Four years in the making, Africa launched in January 2013 in the UK with the first episode attracting 6.5m viewers. As with Life on Earth and Frozen Planet, music is integral to the production and Emmy-nominated composer and singer-songwriter Sarah Class delivers a subtle and serene yet emotional score that perfectly fits the narrative...

Sarah Class delivers a more modern score than I was expecting for this BBC nature documentary. Not that that's a bad thing, it's just when you think BBC nature show it tends brings to mind epic, bold themes. Class has opted for a more gentle approach, which works incredibly well.

Over this album's 26 tracks (making up 1 hr, 08 min, 05 sec of music) highlights, for me, included: 'Journey of the King Fish'; 'Beauty of Aguillus Sands' (my favourite track of the album); 'Up in the Clouds'; 'Drought'; 'Under the Stars' (which has a segment that reminded me of Gustavo Santaolalla's 'The Wings' from Brokeback Mountain); 'Rwenzori Mountains'; and 'Draconsberg'.

Lions and Lizards Rock Café is a quirky, fun track which feels a little odd sandwiched between the other tracks, but no doubt makes sense when heard in its right place in the TV series.

While not an essential purchase, there are enough interesting tracks to make it worth adding this to your collection.

7

Darren Rea