Downton Abbey: The Essential Collection was released to coincide with the launch of the incredibly popular British period drama's third season. Like its 2011 predecessor, the collection relies almost solely on composer
John Lunn's evocative score, which has become as synonymous with the series as the lavish costumes and immaculately detailed finery. The soundtrack features instrumental and vocal versions of the instantly familiar title sequence, the latter of which is performed by Mary Jess Leaverland; incidental music, a new vocal track, "I'll Count the Days," from
Rebecca Ferguson with lyrics by
Don Black, and covers of "Every Breath You Take" and "With or Without You," from the
Scala & Kolacny Brothers. Unlike the period outfits, this very thorough and expertly sequenced
Essential Collection, leaves little to the imagination. ~ James Christopher Monger