What does Bullitt sound like?

Dynamic jazz motifs intermingle with cinematic tension, capturing the pulse of 1960s urban life. Rooted in classical and bossa nova. Start with "Bullitt, Main Title (movie version)".

Is Bullitt a good place to start with Lalo Schifrin?

Yes, Bullitt is recommended as a starting point for new Lalo Schifrin listeners. Dynamic jazz motifs intermingle with cinematic tension, capturing the pulse of 1960s urban life. When Lalo Schifrin released 'Bullitt' in 1968, he was transitioning from composing for television to film, having gained recognition for his work on shows like 'Mission: Impossible.' This soundtrack not only solidified his reputation in Hollywood but also showcased his ability to blend jazz and orchestral elements effectively, marking a significant step in his career as a film composer.

Bullitt works well if you're into dynamic journey with varied pacing, evocative soundscapes for focus and retro cinematic vibes throughout.

How many songs are on Bullitt?

Bullitt has 18 tracks, running approximately 55 minutes.

Bullitt

Lalo Schifrin

55 min · 18 tracks · classical music

Dynamic jazz motifs intermingle with cinematic tension, capturing the pulse of 1960s urban life.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Bullitt, Main Title (movie version) Start here — This track establishes the album's mood with its bold horns and rhythmic drive, immediately evoking the film's high-stakes atmosphere.
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Ice Pick Mike (movie version) — With its suspenseful undertones and intricate arrangements, this piece captures the gritty essence of the film’s narrative and character dynamics.
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Cantata for Combo — This track showcases Schifrin's masterful blending of jazz improvisation with classical structure, reflecting both sophistication and spontaneity.
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Song for Cathy — The emotional depth in this track contrasts sharply with the album’s action-oriented pieces, revealing a more personal side to Schifrin's composition style.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

61 /100

Treeline

Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The album's innovative jazz compositions and thematic variations create a distinctive sound that resonates with its cinematic roots.

What we noticed

Several tracks incorporate dynamic shifts in tempo and mood, reflecting the tension and excitement of urban life.
The use of jazz motifs is prominent, with improvisational elements appearing in multiple pieces, particularly in the guitar solos.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

dynamic journey with varied pacing
evocative soundscapes for focus
retro cinematic vibes throughout
for late-night drives
playful interludes to engage listeners

Maybe skip if you

prefer straightforward, predictable tracks
seek instant gratification in music

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album marked Schifrin's transition to film scoring, gaining wider recognition.
Career context: When Lalo Schifrin released 'Bullitt' in 1968, he was transitioning from composing for television to film, having gained recognition for his work on shows like 'Mission: Impossible.' This soundtrack not only solidified his reputation in Hollywood but also showcased his ability to blend jazz and orchestral elements effectively, marking a significant step in his career as a film composer.
Stylistic neighbors: Chick Corea· Herbie Hancock· Dave Brubeck