The official soundtrack for The Prince of Egypt, a DreamWorks animated film, was released on November 17, 1998, captivating audiences with its blend of songs and film scoring. This article explores the impact and details surrounding this iconic soundtrack, including its commercial success and musical highlights.
Commercial Success
The album achieved significant commercial success, peaking at No. 1 on Billboard magazine's Top Contemporary Christian chart and reaching high positions on various international charts.
In addition to the main album, tie-in albums such as a collector's edition, a country edition, and an inspirational edition were also released, further demonstrating the soundtrack's broad appeal.
Key Tracks and Musical Highlights
The soundtrack features several standout tracks, each with its unique story and contribution to the film.
"Deliver Us"
The lullaby portion of "Deliver Us" was performed by Israeli singer Ofra Haza (the first verses in Hebrew across all dubbed versions) and Disney actress Eden Riegel, with music composed by Hans Zimmer. Christopher Coleman noted that "'Deliver Us' features the powerful vocals I was hoping for... This track concludes with an abruptness which is very similar to the opening track of Zimmer's Oscar-winning score for The Lion King".
Read also: Exploring The Prince of Egypt's Impact
Stephen Schwartz explained his use of the word "Elohim" in the song: "I wanted an authentic sounding Hebrew reference to God to help set the time and place. My first choice was "Adonai", but I was told by the religious consultants on the film that it would have been sacrilegious to use that term in that way in those days."
"All I Ever Wanted"
Prince of Egypt - Playing with the big boy (Russian)
"All I Ever Wanted" is sung by Amick Byram as Moses, after Moses discovers he is adopted, which results in him questioning his Egyptian identity and his Jewish heritage. It is reprised shortly after by Linda Dee Shayne playing the role of Queen of Egypt, who reassures Moses of his place in their family. The song was written by Stephen Schwartz, who visited an Egyptian temple for inspiration: "There was something about walking through those beautiful white columns reflected in the moonlight and seeing the hieroglyphs that triggered the tune which became, 'All I Ever Wanted'".
Filmtracks wrote that "the uplifting and buoyant 'All I Ever Wanted' is the closest Schwartz comes to emulating the hero's song of aspiration that Alan Menken made famous throughout the decade.
"Through Heaven's Eyes"
"Through Heaven's Eyes" is performed in the film by Brian Stokes Mitchell, while the pop single version is performed by R&B duo K-Ci & JoJo. Stokes Mitchell provides the singing voice for Danny Glover's Jethro character, Tzipporah's father and Moses's future father-in-law. Music and lyrics are by Stephen Schwartz, who said the song was his "favorite" of the film: "...one of the directors, Steven Hickner, came in with a poem called 'The Measure of a Man', and I based the lyric for the song on the philosophy in the poem..."
Filmtracks said the song is a listener favorite but the voice of Stokes Mitchell overwhelmed the folk music background.
Read also: "When You Believe" analysis
Track Listing
The soundtrack includes a diverse range of songs and instrumental pieces:
- Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston - The Prince Of Egypt (When You Believe)
- Ofra Haza, Eden Riegel - Deliver Us
- Hans Zimmer - The Reprimand
- Hans Zimmer - Following Tzipporah
- Amick Byram, Linda Dee Shayne - All I Ever Wanted (With Queen's Reprise)
- Ofra Haza - Goodbye Brother
- Brian Stokes Mitchell - Through Heaven's Eyes
- Hans Zimmer - The Burning Bush
- Steve Martin (2), Martin Short - Playing With The Big Boys
- Ofra Haza - Cry
- Hans Zimmer - Rally
- Ralph Fiennes, Amick Byram - The Plagues
- Hans Zimmer - Death Of The First Born
- Michelle Pfeiffer, Sally Dworsky - When You Believe
- Hans Zimmer - Red Sea
- K-Ci & Jojo - Through Heaven's Eyes
- Amy Grant - River Lullaby
- Hans Zimmer - Humanity
Chart Performance
The album's performance on various charts is summarized below:
| Chart | Peak Position |
|---|---|
| Billboard 200 | 41 |
| Top Contemporary Christian | 1 |
Read also: "The Prince of Egypt" Streaming Guide
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