It galls me that Bill Conti isn't given a main credits co-composing credit - or original themes by Bill Conti - since the best moments in the COBRA KAI scoring are all lifted from the best Conti themes - much as CREED did. Is he even credited in the end credits? Ludwig Goransson actually comes up with his own new CREED theme that feels very Conti in spirit (apart from actual Conti lifts throughout the scores of both CREED films) - but COBRA KAI doesn't deliver on any memorable themes to me that aren't lifted from Conti's music. Birenberg and Robinson's music feels like filler until they quote a Conti theme and then the scoring comes alive again.
It galls me that Bill Conti isn't given a main credits co-composing credit - or original themes by Bill Conti - since the best moments in the COBRA KAI scoring are all lifted from the best Conti themes - much as CREED did. Is he even credited in the end credits? Ludwig Goransson actually comes up with his own new CREED theme that feels very Conti in spirit (apart from actual Conti lifts throughout the scores of both CREED films) - but COBRA KAI doesn't deliver on any memorable themes to me that aren't lifted from Conti's music. Birenberg and Robinson's music feels like filler until they quote a Conti theme and then the scoring comes alive again.
Completely Disagree. There are at least 6 original "memorable" themes I can hum right at the top of my head.
So the digital edition will be sold/streamed as two separate volumes, while LLL's physical edition combines both together as a 2-disc set with additional music
Details for ‘Cobra Kai’ Season 4 Soundtrack Albums Revealed
The full details of the soundtrack albums for the Netflix original series Cobra Kai have been revealed. The Vol. 1 & Vol. 2 albums feature the original music from the show’s fourth season composed by Leo Birenberg (Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous, PEN15, Son of Zorn, Red Army) & Zach Robinson (Good Sam, Impractical Jokers: The Movie, F*&% the Prom). Also included on the Vol. 1 album is Carrie Underwood’s cover of Survivor’s song The Moment of Truth. The soundtracks will be released digitally tomorrow, January 7 by Madison Gate Records. Check back on this page for the streaming/download link. A 2-CD expanded edition will be released by La-La Land Records and will be available to order on the label’s official website tomorrow. Both labels have previously released Birenberg’s & Robinson’s score from Season 1, Season 2 and Season 3. Cobra Kai is developed by Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz & Hayden Schlossberg based on The Karate Kid features and stars Ralph Macchio, William Zabka, Xolo Mariduena, Mary Mouser, Tanner Buchanan, Courtney Henggeler and Martin Kove. The first four seasons of the series are now available to stream on Netflix.
Here’s the track list of the Vol. 1 album:
1. It’s Karate Time (3:26) 2. Dueling Speeches (1:11) 3. Marching Orders (1:08) 4. The Thrill of Skills (2:59) 5. Dark Miyagi-Do (1:07) 6. We’re Just Getting Started (1:03) 7. Passion and Principle (1:14) 8. My Right Way (1:45) 9. Mecha-Robby (1:15) 10. Killer Instinct (1:56) 11. Fangs of Fury (1:56) 12. The High Ground (1:37) 13. Kenny’s Rage (1:53) 14. Semifinal (0:30) 15. Cobra Kai is Gonna Die (1:22) 16. Countdown (2:13) 17. The Main Event (1:40) 18. SDO (3:26) 19. Give ’em All You Got (0:40) 20. Shirts Off (1:59) 21. Victory (0:46) 22. The Fellowship of the Dojos (2:06) 23. A Final Match for the Ages (2:34) 24. Bonsai Badass (3:34) 25. Illegal Strike (1:25) 26. Queen Cobra (2:17) 27. Defeat (1:12) 28. Streets of Reseda (0:58) 29. Screwed Everything Up (1:14) 30. The Fight I Have to Face (2:13) 31. Too Much at Stake (1:01) 32. The Moment of Truth – Carrie Underwood (3:47)
Here’s the track list and cover art of the Vol. 2 soundtrack:
1. Like Old Times (2:06) 2. Divide and Conquer (0:59) 3. You’re Not Getting What You Want (0:45) 4. Land a Hit (2:11) 5. Rip the Bandaid Off (0:55) 6. Okinawan Sparring Deck (2:31) 7. Basketball (1:37) 8. No Be There (0:56) 9. Balboa Park After Dark (1:45) 10. Catch a Fish (1:50) 11. Sensei Silver (2:03) 12. Cobra Fly (0:59) 13. Our Way is the Right Way (1:29) 14. Ghost Boy (1:45) 15. Miyaguel (1:16) 16. Terry’s Lesson (2:05) 17. Drive In, Stand Off (1:45) 18. Turn Fear into a Weapon (1:39) 19. Whose Side are You On? (0:56) 20. The Only Way Forward (1:22) 21. Not Here to Fight (0:56) 22. Let’s Finish This (1:37) 23. A Storm of Senseis (2:24) 24. The Price of Mercy (2:17) 25. Committee Meeting (1:24) 26. Twisted Silver (1:51) 27. Weakness (1:09) 28. Level 1 Karate (1:39) 29. Always be my Sensei (1:55) 30. Remember the Cage (2:07) 31. Breaking and Entering (1:33) 32. Three-Headed Snake (2:49) 33. Prom Punch-out (1:31) 34. I Love You (1:43)
It galls me that Bill Conti isn't given a main credits co-composing credit - or original themes by Bill Conti - since the best moments in the COBRA KAI scoring are all lifted from the best Conti themes - much as CREED did. Is he even credited in the end credits? Ludwig Goransson actually comes up with his own new CREED theme that feels very Conti in spirit (apart from actual Conti lifts throughout the scores of both CREED films) - but COBRA KAI doesn't deliver on any memorable themes to me that aren't lifted from Conti's music. Birenberg and Robinson's music feels like filler until they quote a Conti theme and then the scoring comes alive again.
This perspective just boggles my mind. I'll echo emusician here and say that Birenberg and Robinson's music for Cobra Kai has at least a half dozen recognizable themes I can recall from memory right now, and the beautiful thing is how well they integrate their material so it fits with Conti's and also somehow the source music both from the show and the original Karate Kid films. It wraps up the symphonic and ethnic and rock elements all so seamlessly and beautifully; it's almost as miraculous and unlikely an achievement as the series itself! And the thematic development throughout is particularly impressive -- I think that's the secret of how all those disparate elements are made to flow together so naturally: the thematic core is consistent. So sometimes you'll hear the Cobra Kai theme on rock ensemble, and sometimes it'll be orchestral, and sometimes it'll be a mix. And it all works. By the time we reach the final tournament of season 1, I have a hard time understanding why anyone could be so cold to their work:
For reference, that's the Cobra Kai theme coming in powerfully on brass from 1:05-1:31 and 2:26-2:48 (and on electric guitar from 1:45-2:01). An unmistakable signature for the dojo in the series, IMO. And a less aggressive, more "balanced" thematic idea for Miyagi-Do karate coming in briefly at 2:53-3:08, which is more thoroughly and powerfully explored in other cues, like this one around 0:45 and 1:16:
There are quite a few other more varied ideas which are developed throughout the scoring for all four seasons to date, but with these two core musical identities I'm really surprised if someone has trouble remembering them. I will say that at times the soundtrack albums don't do the thematic nuances any favors, by presenting cues totally out of order so that the gradual development and buildup of the thematic material doesn't really get showcased the same way it is in the show itself.
That said, MAJOR KUDOS to MV and La-La Land for making such efforts to release these excellent season scores on CD -- and with extra music no less! I think this may be my first time ordering early enough for an autographed copy.
COBRA KAI is my favorite tv show ever! Season 4 is my favorite season yet. I love how they pay respect to Conti and add new music too. I hope someday there's a Blu-ray release here in the states.
Everything Yavar said x100. These scores have so many memorable tracks and themes. I haven't had this much fun listening to soundtracks in many years. Not to mention Conti is credited on the CDs for the tracks that heavily use his themes. Can't wait to pick up the season 4 CD tomorrow. Some people like James Horner ethnic wailing. I like electric guitar wailing. Your mileage may vary, but these are some of my favorite tracks (that I can't get out of my head):
COBRA KAI is my favorite tv show ever! Season 4 is my favorite season yet. I love how they pay respect to Conti and add new music too. I hope someday there's a Blu-ray release here in the states.
It's definitely in my top 5 of all time. Can't get enough of it. It's one of those miracle shows where everything works perfectly. The CDs put out by LaLaLand are the most legit collectibles for the show. I'm also disappointed in the DVD-only release so far. I'm really surprised we don't have at least a Blu-ray with Sony's involvement.
The physical LLL edition features 9 additional, extra tracks
LA-LA LAND RECORDS PRESENTS NEW RELEASES: FRIDAY, JANUARY 7, 2022
New Releases available to order starting FRIDAY JANUARY 7, 2021 at 12 noon (pst) at www.lalalandrecords.com
HAPPY 2022 EVERYONE! Celebrate with our first releases of the New Year!
“COBRA KAI SPECIAL!!!” We’re celebrating our Season 4 release with A GREAT PRICE on our previous COBRA KAI titles! Get COBRA KAI, COBRA KAI SEASON 2 and COBRA KAI SEASON 3 at the knockout price of ONLY $10 EACH!
Special offer starts 1/7 at 12 noon (pst) and is good thru 1/21 Only at www.lalalandrecords.com
COBRA KAI: SEASON IV (2-CD SET) LLLCD 1585 Music by Leo Birenberg and Zach Robinson RETAIL PRICE: $21.98
STARTS SHIPPING JAN 7
Order yours from www.lalalandrecords.com starting 12 noon (pst) on 1/7 and get your CD booklet autographed by the composers. Autographs are available only while supplies last and are NOT guaranteed.
La-La Land Records and Sony Pictures Television proudly present a deluxe 2-CD release of the original score to the fourth season of Netflix’s Original Series COBRA KAI, starring Ralph Macchio and William Zabka. Composers Leo Birenberg and Zach Robinson (SING IT!, SON OF ZORN), return to the COBRA KAI universe and craft yet another unforgettable musical journey through the KARATE KID saga, once again unleashing an amazing score for this fourth acclaimed season of the hit phenomenon series that teems with action, drama, thrills and heart! Produced by Zach Robinson and Leo Birenberg, and mastered by Reuben Cohen, this deluxe 2- CD release features the fourth season’s knockout musical highlights, along with nine bonus tracks exclusive to this CD release and not available on any other format! Art Design is by Dan Goldwasser.
All four seasons of COBRA KAI are currently available to watch streaming on Netflix!
TRACK LISTING:
DISC 1 1. It’s Karate Time 3:26 2. Dueling Speeches 1:11 3. Marching Orders 1:08 4. The Thrill of Skills 2:59 5. Dark Miyagi-Do 1:07 6. We’re Just Getting Started 1:03 7. Passion and Principle 1:14 8. My Right Way 1:45 9. Mecha-Robby 1:15 10. Killer Instinct 1:56 11. Fangs of Fury 1:56 12. The High Ground 1:37 13. Kenny’s Rage 1:52 14. Semifinal 0:30 15. Cobra Kai Is Gonna Die 1:22 16. Countdown 2:13 17. The Main Event 1:40 18. SDO 3:26 19. Give ’em All You Got 0:40 20. Shirts Off 1:59 21. Victory 0:46 22. The Fellowship of the Dojos 2:06 23. A Final Match for the Ages 2:34 24. Bonsai Badass 3:34 25. Illegal Strike 1:25 26. Queen Cobra 2:17 27. Defeat 1:12 28. Streets of Reseda 0:58 29. Screwed Everything Up 1:14 30. The Fight I Have to Face 2:13 31. Too Much at Stake 1:01 32. The Moment of Truth 3:47 (from the Original Series “Cobra Kai”) Performed by Carrie Underwood TOTAL DISC TIME: 57:44
DISC 2 1. Like Old Times 2:06 2. Divide and Conquer 0:59 3. You’re Not Getting What You Want 0:45 4. Land a Hit 2:11 5. Rip the Bandaid Off 0:55 6. Okinawan Sparring Deck 2:31 7. Basketball 1:37 8. No Be There 0:56 9. Balboa Park After Dark 1:45 10. Catch a Fish 1:50 11. Sensei Silver 2:03 12. Cobra Fly 0:59 13. Our Way Is the Right Way 1:33 14. Ghost Boy 1:45 15. Miyaguel 1:16 16. Terry’s Lesson 2:05 17. Drive In, Stand Off 1:44 18. Turn Fear Into a Weapon 1:39 19. Whose Side Are You On? 0:56 20. The Only Way Forward 1:24 21. Not Here to Fight 0:56 22. Let’s Finish This 1:37 23. A Storm of Senseis 2:24 24. The Price of Mercy 2:17 25. Committee Meeting 1:24 26. Twisted Silver 1:51 27. Weakness 1:09 28. Level 1 Karate 1:39 29. Always Be My Sensei 1:55 30. Remember the Cage 2:07 31. Breaking and Entering 1:33 32. Three-Headed Snake 2:49 33. Prom Punch-out 1:31 34. I Love You 1:43 35. Proxy Battles 3:07 36. Shisa Scroll 1:03 37. Spooky Library 1:05 38. Guest at Miyagi-Do 2:07 39. Forget About the Past 0:43 40. Betrayal 0:50 41. Walk of Shame 1:08 42. The First Move 0:48 43. Dungeon Lord 1:46 TOTAL DISC TIME: 68:46
TOTAL ALBUM TIME: 126:30
Disc 2, Tracks 35–43 are physical CD exclusive tracks.
It galls me that Bill Conti isn't given a main credits co-composing credit - or original themes by Bill Conti - since the best moments in the COBRA KAI scoring are all lifted from the best Conti themes - much as CREED did. Is he even credited in the end credits? Ludwig Goransson actually comes up with his own new CREED theme that feels very Conti in spirit (apart from actual Conti lifts throughout the scores of both CREED films) - but COBRA KAI doesn't deliver on any memorable themes to me that aren't lifted from Conti's music. Birenberg and Robinson's music feels like filler until they quote a Conti theme and then the scoring comes alive again.
This perspective just boggles my mind. I'll echo emusician here and say that Birenberg and Robinson's music for Cobra Kai has at least a half dozen recognizable themes I can recall from memory right now, and the beautiful thing is how well they integrate their material so it fits with Conti's and also somehow the source music both from the show and the original Karate Kid films. It wraps up the symphonic and ethnic and rock elements all so seamlessly and beautifully; it's almost as miraculous and unlikely an achievement as the series itself! And the thematic development throughout is particularly impressive -- I think that's the secret of how all those disparate elements are made to flow together so naturally: the thematic core is consistent. So sometimes you'll hear the Cobra Kai theme on rock ensemble, and sometimes it'll be orchestral, and sometimes it'll be a mix. And it all works. By the time we reach the final tournament of season 1, I have a hard time understanding why anyone could be so cold to their work:
For reference, that's the Cobra Kai theme coming in powerfully on brass from 1:05-1:31 and 2:26-2:48 (and on electric guitar from 1:45-2:01). An unmistakable signature for the dojo in the series, IMO. And a less aggressive, more "balanced" thematic idea for Miyagi-Do karate coming in briefly at 2:53-3:08, which is more thoroughly and powerfully explored in other cues, like this one around 0:45 and 1:16:
There are quite a few other more varied ideas which are developed throughout the scoring for all four seasons to date, but with these two core musical identities I'm really surprised if someone has trouble remembering them. I will say that at times the soundtrack albums don't do the thematic nuances any favors, by presenting cues totally out of order so that the gradual development and buildup of the thematic material doesn't really get showcased the same way it is in the show itself.
That said, MAJOR KUDOS to MV and La-La Land for making such efforts to release these excellent season scores on CD -- and with extra music no less! I think this may be my first time ordering early enough for an autographed copy.
Yavar
Excellent counter argument Yavar! I just don't have the patience or eloquence to make such a thoroughly thought full analysis.
Anyone out there (way smarter and more energetic than me) have the savvy, courage, and time to compile a chronological track listing for all four of these soundtracks? Extra points of total impressiveness if source music is also included.
