My WDW OA finally arrived!
Initial thoughts:
Spaceship Earth - I do like the score, not as much as the old one, but it's VERY Broughton (which may or may not be a good thing depending on who you ask). I find it a little too remeniscent of the EEA score, which I quite like, but for two attractions right next to each other and with very different themes they should seem musically separate.
The Seas with Nemo and Friends- I liked the medley, it's interesting how it compares with the very similar (but different) Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage score- particularly in the EAC section. I found the transition into Big Blue World a bit jarring though, since it just fades in (which is somewhat unusual for the OA medleys) and, while very well edited in and of itself, then just fades out at the end. I do know the reasoning for all of this as explained by Randy, and of course since a loop by it's very nature has no end, I suppose it has to fade out at the end.
O Canada- I really liked the inclusion of the loading music. It makes it more into a proper medley and gives the whole track a grander feel. I like the new recording of O Canada- not as much as the original, but at least it got kept.
Reflections of China- Now this interested me. I have a copy of the complete score, and so several months ago for fun I put together my own medley. It was interesting noting what similarities there were between my version and Randy's; not surprisingly his flows much better, and we did include some of the same queues. It really is a beautiful score, and I'm really happy that it's finally gotten an official medley.
Three Caballeros - I have to say, having ridden the attraction I would not want to be in charge of putting a medley together. That said, I find this medley quite fun, and there's even some dialog in there!
Overall, I really like the new additions, and I like the album as a whole much better than last years. Great job Randy!