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The score doesn't lack purpose, for its meandering solo performances likely serve the film well in conveying the surreal environment of the story. It functions as an extension of a sound effects mix that only registers in the subconscious for many listeners. On album, however, Santaolalla's work can be boring, if not tedious, with extended cues of guitar strumming, droning and pulsating with minimal, if not non-existent rhythms. There are no themes, no lesser progressions, no repeating rhythms or instrumentation. Nor is there seemingly a connection between any of the cues outside of their depressingly distant and mundane attitude in presentation. Had the performances been sharp in their demeanor, then the ensemble of guitars, vibes, violin, pipes, harmonium, ronroco, and bandoleon could have provided some interesting material. And yet, the mixing of the album, as well the abundant electronic accompaniment, blurs the music into one slow, excruciating movement. Additionally, the mood of despair is extended by Benicio del Toro's hideously monotone performance of "Shake Rattle and Roll," as well as vocal sound effects from the film mingling with the score in "Can Dry Leaves Help Us?" Even the song selections scattered throughout the album can't set a clear direction for the music, with rap, gospel and classic rock mixed with a neo-classical performance at the end which likewise suffers from a tone that suggests a recent blow to the head of each of the musicians. The dulling effect of the score for 21 Grams is extraordinary, and if a film was ever to require a piece of music that could squash your senses and make you feel as though you're either hung over or have been punched repeatedly in the face (or both), then this music would be a ticket to success. Otherwise, it's a pointless presentation of ambient design and sound effects in an intentionally blurry environment, mixed to a slow mush of sonic despair. The Dave Matthews song "Some Devil," heard at the end of the film, is not included on this album. For veteran film music collectors, the soundtrack for 21 Grams will only yield irritation, for many such listeners cannot forgive the composer for stealing consecutive "best score" Academy Awards for extremely underachieving projects later in the decade. This score is easily worse than either Brokeback Mountain or Babel, however, and it will provide the mainstream score community only a continued opportunity to scorn Santaolalla for recognition undeserved.  *   @Amazon.com: CD or Download

Total Time: 38:21