James Horner
's score for
James Cameron
's epic romance
Titanic
is much like the film itself -- against all expectations, it delivers exactly what it promises. His score is grand, without falling into typical melodrama, and delicately romantic, without being sickly sentimental; it offers genuine emotion and excitement, with the haunting vocals of Norwegian singer
Sissel
providing a nice counterpoint to
Horner
's blend of strings, vocals, orchestras, and synthesizers.
Celine Dion
's
"My Heart Will Go On"
may feel a little like an afterthought, especially after experiencing
's wrenching, affecting score, but its heart is in the right place. Nevertheless, it is
's instrumental work and its whirlwind of emotions that makes the score of
a voyage worth repeating. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine