Dave Grusin

This Dave Grusin-penned soundtrack album (which features Grusin amidst an orchestra) is one of those charming delights that make a fascination with soundtrack albums a worthwhile pursuit. Grusin here takes a straight-faced approach to the satire of the movie, providing a charming score infused with a traditional New York feel. He spends a lot of time defining themes with strings and woodwinds, eschewing brass and percussion most of the time -- giving the brief "Master of the Universe" and "Concorde" cues (building out from a fanfare theme) an additional punch. In other places, the cues match their visual basis -- "Bronx Exit" mines a bass-propelled funk groove, for example.

There's a certain amount of repetitiveness involved in the music, of course, but it's really not a problem with this particular album because of the shifting styles and directions. It's almost unfailing in its charm and quality, and there isn't a song anywhere in sight. The music has a crafty wit that's endearing, and that's much of the result of the quality and craftmanship involved. Grusin takes his underscoring very seriously indeed, and his attention to detail and desire for good music works very much to the benefit of Bonfire of the Vanities. Besides, the "Master of the Universe" theme is one of those great big brassy fanfares that represent what's great about classic movie music. ~ Steven McDonald, All Music Guide