Soundtrack Review: David Holmes – ‘Ocean’s Thirteen’

By Jeff Swindoll Jun 7, 2007, 18:08 GMT

Ocean\'s Thirteen is the third actioncomedy-thriller in the blockbuster series that began with 2001\'s Ocean\'s Eleven, which grossed nearly $200 million in the U.S. alone, and continued with 2004\'s Ocean\'s Twelve, which racked up more than $125 million at the U.S. box office. The critically acclaimed soundtrack albums for both movies won BMI Film Music Awards for inventive techno-funk composer David Holmes. Both on screen and on album, Ocean\'s Thirteen ...more

Third times the charm for the Oceans gang as Clooney and company return for one more go round to get revenge on casino boss Al Pacino.  Not only are Clooney, Pitt, Damon returning but composer David Holmes also comes back for one more roll of the dice. 

The songs have a very ‘70s feel to them that even made me question if the film might’ve been set in them and not in modern times.  The compositions by Holmes are great and have that jazzy ‘70s vibe. 

There’s also “Caravan” performed by Puccio Roelens, but originally written by Duke Ellington and “Suite Bergmansque Claire De Lune, No. 3” is performed by Isao Tomita and is written by him with a little help from Claude Debussy.  The “Suite Bergmansque..” has a unearthly sound that reminded me of a ‘70s Italian space opera (like Barbarella).

To not forget the original inspiration for the Ocean’s movies we also hear from the Chairman of the Board, Frank Sinatra, as he performs “This Town.”  The Motherhood also performs the final track “Soul Town.”  I hope by all those ‘70s references you think that I didn’t like the soundtrack. 

Actually, the opposite is true – I thought it was great.  The commercial for the film features a laugh out loud moment when Clooney reacts to Andy Garcia’s “I was born ready” statement.  I think that Ocean’s Thirteen looks like a winner and with groovy, jazzy music like this it has a soundtrack to match. 

‘Ocean’s Thirteen’ is now available at Amazon. Visit the soundtrack database for more information.