The opinion of many listeners is that, while it has its memorable moments, especially Rey's theme, which I find absolutely beautiful and tragic, it's not up to the brilliance of his previous efforts. Considering the man is now in his 80s, I can understand his not wanting or being able to work as hard.
What do you think?
I found it interesting that the highlights were the more dramatic and introspective cues, whereas typically of course the big sweeping stuff and action music are what you remember. "March of the Resistance" is a great throwback, "I Can Fly Anything" and "The Falcon" give nice spirit to those scenes, but the standouts for me remain "The Scavenger," "Torn Apart," "Farewell and the Trip," "The Jedi Steps." I liked hearing these softer colors in Star Wars and a more yearning sense of emotion and adventure. There were always hints of these in various cues but it really seemed to come out most in TFA's music, a little bit like Williams playing off the nostalgia of the whole approach. Even when "Rey's Theme" bursts out at full volume there's something wistful about it.
Anyway, that said I would enjoy a little more chaos in 8.
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If John Williams Scored Harry Potter 4-8: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtnLz_q7EfU&list=PL6HqJLDCy3kZodnQ-NNewovSKPU4Q1dm4
I think it's very good.
I absolutely love the self pitying horns that precede that five note Kylo Ren theme which sounds like it's overcompensating for that apparent display of sympathetic emotion.
As for Williams, he says he loves that he's continuing to score them.
"Who can't use the Force now?! I can still use the Force!" - Yarael Poof