I wouldn't argue that this score did lack much of the energy and 'greatness' of Barry's earlier scores. But I do have to debate whether Cry, the Beloved Country shows Barry's decline more than The Scarlet Letter. Cry, the Beloved Country has better themes and is more consistent (no loud stereotypically Native American drumming in this score). John Barry's score for Cry, the Beloved Country may not be a very appropriate match for the film, but it is easily Barry's best effort since Dances With Wolves on album.