Darkman – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack cover

Darkman – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Danny Elfman · 1990

40 min · 13 tracks · new wave

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
78 /100
Alpine
Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

A tightly performed, rhythm-driven orchestral score whose recurring forceful figures and sudden shifts make the short cue sequence hold together.

What we noticed

  • The opening title cue sets up pounding low strings and brass, with the score repeatedly returning to that forceful, rhythm-led motion.
  • The Love Theme gives the orchestral palette a more sustained melodic line, while cues such as Carnival From Hell pivot toward sharper, more unruly gestures.
  • Several tracks join contrasting scenes with slashes, including Rebuilding / Failure and Rage / Peppy Science, so the album moves in compact cinematic cue blocks rather than song forms.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Main Titles 1:38
  • 2 Woe, the Darkman... Woe! 6:09
  • 3 Rebuilding / Failure 3:15
  • 4 Love Theme 0:55
  • 5 Julie Transforms 1:10
  • 6 Rage / Peppy Science 1:36
  • 7 Creating Pauley 3:19
  • 8 Double Durante 1:49
  • 9 The Plot Unfolds (Dancing Freak) 7:01
  • 10 Carnival From Hell 3:16
  • 11 Julie Discovers Darkman 1:58
  • 12 High Steel 4:18
  • 13 Finale / End Credits 3:39

Reference: MusicBrainz · Wikidata