Red Dead Redemption II : The genesis of a soundtrack never heard before !

Whether it pleases those who now swear by the online gaming, but the solo game still has a bright future ahead of it. With this second part of the Red Dead Redemption franchise, Rockstar has demonstrated that it is still possible to offer an unparalleled playful and narrative experience, despite the flood of competitive or cooperative multiplayer titles flooding the video game market. In this article, it will not be a question of sharing with you my impressions of this blockbuster production (this one will come in a future post) but rather of talking about an essential element that constitutes the very essence of this title. Because beyond the eight years of development that RDRII has requested to be finalized and propose a technically exceptional work, the soundtrack deserves all the honours that could be attributed to it...

Excessive resources for an incredible soundtrack !

All too often, we underestimate the emotional impact that music can have, especially in a video game. However, with the end of the technical limitations in this field imposed by dedicated machines during the 1980s and 1990s, few games can boast of having received any recognition from the public and critics for their melodic performances. Of course, a few composers have been able to make their mark even in the 16-bit era. However, apart from the specialised press and the general public, few of them have been able to acquire a reputation paying tribute to their contributions. It is only with the arrival of the Xbox360 and Ps3 generation, but also with the consequent increase in budgets for the development of these playful works, that a practice now common in most major studios appeared : that of calling on experienced artists to provide an experience close to that of the 7th art. Red Dead Redemption II is no exception to the rule and Rockstar studio has doubled its efforts in this regard.

More than satisfied with Woody Jackson's performances on the first episode of this franchise, the North American studio once again solicited his talents and enjoined him to bring together a whole collective of musicians/performers for the purpose of this new soundtrack. Having obtained the absolute trust of Sam and Dan Houseur, co-founder of the studio, he soon surrounded himself with a whole host of prestigious and equally talented artists. This is how we find at his side great names in music, including David Ferguson who worked with the great and illustrious Johnny Cash, Jon Theodore, emeritus drummer of the band Queens Of The Stone Edge and two other individuals who will make the Quebec community proud : Daniel Lanois, Brian Eno's little protégé who will take care of the singing part and Colin Stetson on brass ! Note the participation of Arca and more than 110 musicians under the leadership of Sir Jackson ! In other words, this totally insane casting can only give a result that meets expectations !

Worthy of a great movie !

The combination of all these creative forces gives the title an incomparable flavour and marks, in my opinion, a turning point in the video and entertainment sector. The accuracy of the music throughout the adventure, as well as the vocal and instrumental performance of the main themes, clearly deliver a spectacular dimension in line with the subject of this period marking the end of the Far-West. Supporting each of the actions that the player could reproduce and literally taking at the gut, during the events following the main plot, the soundtrack produced for RDRII, realizes the challenge of bringing a unique and more than memorable atmosphere for the person who then finds himself behind the controller.

Pure happiness for the eyes and ears that will deliver its stream of emotions for the most attentive of you. Can we consider this soundtrack as a first in the industry, both by its means and by the number of participants ? But also because of the quality of his compositions, which will thrill music lovers gamers ? Of course, all this is purely subjective and will be at everyone's appreciation, according to their feelings and sensibilities. However, in addition to its playful qualities and quality script, Rockstar's latest addition has managed to amaze me with its rich, elaborate and more than sumptuous musical content !