Wild America: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack – A Witty Dive into Joel McNeely’s Sonic Wilderness
Let’s get one thing straight—Joel McNeely didn’t just compose this soundtrack; he conjured it. Released in 1998 under Prometheus Records (yep, Belgium's hidden gem of a label), Wild America is the kind of score that sneaks up on you like a curious moose in the woods. It’s not flashy or over-the-top but has this quiet charm, like your favorite flannel shirt. And hey, who doesn’t love a good flannel?
The album falls squarely into the "Stage & Screen" genre with its orchestral vibe, and boy, does McNeely wear the conductor's hat well. He’s pulling double duty here as both composer and maestro, which makes me imagine him waving his baton around like some musical wizard trying to summon woodland creatures.
Now, let’s talk tracks because there are way too many to cover without boring you senseless. Two stood out for me, though—one made me laugh, and the other gave me all the feels.
First up: "Adventure With A Moose." This track is pure chaos wrapped in strings and brass. Imagine if a moose got into a fight with a tree while someone played dramatic chords in the background—that’s what this sounds like. It’s playful, slightly ridiculous, and honestly? I can’t unhear it now. Every time I think about moose-related shenanigans, this tune pops into my head like an earworm wearing antlers. McNeely somehow turns what could’ve been goofy into something oddly cinematic. Big props to him.
Then there’s "Epilogue," which hits different. If “Adventure With A Moose” is the rowdy cousin at a family reunion, “Epilogue” is the wise grandparent sitting by the fireplace, telling stories no one asked for but everyone needs. The piece builds slowly, layering soft melodies until it feels like the whole forest is sighing along. It’s reflective, almost nostalgic, and reminds you that even wild adventures come to an end. Honestly, it’s the perfect closer, leaving you feeling warm and fuzzy inside—like hot cocoa after a long hike.
But wait—what’s with titles like “Bow Hunting” and “Hunting Alligators”? Were they running out of ideas, or was this some kind of outdoorsy fever dream? Either way, these quirky names add character to the album, making it feel less like a polished Hollywood product and more like a heartfelt project from someone who really loves nature documentaries—or maybe just really hates bears.
In conclusion, Wild America isn’t going to blow your socks off unless you’re already a sucker for orchestral scores. But it sticks with you in unexpected ways, like how you remember random facts about moose behavior after watching Animal Planet. Joel McNeely crafted something simple yet memorable, proving that sometimes the best soundtracks are the ones that don’t try too hard.
Oh, and fun fact: Listening to this album might make you want to adopt an owl named Leona. You’ve been warned.
