Kygo and The Battle Of Five Armies

Today I have some great music for you. As most of you know, this week marked the premiere of the final Hobbit movie, the last of an era of J. R. R. Tolkien's wonderful world. As someone who is proud to call herself both a nerd and geek, this is a bittersweet moment. The glorious joy of watching a movie as sick and wicked as this, but also the idea that there won't be anymore is enough to confuse anyone. Luckily, a lot of the movies we watch can be remembered through the music that is played in them. I have to say, The Hobbit trilogy is one that has a phenomenal soundtrack. Some of you may know that Ed Sheeran wrote a song for the trilogy. It is an amazing song, no doubt about it. But did you know that there is a remix that is equally as incredible? That is right, today's song is by Kygo, who has remixed the music from The Hobbit. And it is mind blowing. Yes, Kygo pretty much only remixes songs, but considering how they are all brilliant beyond belief, it doesn't matter to me! Kygo has taken this Ed Sheeran and turned it into something so completely different and beautiful. He keeps the integrity of the melody and even includes the guitar work, but still makes the song something completely original. It is actually cool what he does with the guitar because he keeps the guitar strum sound in some parts and then makes it have a synth glaze in other parts. So throughout the song, it does sound like there is a bit of guitar, but the guitar doesn't always sound like the conventional guitar. This song has the ability to be both calming and something that is reviving. It is a little tough to explain in words, but this song definitely has that chillstep vibe, which of course makes you feel so relaxed and calm. But the energy of the song holds onto a little bit of that dragon fire energy. Kygo gives the song a kiss of that energy and it is just enough to give you energy as well. Kygo is also able to keep the soft nature of the song while also adding his own tropical electronic flares. These tropical sounds shine between the clear vocals that we get from Ed Sheeran. Kygo fuses the guitar work with some of his own electronic renditions of the melody and weaves in a solid beat that gives the song substance and depth. I think the stunning and most attractive thing about Kygo's remixes is that he is able to maintain the emotional content of the original song while layering in his own electronic sounds. There is something unique about the way he folds the electronic melodies into the original, but also something unique about his electronic work in general. You won't hear an artist who sounds a thing like Kygo and I love that. Kygo is able to produce something magical which is apt for this fantasy world I love so much. Today's instrumental song is from The Battle of Five Armies. I feel like it was a little obvious that I would pick something from The Hobbit movies. But this part of the score comes from the trailer that was released and this is possibly one of the most epic songs I have heard. The song starts off softer and gentler, with a hint of sadness to it. There is this vulnerability that you hear at the beginning with the piano and soft strings in the background. It turns into something that sounds as if the end is near, but has this one ray of hope. There is this soft shimmer of hope that is sprinkled on the song. And then you hit 1:25, and things start to become the most epic thing in the world. The song crescendos and builds up to this powerful sound that emanates everything that you would associate with war and danger and fighting for everything you hold dear. There is something so personable about this score, and the epic nature of the sound is through the roof. When I hear this song, I feel that power coursing through my veins and it makes me feel like I could run into battle and face my enemies head on. The percussion gives the song an intimidating and raw sound that makes you feel that exhilaration. And then the song tapers back to that gentle piano for three notes. It makes the song sound as if it has ended, but leaves it open for interpretation as well. Just from this one song, I can already tell you that this score is nothing short of brilliant. I hope you enjoy the music and please feel free to comment!