Michael Giacchino’s score for the new “Star Trek” movie isn’t especially innovative or even creative, but it is a pleasure to listen to, and along with the movie, will help present the “Star Trek” franchise to a new generation.

Giacchino is just one in a long line of successful and ground breaking composers to bring music to the 40-year-old franchise. Jerry Goldsmith and James Horner, who have worked on multiple “Star Trek” movies, are both Academy Award winners. Alexander Courage’s opening theme for the original 1966 television show is regarded as a classic.

Although Giacchino’s music is not as grand in scope as Goldsmith’s score for “Star Trek: The Motion Picture,” nor as adventurous as Horner’s music for “Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan.” Nevertheless, Giacchino’s score is much more than an attempt to fill shoes.

The soundtrack is dark and often times imposing. Tracks such as “Nailin’ the Kelvin,” “Nero Sighted” and “Nero Death Experience” are very fast-paced and up-tempo, which along with Giacchino’s unexpected and musical cues, makes the “Star Trek” soundtrack surprisingly exhilarating.

The best track on the album is “That New Car Smell.” The song’s simple piano rhythm and floating violin melody make it hauntingly beautiful and emotional. This track helps juxtapose the more imposing tracks on the album.

The main criticism of Giacchino’s work is his reliance on his older work. “Labor Of Love” is much more than similar to much of Giacchino’s work on the television series “Lost.” The main theme, titled “Star Trek,” is very reminiscent of Giacchino’s main theme from the video game “Medal of Honor.”

Still, Giacchino’s score for the new “Star Trek” movie is very well done and will probably work even better on-screen.