Lee Holdridge

Lee Holdridge's breakthrough score for Ron Howard's 1984 box-office smash Splash has dated far better than other landmark soundtracks of the era in question -- the synthesizers and electronic drums clearly establish the music as a product of its time, but the emotional depth and humanity of Holdridge's melodies render any complaints moot. Holdridge proves as adept at capturing the wonder and mystery of the undersea world as he does the vagaries of love -- the music evokes the power and frailty of romance in exquisitely heartbreaking strokes. The action themes are no less impressive, employing stiletto-sharp bursts of brass that offer a striking and welcome contrast to the intimacy of the human drama. Super Tracks Music Group's 1999 edition appends a handful of bonus cuts as well as Rita Coolidge's vocal rendition of the main theme, "Love Came for Me." ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide