I trust that the cinematic function of this music isn’t too cryptic, given the title. This perky guitar rock instrumental accompanies a self-improvement binge in the film Siren. The build near the end corresponds to the protagonist’s triumphant breakthrough on the running track.

This week’s cue is a lyrical orchestral piece expressing both the grandeur of nature and the micro-bustle of a small settlement.

Nothing perks up a Friday like some wholesome battle-to-the-death music. Here’s some Mideastern-styled combat score from Empire Earth 3. This cue features hand percussion, snarling brass, and a few “extras” for color. (The cello routed through a guitar amplifier is not, strictly speaking, traditional Mideastern instrumentation.)

This week’s selection is a marimba-driven blend of percussion instruments, some real and some more fanciful.

The week’s cue is a bit of adventurous derring-do from the WW2 aerial combat game Jane’s Attack Squadron.

The bassoon is a lyrical and versatile instrument, but many times is relegated to music with a comedic or clownish character. This cue is one of those times.