMGYX2PAKDK on 2006-08-02
  i understand that many people are a bit angry with breaking benjamin and hoobastank being in here. i'm not particularly happy myself with the last track, but i think contemporary music is appropriate here, albeit lyrics may not be the greatest form of expressing the mysterious feeling behind everything. i think o'donnel and salvatori have what it takes to compose a score of music, but it's not a score, it's a soundtrack. i found that if you don't like them you can just skip them. the second to last track is a great way to end the soundtrack.
  
  
• Hug your pillows girls
  By A1Q8EPGRFAFOLT on 2006-08-06
  THe only reason I am writing anything about this album is because it contains the Odyssey by Incubus, and its probably some of their best work and will go down as their most unnoticed. While the rest of your nerds are huggin your pillows at night thinking about your video games and the "gnarly instrumentals" on this album you sit there and bash Incubus' work. The first track by them, Follow, is not all that great however it was re-released on an additional cd with their Alive at Red Rocks DVD and it sounds sooooooo much better on that cd (with some real lyrics) But after listening to the Odyssey I was really hoping this to be a new direction for Incubus, a more proggressive/conceptual sound. Whether this is the direction they go on with their new album is yet to be heard. Its a shame that this work will go unnoticed, and the only reason it will be that way because a bunch of losers decide to try and impress people with (what they think) is a sense of music just because its of a classical nature. Yes, the rest of the music on the album is amazing, and I give big ups to its composition, but come on people, show some love to good music when its presented to your faces.
  
  
• AMAZING
  By A2KOT6O69W7X9W on 2005-03-30
  Martin O'Donell, and Michael Salvatori are amazing. At first I didn't like the "new music", which is lisenced music by popular artists, but it really grew on me. I love it all now. The original score was amazing from day one. It is amazing with the game or on its own. I prefer CDs on their own so you can hear all of the intricacies. Amazing.
  Also check out the Splinter Cell Chaos Theory soundtrack. I didn't think it could beat HALO 2 but it's so close. Way different styles, but both amazing.
  
  
• Awesome Soundtrack
  By A3O31BQQ0751PI on 2004-11-23
  Ok, to the dipsh*t 2 reviews down. The Breaking Benjamins song is awesome. It absolutely goes with the intense battle sequence near the end of the game. It's an awesome song too (if you like rock/alternative). The 5th song "Follow" by Incubus is pretty kick ass too but I the rest of the "Odyssey" songs suck. It sounds like a Mexican dance/salsa song. It's sweet. There are only a couple songs that sound like total crap but the rest is good. My favorite Marty track is probably "The Last Spartan" which played during the end of the E3 demo. It's an amazing piece. Overall this soundtrack is awesome and if you love Halo and it's music get this right now.
  
  
• Heavy Price Paid
  By A3IWAOZMB0YWEQ on 2004-11-24
  As I listen to 'Heavy Price Paid' while writing this up, I feel very much the grief that the music is trying to convey. In addition to everything else, immersion, I believe, is what makes the game great. And the music created by Marty O'Donnell plays a major part in this immersion. I loved the original Halo soundtrack, and once again, I'm awed by the genius of his work. Backed by what seems like a bigger orchestra and better sound quality, I put it on the same level as the original, if not above. However...
  
  ...while the bands that contributed to the soundtrack seem to truly care for the game (especially Incubus), at the end of the day, they fall short of Marty's genius. (I commend Incubus for the effort, but they tend to be too playful at times, making it sound more like a jam session.) So for their songs/tracks to be interspersed with Marty's I think is unfair to them, as they will be judged relative to Marty's work (as what's happening now). Besides, the continuity of the soundtrack is broken due to the insertion of these tracks. In the Halo 1 soundtrack, I can visualize the game's storyline as I listen to the whole album, but not on this one. It would have been better if the bands' tracks were added as bonus, somewhere near the end or on a second disc. Anyway, good thing there is a playlist so I can skip thru them.
  
  In the end, it's worth the money nonetheless. Marty and his crew's work makes it a great buy, I just consider the other tracks as bonus.
  
  
• Who says American Game music is weak?
  By AAJ9VIJDUZ35Z on 2004-11-27
  
  Q: What do Halo 2 and Final Fantasy have in common?
  
  AN: Halo 2 has a killer soundtrack that blows away any Japanese game!
  
  Let's face it video games esp. ones that origins are from the US (i.e. American made) have always had weak music, most simply don't have soundtrack CDs because they aren't worth buying.
  
  However in Japan we know this is not the case, game music is so popular in Japan that a good 95% of games get their own soundtrack CDs and most are well deserved compared to weak, general, quick-buck music that US made games get.
  
  Halo however broke the mold somewhat and produced a decent soundtrack, I don't think it was anything spectacular but it was far better than most.
  
  Halo 2 however has one of the (if not THE) best game soundtracks I ever heard. There is some trance, rock and new age on there, nice vocal themes too - a solid mix for game music lovers (and for simply music lovers).
  
  If you like game music BUY this, check out the samples and decide for yourself. There isn't anything bad to say about this one, I give it 5 stars for a perfect score A+++
  
  

• Halo 2, Vol. 2
• Halo: Original Soundtrack
• Halo 3 Original Soundtrack (2-CD Set)
• Halo, Books 1-3 (The Flood; First Strike; The Fall of Reach)
• Ghosts of Onyx (Halo)