Sony Classical release Nicholas Britell's original score for Battle of the Sexes. In the wake of the sexual revolution and the rise of the women’s movement, the 1973 tennis match between women’s world champion Billie Jean King and ex-men’s-champ and serial hustler Bobby Riggs was billed as the “Battle of the Sexes” and became one of the most watched televised sports events of all time, reaching 90 million viewers around the world. As the rivalry between King and Riggs kicked into high gear, off-court each was fighting more personal and complex battles...

Nicholas Britell's score for Battle of the Sexes contains 26 tracks (1 hr, 17 min, 38 sec). There are numerous subtle themes interwoven throughout this soundtrack, and while there are no standout segments, as an album to listen to from start to finish it's surprisingly satisfying.

To my mind, one of the hallmarks of an enjoyable score is one that not only works well in the movie it's designed for, but can also bring enjoyment to those who haven't even seen the film (and probably wouldn't go to see it anyway). Battle of the Sexes is such a score. The movie's premise doesn't even remotely hold any interest to me, but this soundtrack is intricate enough to hold my attention.

It's a rich score. The instrumental 'Manhattan Sunset' is very similar in style to Joe Cocker's song 'You Are So Beautiful' (1974). In addition the album ends with the song 'If I Dare [from Battle of the Sexes]' which is a wonderful way to round the album out.

7

Darren Rea