It doesn't have to compete. It's good in it's own way. I like both Portal and Portal 2's soundtracks. It's the dynamic music in Portal 2 that sounded awesome. It added another depth to the game.
That is of course my opinion. You don't have to agree with it if you don't want to.
Those "fans" will be back as soon as Half Life 3 gets officially announced and then delayed a couple of times. It's all big words as usual.
Yeah some big names did leave Valve, but other very talented people came on board. Kelly was great, but Mike did an amazing job with Portal 2's soundtrack...