The 10 Best Non-John Williams Songs In 'Star Wars'
John Williams, without a doubt, defined the music of Star Wars. However, as the universe has expanded, there have been more composers thrown into the mix, especially for onscreen projects. So here is a list of what I consider the ten best Non-John Williams Songs in Star Wars.
10. "Troopers"
Ludwig Göransson did a great job making the music of The Mandalorian not sound derivative of what John Williams had done. He was really trying to add new stuff to the symphonic language. "Troopers" has become such an iconic theme for the live-action Dark Troopers in The Mandalorian. That being said, it does not rank higher because the dubstep feel of it makes me want to laugh. It conveys the menace of the Dark Troopers partially, but not completely.
9. "The Mandalorian"
The main theme for the first live-action Star Wars TV show has certainly become iconic without sounding derivative of John Williams' more well known Star Wars songs. It has such a western feel to it. However, for better or worse, it sounds derivative of the music from Rocky. Perhaps this is no coincidence, as Göransson did the music for Rocky spin-offs Creed and Creed II.
8. "Chicken in the Pot"
John Powell has a funny way of naming his songs, and the soundtrack for Solo: A Star Wars Story is no exception. The title of this song seems to stem from the fact that one of the singers, Luleo Primoc, resembles a raw uncooked chicken in a broth-filled pot. He sings this duet opposite of Aurodia Ventafoli. The weirdness surrounding the look of the singers makes me look at this song as, "What if 'Jedi Rocks' was good?" Unlike "Jedi Rocks," "Chicken in the Pot" is not blaring upfront and ruining the overall vibe of the scene. Rather, it feels more subtle and fits the overall atmosphere of the casual party on Dryden Vos' yacht. It also has a very James Bond feel to it.
7. "Dodging Debris"
The final episode of The Clone Wars, "Victory and Death," hits the ground running from the start and never stops, culminating in the destruction of a Star Destroyer. As the ship goes down, Ahsoka runs for her life as Rex flies a Y-wing and tries to catch her safely. Kevin Kiner provides a suspenseful piece of music that enhances the action of the sequence.
6. "Jawas Attack"
Göransson's music for the moment when Din Djarin goes up against the Jawas in "Chapter 2: The Child" is very fast-paced and thrilling. It also has this vibe of what's unfolding on the screen is so ridiculous, and you cannot help but love it.
5. "Marauders Arrive"
Enfys Nest and her Cloud-Riders have such an amazing theme, complete with a memorable choir announcing their arrival. Given the strong presence of this choir, it may come as no surprise that John Powell was inspired by John Williams' "Duel of the Fates." The choir is all made up of Bulgarian women.
4. "Thrawn's Web"
Grand Admiral Thrawn was given a haunting theme that suits him. When this song debuted in the Rebels season 3 trailer revealing Thrawn's migration into canon, there was a lot of hype. This theme is tailored to suit Thrawn's calculating and sinister nature.
3. "The Master Switch"
Michael Giacchino did such a great job with the little time he was given to work on Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. The Battle of Scarif is such a thrilling experience. The Rogue One team is desperately trying to succeed against all odds to retrieve the Death Star plans. As Jyn and Cassian go into the vault, this suspenseful piece of music plays. I have always thought that it sounds comparable to the Twelfth Doctor's theme from Doctor Who. It has dark undertones that really get the blood pumping. The tension increases as Chirrut risks his life to pull the master switch to help further the goal of the Rebellion.
2. "Your Father Would Be Proud"
The Battle of Scarif ends with a bittersweet piece titled "Your Father Would Be Proud." As the members of the Rogue One team die, they still succeed at transmitting the Death Star plans to the Rebels flying above Scarif. The melancholic feel of the music helps to convey the sadness within Admiral Raddus when he sees the Death Star fire upon Rogue One. It is a sad piece that can bring tears to one's eyes, but it is followed by a promise of hope.
1. "It's Over Now"
The Rebels season 2 finale "Twilight of the Apprentice" had so much going on in it: Malachor, the return of Maul, the blinding of Kanan, and the confrontation between Vader and Ahsoka. When it seemed that we lost Ahsoka (footage of her walking back into the temple notwithstanding), the Kevin Kiner piece "It's Over Now" punctuated the impact of what appeared to be very consequential. It is meant to echo the moment in The Fellowship of the Ring when the fellowship mourns over Gandalf. The music amplifies the look of sadness on Rex's face when he believes that Ahsoka may be dead. Despite "A World Between Worlds" softening the impact of this finale, the music is such a strong piece. It even went well with the closing ceremony footage from Star Wars Celebration London 2016.