I think I’ve said this before, but it bears repeating: I love the music challenge posts because 1) there’s not as much writing to do, and 2) I get to relisten to tracks that I adore. Not that I don’t have the soundtracks to the Star Wars universe playing at least once a week anyway, because I do. And despite the general lackluster returns on the prequel trilogy, John Williams delivered some of his best work, in my opinion, even in comparison to the older and newer ones.

I’m not going to do a full “on rotation …” style playlist here – only a handful of my favorite tracks – but here they are! Enjoy!

1 – “ACROSS THE STARS (LOVE THEME)”

Yes, I hate the romance between Anakin and Padme, but their theme? Top fucking notch. It’s both romantic and tragic, full of passion with a hint of sadness. Literally perfect. If only the actual romance matched it. Also, this track is heavily used in one of my favorite video games of all time, Star Wars: Battlefront II.

2 – “QUI-GON, OBI-WAN, AND DARTH MAUL CONTINUE BATTLE”

Not a great title, I know, but I do enjoy the fact I don’t have to guess exactly what’s going on? Anyway, the entire reason this is on the list is because of what happens at around 0:22 – it’s so damn epic. Everything just stops and the choir of voices … god, it just sends chills throughout my whole body. “Duel of the Fates” is just a great theme, in any case, and was woefully underused throughout the trilogy.

3 – “ANAKIN’S DARK DEEDS”

This track has more range of emotion in it than Hayden Christensen shows over two movies. And he’s not a bad actor! Damn you, George Lucas.

4 – “THE FUNERAL OF QUI-GON”

I kind of feel weird that this song was also used for Padme’s funeral in Revenge of the Sith. Like, John Williams couldn’t have composed something closer to the romance theme? Whatever, this song is still equally haunting and beautiful.

5 – “ANAKIN VS OBI-WAN”

Hearing Darth Vader’s theme used here, in contrast with the sad battle music as he’s battling his best friend, is really a testament to John Williams’ expert use of themes in the Star Wars soundtracks. What little bits of humanity that Anakin still has are gradually giving into his Darth Vader persona, overtaking his friendship with Obi-Wan and his dedication to a life of service. What Lucas failed to do with the visuals, Williams was able to accomplish in his score, perfectly executed in this one track. God, this one is so damn good.

Alright, and now we’re onto the original trilogy! I’m actually really excited about the next several days. As a reminder, I officially start nursing school tomorrow, so I may get behind on these or the entries may be shorter than I’d hoped, but I will be doing the best I can. #cries

Art Credit: 99 Designs

* Here’s a video with the lyrics translated. They actually fit the scenario, which surprised me.