The Godfather (LP, O.S.T., Geffen)

Vinyl LP pressing. Nino Rota’s compositions come to life in a dark, looming, and elegant soundtrack. The soundtrack’s “Main Title” is a classical recording, and establishes a theme for the rest of the score. “I Have but One Heart” is the sole vocal track on the album, featuring Al Martino switching from English to Italian lyrics. “The Halls of Fear” develops the theme even further by adding a dark, jazzy slant to it. The standout cut is “The Godfather Finale.” This is where the theme becomes undeniable, and simply striking.