McFarland, USA is an inspirational sports drama. In fact it’s so inspirational that it may just inspire you to check out the soundtrack, which is available on CD and digitally from all major providers. The soundtrack features a new Latin pop song, some classic funky tunes and a beautiful score by Antonio Pinto.
The main marketing push for the soundtrack is the new song “Juntos (Together)” by Latin Grammy winner Juanes, which is track number 1. The song is entirely in Spanish and has a great beat and melody. It’s used as the end credit anthem in the film and the music video was shot in McFarland using some of the film’s cast.
A typical soundtrack of this ilk would put all of the songs first, followed by the score. But this album was coproduced by director Niki Caro and in collaboration with president of Walt Disney Pictures soundtracks division Mitchell Leib, the pair have decided to alternate between score selections and songs from the film. It surprisingly makes for a very pleasing listen with great flow.
The music selection in the film is pretty eclectic. It ranges from 1970’s R&B (“Me and Baby Brother” by War), to Latin boogaloo (“Watermelon Man” by mongo Santamira), funk (“Flash Light” by Parliament), Chicano rock (“Whittier Blvd.” by Thee Midniters) and Norteño (“America” by Los Tigres Del Norte). Some of it is expected in a film about a Mexican American community, but some of it is definitely surprising. Perhaps the biggest surprise for a film that takes place in the 1980’s is that most of the songs are from the previous decade.
The score is by Antonio Pinto, a composer I was not previously aware of but now expect great things from. The score for the film is very worldly, often introducing surprising instruments that have great impact. There’s a definite Latin flavor throughout most of the score, but it sometimes becomes almost Middle Eastern sounding. The score uses lots of acoustic guitars, violins and Latin percussion. But the most surprising thing about Pinto’s score to me is that he rarely repeats themes. His compositions and arrangements heighten the mood rather than serving to follow each character. There’s only one theme that really repeats on the soundtrack, which can be heard in “The Real McFarlands” and “Beach.”
Walt Disney Records has assembled a worthwhile soundtrack sure to please any fan of McFarland, USA. There will surely be those that buy it solely for the songs and they should be entranced by the score. Those that buy it for the score are getting a great selection of compositions from the film, but may be disappointed that the full film score isn’t available. It’s hard to please everybody, but I think this release comes pretty close.