(The following donated review by Josh Gould was moved by Filmtracks to this comment section in February, 2008)

Star Trek: Generations: (Dennis McCarthy) Generations is among the first scores to come into my collection. Although it in no way measures up to the majesty or power of other scores, I think that it is quite good when taken on its own. Comparing it to the excellent Goldsmith, Horner and Eidelman scores is pointless, as it tends to diminish what really is a very good score.

On the other hand, Generations is certainly not the best of the Star Trek series. It is very episodic. The main reason why I think it pales in comparison to any of the even numbered movies is that we have no idea of what is being fought for. We hear about some planet with millions of people living on it, but we never actually see the planet or the people. Simply, it is hard to feel for these victims when you never even see them. However, when taken on its own without comparing it to First Contact or Star Trek VI, Generations is still an entertaining film. The same is true for the score: not so wonderful when compared to the others, but still worthy on its own.

The score certainly has its ups and downs, but it is quite thematic and fairly consistent in its quality. Parts that immediately come to mind are tracks 7 and 8. This is the battle sequence between the Enterprise and the bird of prey. At some points during it, I was even reminded of other great action sequences from Star Wars. Mind you, the relationship is quite distant; there is no comparison. The main theme, although very hummable and memorable, still sounds rather corny, albeit not nearly as much as the main theme of Independence Day.

One major disappointment concerning the score is the chorus. I find it doesn't really add anything to the score. It perhaps merely complements the music, as opposed to improving it. One particularly disappointing cue is The Nexus / A Christmas Hug. This track uses the chorus to the fullest extent, but it isn't a very interesting one. The entire seven minutes of quiet choral parts moves me considerably less than the simple three-note motif from Willow. The track is relaxing, however, and works well in the scene.

Aside from all this, the score provides a pleasant listening experience that works well in the film. Tracks 16 onward have some rather interesting sound effects, but if you are using headphones, skip them or you will regret it. Most of them are tolerable to one's ears, but the warp-outs are not. Luckily, I have only listened to them using speakers. Overall, Generations is a semi-interesting score that is still a pleasant listening experience. ****