Bidding farewell to one of the most beloved series of all time, composer John Williams takes one last turn on the conductor's podium for his final contribution to the Star Wars cinematic universe with Episode IX, The Rise of Skywalker.

Much like the events onscreen, the score is also a family reunion of sorts, incorporating all of Williams' greatest Star Wars moments in one grand finale.

Integrating these copious callbacks with the sequel trilogy newcomers is no minor task, but the composer does it with ease, unveiling even newer additions to the sonic canon ("Anthem of Evil," "The Rise of Skywalker") while trotting out almost every major theme from the previous eight films and weaving them throughout the soundtrack.

Balancing light and dark side themes, the appropriate fear and dread are amplified by the skillful usage of the Emperor's associated motifs, "The Imperial March," Kylo Ren's theme, and the ominous First Order theme ("Prologue," "Journey to Exegol," and "Join Me"), while past themes for each of the main heroes often combine to rouse and inspire ("Destiny of a Jedi," "They Will Come," and "Reunion").

Although these leitmotifs fly as freely as a Stormtrooper's laser blasts, they land with precision in the master's hands, invoking nostalgia wherever necessary, creating unbearable tension, and tugging the heartstrings at all the appropriate moments (especially "We Go Together" and the redemptive "Farewell").

John Williams

Quick View

1990 - 12 tracks

Portrait Of John Williams - John Williams

9 out of 5

$3.99 - $5.99

Quick View

13 tracks

Stevie (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) - John Williams

$3.99

Quick View

10 tracks

The Post (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) - John Williams

6 out of 5

$3.99

Quick View

1983 - 13 tracks

The Guitar Is The Song - A Folksong Collection - John Williams

4 out of 5

$3.99

Quick View

11 tracks

Greatest Hits 1969-1999 - John Williams

4.75 out of 5

$3.99

Quick View

11 tracks

Fragments of a Dream - John Williams

3.25 out of 5

$4.99

View All