We are back at it again, with another look into the music of Star Wars.
Last time, I picked my favourite songs from each movie of the original trilogy. Now I look at the movies I grew up on, the prequel trilogy. As always, I will talk about my personal four favourite tracks, as well as a few honourable mentions.
So, sit back, relax, and once again grab those headphones!
Episode I: The Phantom Menace
Duel of The Fates
Starting things off is one of the most unique songs in the entire Skywalker saga.
We hear Duel of The Fates during the clash between Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Darth Maul. The choir, strings, and brass throughout give it an epic feel that perfectly fits the brevity of the situation. The pace slows and then quickens again, taking the listener on a ride from start to finish.
What makes it so unique is the fact that you cannot tab this as a light or dark side track. Most songs in the saga, either have elements of one or the other. Here both are at play, going off each other instead of one completely dominating.
Every time I hear it, I cannot help but get amped up. It had to live up to the scene it’s played during, and I think it did just that and much more.
Anakin’s Theme
Next, we look at Anakin Skywalker’s theme.
As Star Wars fans know, Anakin is perhaps the most important character in the saga. His transformation from a young slave on Tatooine to Darth Vader is one of tragedy. But this theme depicts his character at the start of his journey.
It gives off a feeling of childlike wonder, which is fitting since Anakin is only nine during the movie. Though it builds in sound as it progresses, it still maintains its innocence. However, it takes a slow and sombre turn at the end, as the Imperial March can be heard. This is an ominous foreshadowing of Anakin’s descent to the dark side.
The ending is what makes it one of my favourite tracks in the movie. We all know what happens to Anakin, but the subtle hints throughout The Phantom Menace are fun to uncover.
Panaka and the Queen’s Protectors
Then we move on to a song heard during the Battle of Naboo.
With Queen Amidala’s forces trying to reclaim Theed, there needed to be a high energy track to go with it. This delivers beautifully; there is high energy throughout, and even when it slows down it still provides tension. A lot is riding on this battle, and this track adds to the high stakes.
If you also played Lego Star Wars, you would remember this playing every time you finished a level. So, not only does it provide some drama in The Phantom Menace, but also a little bit of nostalgia as well.
Watching Naboo’s fighters take on the Trade Federation with this playing in the background always gets my heart racing. The action is intense and Panaka and the Queen’s Protectors makes it even more fun to watch.
The Droid Invasion and the Appearance of Darth Maul
Rounding out The Phantom Menace is the debut of the Trade Federation’s droid army.
After the Gungans prepared their army for battle, the Trade Federation did the exact same thing. The soft opening of the song transitions to a militaristic sound. As the droids make their way toward the Gungan army, they march almost perfectly to the song as it plays.
Then, things slow down and take a sinister turn, fitting for someone like Darth Maul. You can hear the Emperor’s Theme next, referencing Maul’s master. Without a doubt, it screams “the dark side of the Force”.
Its first part fits the Trade Federation so well. It sounds massive and intimidating, just like their droid army. The tone change in the latter half is done extremely well. Once you hear it, you know trouble is brewing.
(Honorable mentions: The Sith Spacecraft and the Droid Battle, Queen Amidala and the Naboo Palace, Qui-Gon’s Noble End, Augie’s Great Municipal Band and End Credits)
Episode II: Attack of the Clones
Across the Stars
Opening Episode II is perhaps the best love theme in the Star Wars universe.
A major plot point for Attack of the Clones is the forbidden love between Anakin and Padmé. At first, the two promise not to fall in love so they don’t have to live a lie. But eventually, they give in to their feelings and express their love for each other.
Across the Stars is composed beautifully; you can sense Anakin and Padmé’s love and longing for each other with each passing note. Then, a more serious tone takes charge halfway through, reminding us of the impending Clone Wars. It has a classical sound throughout but still reminds us that it’s a Star Wars song.
Seeing Anakin and Padmé’s relationship develop is easily one of the best parts of the movie. Hearing this play in the background reinforces the fact that their secret love is going to change the galaxy forever.
Jango’s Escape
Then, we look at a track played during a tense fight scene.
Obi-Wan’s search for the bounty hunter contracted to kill Padmé leads him to Kamino. Upon arriving, he discovers a grand clone army being created for the Republic. Once he meets the clones’ template, Jango Fett, Obi-Wan realizes he is the bounty hunter he is looking for.
Jango attempts to flee the planet with his son, Boba, but not before Obi-Wan gives chase. This song certainly adds to the intensity as the two battle. Jango gives Obi-Wan all he can handle and is able to evade the Jedi, for now.
The fight itself is very entertaining, and Jango’s Escape makes it even better. It’s high energy fits the scene perfectly, especially when Obi-Wan is trying to deal with Jango and his jetpack. All of it together takes you on a fun ride from start to finish.
Return to Tatooine
Up next is, to me personally, a very underrated song in the Skywalker saga.
Anakin, accompanied by Padmé, returns to his home planet of Tatooine after having a troubling vision of his mother, Shmi. This track plays as the two find her husband, Cliegg Lars, his son, Owen, and his girlfriend, Beru. Cliegg tells Anakin that Shmi was captured by a tribe of Tusken Raiders and is likely dead.
Return to Tatooine succeeds in giving off a dark and mysterious tone in the beginning. It then transitions into the iconic Binary Sunset piece and Duel of The Fates. Finally, it returns to a sombre and sad tone at the end.
Fans instantly remember this as the menu music for the Revenge of the Sith video game. It also makes a return during Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker. It gives off so much mystery and intrigue and is easily one of my favourite pieces of music in Star Wars.
Love Pledge and the Arena
Lastly, we look at a song that takes you on an emotional ride.
After Anakin, Padmé, and Obi-Wan are captured by the CIS (Confederacy of Independent Systems), they are sentenced to death. Right before Anakin and Padmé are transported into the arena, they both confess their love for each other.
Things start off softly with Across the Stars, then drive into the militaristic sounds of the CIS. The tension ramps up as our heroic trio try to stay alive and gain the upper hand once they free themselves.
It is a great track that kicks off the Battle of Geonosis in style. The contrast of its soft beginning and the intense ending makes it a great part of the soundtrack.
(Honorable mentions: Zam the Assassin/The Chase Through Coruscant, Departing Coruscant, Anakin and Padmé, Confrontation with Count Dooku/Finale)
Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
Star Wars and the Revenge of the Sith – Medley
Now we come to Revenge of the Sith, my favourite Star Wars movie. Kicking things off is the opening track of the film.
Obviously, the Star Wars main theme is iconic. As I mentioned in my original trilogy article, it is instantly recognizable to just about everyone. But once the opening crawl finishes, we are thrown right into a space battle above Coruscant. With clones and CIS droids engaged in a massive dog fight, Anakin and Obi-Wan race to rescue Supreme Chancellor Palpatine from General Grievous.
A mix of drums not only gives off a militaristic feel but also conveys the importance of the battle. The pace quickens with the action, taking not only the listener but the viewer on an epic adventure. This medley perfectly portrays the conflict and violence of the Clone Wars.
Revenge of the Sith has one of the higher energy openings in the saga. It gets your heart pounding and ready for the action about to unfold. I cannot help but get chills every time this comes on.
Padmé’s Ruminations
With a movie as emotional as Revenge of the Sith, it’s only fitting to have a song like Padmé’s Ruminations.
When Mace Windu instructs Anakin to wait in the Jedi temple while he arrests Palpatine, Padmé is across the city at their home. Anakin is still plagued by the thought of losing her in childbirth, while she is worried about his well-being. The two look across the city towards each other, with painful emotion, etched on their faces.
The slow tempo and haunting vocals give this track such a unique sound. Once you know the situation that is about to unfold, it makes this that much more tragic. To be honest, tragedy is a very fitting word to describe Revenge of the Sith in general. All Anakin wants to do is protect the woman he loves, but it takes him down the darkest path imaginable.
I think this is another underrated track in the saga. Every time it comes on during the movie, it’s hard not to get chills. Both the scene and the song convey the heartbreaking emotion that is at the core of Anakin and Padmé’s relationship.
Anakin vs. Obi-Wan
Next comes the duel between master and apprentice.
Once Obi-Wan learns that it was Anakin who betrayed the Jedi, he knows he must destroy him. Clearly, this is hard for him to process, especially since Anakin was more than his apprentice. Obi-Wan truly cared for him and considered him a brother.
That emotion is conveyed to perfection in Anakin vs. Obi-Wan. As the two clash, the track adds to the already heightened sense of anxiety, intensity, and tension. We also get pieces of the Imperial March to further reinforce Anakin’s transformation into Darth Vader.
Without a doubt, this is the best duel in the entire saga. Anakin vs. Obi-Wan is equal parts heart-racing and heart-wrenching. Obi-Wan clearly doesn’t want to kill Anakin but knows that if he lives the Empire will rise. You cannot help but fear for both men as Mustafar falls apart around them. Overall, the track certainly lived up to the hype created by the battle itself.
The Immolation Scene
Finally, we come to my final pick for Revenge of the Sith.
As Anakin and Obi-Wan’s battle nears its end, the latter gains the advantage by taking the high ground. However, Anakin feels like his former master underestimates his power. He tries to strike Obi-Wan, only to have his limbs cut off. To add insult to injury, the lava tide rises and begins to burn him alive.
Just looking at Obi-Wan’s face, you can tell he is torn about what transpired. He feels heartbroken for having to do that, but also angry as well. As Anakin writhes in pain, Obi-Wan yells that he was the Chosen One, the one who was supposed to bring balance to the Force instead of leaving it in darkness. Anakin screams that he hates him, and Obi-Wan realizes his friend is dead and gone.
This scene is extremely sad in many ways, and The Immolation Scene adds to that. Not only because of Anakin’s fiery fate but also to feel the hurt conveyed by Obi-Wan. “You were my brother, Anakin, I loved you.” is still a line that breaks my heart each and every time. Both the scene and the track are a fitting and tragic end to the bond that Anakin and Obi-Wan shared.
(Honorable mentions: Battle of the Heroes, Grievous and the Droids, Anakin’s Dark Deeds, A New Hope and End Credits)
My third and final part of the series will be out soon, as I pick my favourite tracks from the sequel trilogy!