2006-03-21 -- 5/5:: Atmospheric Music to a Memorable Screenplay
Everything about this excellent score is pure America. The tempo corresponds to the changing moods of the film from the rolling road rhythm to the erotic tango and the college flaky beat during the practical joke which misfires. I am the only member of my family who hasn't visited the USA but I am hoping to one day make the trip and experience the multitude of cultures which inspired Thomas Newman, the composer, to produce such musical imagery in the changing scenes.
Sylvia (UK)

2002-10-07 -- 4/5:: Good original score, though better old melodies
As a matter of fact I bought this CD not as much due to Mr. Newman's original scrore, but since I liked very much the treatment of the beatiful Spanish song "La Violetera" in key moments of the film. Mr. Newman's music is very good, but the Spanish and Argentine music he used was much better. The performances of "The Tango Project" are superb. "La Violetera" is probably the nicest Spanish song, talking of a florist; it is widely known in its original version in Spain and Latin America, and moreover, came to international light thanks to Charles Chaplin's "City Lights" where it was the Leitmotif of the blind florist girl (a very adequate use indeed). The tango "Por una Cabeza" is probably the highlight of the score, because it is the piece danced by Al Pacino; unfortunately the other tango "Caminito", played by the orchestra at the restaurant, does not appear here. It is a petty. As a whole, I like the CD very much, especially the two performances of "The Tango Project", but just because they are more touching to my cultural heritage. Nonetheless, I praise both Mr. Newman's personal compositions as well as his perfect use of other's melodies.

2002-08-15 -- 4/5:: Nicely done, Thomas, nicely done.
This cd is worth price of admission for one huge reason, the main theme music. It comes at us twice during our listening journey of Scent Of a Woman. It is likened to a kid finally learning to ride a bike for the first time, flying down his neigborhood road with a look of pride and surprise smudged neatly on his face. It is a delightful melody that will continue to stick in your mind for a long, long while.

Other notable tracks on this score are tracks 45 in 25, Balloons, Beyond Danger, and End Title.

This is a must cd for Newman fans and a very nice addition for any fan of film scores. Enjoy!

2001-10-16 -- 3/5:: Newman is On and Off, as Usual
Scent of a Woman is 50% of a truly great film score...and 50% of a truly bad film score. It's obvious to the listener from which category a particular track comes from. Newman either gives the listener a vibrant, exciting, "new age" melody, or something that can only arguably be defined as music.

The fact remains, however, that when this score is on, it is REALLY on. The Main Title is an exciting track and the more emotional themes can really grab you by the heartstrings (though they undoubtedly hearken back to other works by Newman).

All in all though, for anyone familiar with Newman, two other scores better exemplify his talents. If you are looking for the unorthodox, "new age" Newman, go with American Beauty. If it's lush strings and sentiment you're after, go with Meet Joe Black (my personal favorite Newman score to date). Both will leave you with a much better idea of this talented composer.

2000-01-19 -- 4/5:: Contains a GREAT song
Por Una Cabeza is a great song. I could listen to it all day. This is the first cd I found with a good version of it.