Oblivion (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) [Deluxe Edition]

Given M83's cinematic inclinations, it's fitting that the French electronic musician would turn his hand to actual soundtrack work. But where Anthony Gonzalez's albums are usually reminiscent of the teen comedies of the '80s, his score for the apocalyptic Oblivion, a collaboration with Hollywood veteran Joseph Trapanese, trades synth-pop yearning for swelling strings and dark drama. The wispy chord changes of "StarWaves" hint at M83's signature moves, though, as does the contemplative piano of "Jack's Dream"; the epic "Oblivion", meanwhile, gives him a chance to show off his songwriting at his most arena-ready.