I've always enjoyed John Debney's work as a composer but I've never heard him like this before! Debney has a very impressive resume and what I found to be the most interesting is his early connections with Disney. His father, Louis Debney, was a producer for shows like "Zorro" and "The Mickey Mouse Club". As a kid, John Debney would hang around the backlot and be surrounded by some of the great creative minds like Walt Disney himself and song writers Richard & Robert Sherman who became legendary for writing classic songs like "I Wanna Be Like You" and "Trust in Me" (for the 1967 release of Jungle Book). It was from these experiences that Debney would develop an interest in music that would eventually lead him on the road to scoring for films. This isn't the first time the composer has worked for Disney. One of my favorites by the composer was "Hocus Pocus" (1993). He also scored for "Chicken Little", "Princess Diaries", and "The Emperor's New Groove". In a recent article by Variety, Debney stated that this (Jungle Book) was the type of score he has always been "waiting for". One where the music would play a critical role in the story. Debney also states in the article that "your dealing with vast stretches of no dialogue, just beautiful scenery and characters going from one place to the next...music really has to tell the story". I think that after listening to this score, you'll agree that Debney was able to do just that. It's quite obvious to me that Debney has poured all of his experience, heart, and soul into this score because it absolutely has some beautiful moments in it that will just make the hairs on your arms stand on ends. Debney does this through a large 104 piece orchestra (LA Orchestra) and 50 voice choir. He also incorporates soloist who play exotic Indian instrumentation like bamboo flutes and Tabla percussion.The score is very thematic and it's quite easy to close your eyes and see a story unveil itself for you. "Main Titles - Jungle Run" (track 3), opens with the famous Disney theme music that you hear at the beginning of their movies but suddenly shifts and transports you into the mysteries of the jungle with seductive flutes, light rhythmic (almost jazzy) percussion and a choir to add a sparkle of Disney magic to the mix. It breaks into a quick frantic "run" but the next few tracks slow things down and it's here where we are introduced to some of the lovely themes that Debney has crafted for the film. "Wolves - Law of the Jungle" (track 4) has a peaceful and solemn sound that makes you just want to go wherever this place is that this music is creating. You'll find that Debney was really able to capture the magic of the environment within this score. His music creates a vivid picture of the locale and those who live there with it's highly expressive themes. The score does such a good job at reflecting the emotional depth of the characters and their journey throughout the story that you just can't help but to be transported right there with them through the music. It really is like listening to a perfect Disney film score. Thematic material for the character of Mowgli and the elephants are introduced in these opening tracks like "Mowgli's Leaving and Elephant Theme" (track 7). Debney plays with these important musical pieces throughout the score and as the story unfolds so too does the power of these themes. By the time you make it to "Elephant Waterfall" (track 20), I imagine little kids everywhere (probably adults too) will have waterfalls coming out of their eyeballs. Debney's music becomes a powerhouse at times supporting those scenes that will eventually become moments in the movie's story that we will never forget.Debney includes many musical references to the original songs and themes from the 1967 classic. You'll hear a touching rendition of "Bare Necessities" in track 12 entitled "Mowgli and the Pit". You'll also hear "Trust in Me" in track 9 entitled "Kaa - Baloo to the Rescue". Probably the most impressive use of the older themes is found in track 21, "Mowgli Wins the Race". Debney creates a rousing, playful, and sweeping orchestral movement of "Bare Necessities" that is just amazing and fun to listen to. Unfortunately it's only about 41 seconds long and I wish that an extended version of this could of been included.Anytime Shere Khan makes an appearance within the story, you can expect the music to go into action mode. Debney inserts plenty of variety within these moments to keep things interesting however and thankfully the story allowed him to create some breather moments by using variations of the Mowgli theme at these times as well. Interestingly, one of the more frightening/mysterious pieces within the score is "Arrival At King Louie's Temple" (track 14). I haven't seen the film yet, but I suppose this is just setting up the atmosphere of entering into a very mysterious place. The score does include the song "I Wan'na Be Like You" performed by Christopher Walken however (track 23). Speaking of these classic songs, two versions of "The Bare Necessities" are included as well. Track one has the song performed by Dr. John and the Nite Trippers. Another version of the song is saved for track 24 and is performed by Bill Murray and Kermit Ruffins. Both are equally entertaining variations of the song but my favorite classic song included on the score would have to be Scarlett Johansson's version of "Trust in Me". She's actually a great singer and the song reminds me a little like something you'd hear at the beginning of a James Bond movie.As I stated earlier, I haven't seen the film yet but from what I've seen in the trailers, it looks amazing. I think this is probably the last version of "The Jungle Book" that we will see for a while for sure. It's simply amazing how far technology in films has come but I hope that the classics don't become forgotten either. Debney's score keeps everything from just being eye candy however, and it's here that you'll find a magical, thematic, and enjoyable score that becomes the emotional soul of the story.The CD version of the score is released through Walt Disney Records and includes 24 tracks with a running time of 1 hour and 15 minutes. I love the artwork on the cover and the included 10 paneled insert has photos from the movie, a note from director Jon Favreau, as well as, a note from John Debney. There are also production credits and a listing of the choir members used for the score. This is simply an outstanding score from John Debney and has easily become one of my favorites by him. I highly recommend.