For Lalo Schifrin, a decade had passed since his own last encounter with Harry Callahan. Lalo reported for duty in 1983, fully aware that time - and musical taste - had changed, and that he had to retain the spirit of Harry while making him a more modern invention: a product of a techno-age, where everything in movies seemed bigger, louder, and generally larger than life. With "Bullitt" in 1968, and "Dirty Harry" in 1971, Lalo had defined the sound of San Francisco. The glittering canyons and raking tarmac hills had pulsated to hip grooves: a jazzy, snazzy, bass-fueled back beat that was so cool you couldn't believe you were hearing it, so much as dreaming it, living it, so deep into your consciousness did it penetrate. Ten years on, Lalo figured, Harry was older, maybe wiser, maybe mellower. Maybe he was more studied, took his time, thought things through.

In "Sudden Impact" the score doesn't push or propel, but supports, keeps Harry rooted, anchored, detached from the madness surrounding him. And additionally, in keeping with the subject matter, it's a tad gentler, and yes, even romantic at times. Perhaps this would be Harry's last go-round. Find love with Jennifer and hang up the big artillery. Sit back, take it easy, have a brew. - Nick Redman

1. Main Title 3:20
2. Murder By The Sea 2:32
3. Too Much Sugar 1:36
4. Frisco Night 2:52
5. Target Practice 1:35
6. The Road To San Paolo 1:46
7. Remembering Terror 6:50
8. Cocktails Of Fire 2:20
9. Robbery Suspect 2:15
10. Ginley's Bar 5:56
11. Another Victim 1:21
12. You've Come A Long Way 3:46
13. Darkness 4:12
14. Crazy 1:44
15. Hot Shot Cop 1:23
16. Alby And Lester Boy 2:03
17. The Automag 1:39
18. Unicorn's Head 3:03
19. A Ray Of Light 1:02
20. Stairway To Hell 1:01
21. San Francisco After Dark (End Titles) 3:24

Bonus Track
22. Main Title (Alternate) 2:49