What did you think of The Force Awakens score? (possible spoilers)

[Aryaroman]

Finally seen it and liked it very much. But I've seen a lot of people saying the score wasn't one of John's best works, inferior to the previous films or recycled too much of the old music (or too little).

Sure there was a lot of (shiver-inducing) use of the old themes and motifs, but their placement was good enough, because it felt natural. I suppose, it does have to do with nostalgia, the original music being great in the first place and the overall feeling of the movie being very true to the old movies, but I didn't get that forced (no pun intended) feeling like they were saying: "Hey! We're trying to evoke familiar and nostalgic feelings here!".

However, the new music really grabbed my attention. My favorite was Rey's theme. It really complimented an already great character and made her scenes even better. Definetely a magical piece and even a bit experimental. Really evoked memories and feeling of A New Hope in a fresh way. Another one I got cold shivers from, was the Resistance-battle theme.

[foosnark]

Honestly, when I was watching it -- both times -- the music only grabbed me at the opening crawl, when certain motifs from the original trilogy hit, and the bit at Maz's place that was a throwback to the cantina songs.

I streamed it in the car on the way home after seeing it the first time, and it honestly still didn't really have standout moments for me. No "Duel of the Fates" or Imperial March or Leia's theme or Obi-Wan's theme. Rey's is okay, but honestly it kind of makes me think of Hogwarts as much as it does Rey.

To me the score is good, but more functional than distinctive.