Album Review: Piano Themes by Various – A Cinematic Journey That’ll Tickle Your Ears and Maybe Your Soul Too
If you’re a sucker for piano music that feels like it was plucked straight outta some epic movie montage (you know, the kind where the protagonist runs through fields or stares wistfully into sunsets), then Piano Themes by Various is your jam. Released in 2017 under Amphonic Music Ltd., this UK-born gem straddles genres like Stage & Screen and Classical without breaking a sweat. It’s got more tracks than you can shake a conductor’s baton at—seriously, there are over 40 tunes here. Let’s dive into two standouts before I get carried away.
First up, we’ve got “The Traveller.” This track hits you right in the nostalgia bone. Picture this: you’re walking down an old cobblestone street somewhere in Europe, wearing a scarf you didn’t actually need but bought anyway because “vibes.” The melody starts off gentle, almost shy, like someone peeking around a corner to see if anyone’s watching. Then BAM—it blossoms into this sweeping, emotional crescendo that makes you want to either cry or hug a stranger. Probably both. Hats off to whoever composed this one; they nailed the whole “less is more” thing while still packing an emotional punch.
Then there’s “Dreaming Dark,” which sounds exactly how lying awake at 3 AM wondering about life choices should sound. It’s moody, brooding, and just a little bit mysterious—like that person at the party who only talks in riddles but somehow keeps drawing you back for more. There’s something hypnotic about the way the notes spiral downward, pulling you deeper into its shadowy world. If I ever write a novel, this will be my go-to writing music when things get dramatic (or slightly pretentious).
Now, sure, not every track on Piano Themes is gonna knock your socks off. Some lean toward background noise territory—you might find yourself zoning out halfway through unless you’re actively listening. But hey, isn’t that what albums like this are supposed to do? They set the mood, fill the silence, and occasionally remind you why pianos were invented in the first place.
Here’s the kicker though: with so many tracks crammed onto one album, it kinda feels like a musical lucky dip. Sometimes you pull out gold, other times… well, let’s just say you might end up humming the theme from Jeopardy! instead. Still, the highs outweigh the lows, making this a solid pick for anyone who digs cinematic piano vibes.
So, would I recommend Piano Themes? Absolutely—but maybe don’t listen to all 40+ tracks in one sitting unless you’re training for a marathon of introspection. And now, as I wrap up this review, I leave you with this thought: if pianos could talk, I bet they’d have some serious opinions about us humans. Probably something along the lines of “Play me better!”
Final verdict: 8/10. Not perfect, but definitely worth adding to your playlist rotation. Or at least until Spotify recommends something even moodier.
