Howl’s Moving Castle

While all of Joe Hisaishi’s scores for Ghibli are worth listening to, if you are going to listen to just one, make it Howl’s Moving Castle. By far Hisaishi’s best work, this score contributed considerably to the film - taking it from a great film to an exceptional one (my personaly favorite of all time). I often compare listening this album to watching a film (and not just because I have the whole movie memorized). It is genuinely cinematic. It is harrowing and thrilling and devestating and stunning. It is a roller coaster. It is a shock to the system. It is an experience. I listen when walking, when sleeping, when driving, when studying, when crying and when cleaning. I recommend watching the film first, since the scenes will stick with you and you will remember them as you listen to the songs afterward. I have never seen tracks that suit scenes so well. Hishaishi is the top of his craft. As a record in it’s own right, it is a 10/10. As a soundtrack? 11/10.