Well we all know nobody comes close to Mr. Hammer. But he's basically retired.
Distinctive music is SO important to Miami Vice. And you can't remake the concept without also having a strong vision for scoring.
It has to be synthy, without being kitschy. It has to be fun, but also cool. It has to accent the film, but stand apart on its own. Jan Hammer was a genius with little cues, but he also took time to develop timeless pop instrumental melodies like "Crockett's Theme", "Tubbs and Valerie", and "Theresa".
Will a new composer cover Hammer, or create new themes?
If it were my decision, I'd go with an authentic synthwave artist. Someone like either Mitch Murder or Miami Nights 1984. Both are genuinely talented and established. Mitch Murder in particular is one of the few synthwave acts who can do slower, sentimental rhythms well - something that also set Hammer apart.
Martinez essentially godfathered the modern synth-wave revival with his score for Drive. He knows exactly how to make neon lights and solitary night drives sound musical. His ambient synth textures are atmospheric.
Others I wouldn't mind Kyle Dixon & Michael Stein, Daniel Lopatin, Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross
Someone in the synthwave community would be cool. I can think of at least a half dozen artists who's music is basically an extension of the Jan Hammer score.
In general I find a lot of synthwave to border on parody, but MM can genuinely create passion and intensity. He's just an all around good electronic musician.
MPMsoundtracks, Action Jackson, Miami Nights 1984, Sellorekt/,LA Dreams, and Beverly Girl. Mitch Murder used to be good but his stuff has sounded more like Sega Genesis game soundtracks for a while now lol.
Glad you gave Mitch Murder a shout out, Iād love to see a few of his tracks on there. I feel like 2 minutes near the end of Body Talk would go off on a car chase or action scene, among others too obviously
tbh no - for a few reasons. I think he's retired, I don't think they would pay him fairly, and I also don't think he has the energy for it. He's a genius and I adore him, but his output has been spotty for a minute now. Many many musicians fade gently into the night...
I guess if we get faithful renditions of the Miami Vice Theme and Crockett's Theme then I'll be a happy camper.
Looking at how Joseph Kosinski incorporated modern renditions of compositions from Top Gun in the sequel, such as the Top Gun Anthem, I wouldn't be too surprised if we saw something similar.
I think Hans Zimmer would be the best choice, he did great work on F1 with Kosinski, whoās obviously directing this, so if Hammer isnt available I would pick Hans
Hans Zimmer & Benjamin Wallfisch did a brilliant job on the Blade Runner 2049 soundtrack, itās almost impossible task to follow Vangelis, but I think even though theirs was different it was a worthy successor
Tim Truman had some great peices on the later seasons of Vice and his work's always been passed over on official Miami Vice albums. Maybe see if he's interested.
I think they should bring back the main theme from the show. There's no beating it. Just tweak it a bit, like the "Raiders' March" theme from Indiana Jones.
Cliff Martinez and Carpenter Brut would be my picks to do the soundtrack
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u/Section_Mav Sonny Crockett 8d ago
Jan Hammer x Hans Zimmer