Rating: 4
The Chase is a menacing yet intimate score that combines high tension with tenderness. As always, Barry works with a strong, memorable theme using harmonica against a dense, steely orchestra. This develops into The Chase Is On whence it is set to a booming 3-3-2 chase rhythm, then into character focussed music that follows the relationship arc. The music becomes violent in The Beating and turns up the anxiety leading to the film’s climax followed by an eerie post-epoch relaxation.
The dramatic side of the score is acidic but, at times, heavy. On album, the mood is lightened by inserting source cue tracks. Like Diamonds Are Forever they are many, various and zesty. These include easy dance music, bar music, blues and jazz. The best of these is the good old fashioned guitar and jazz/rock track, Saturday Night Philosopher. It makes for a great album.