E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial – Music from the Original Soundtrack cover

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial – Music from the Original Soundtrack

John Williams · 1982

71 min · 18 tracks · contemporary classical music

Orchestral swells and delicate motifs create an emotional landscape that captures the wonder of childhood and extraterrestrial friendship.

Why this album works

The soundtrack for 'E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial' became one of the best-selling film scores of all time, reaching high positions on global charts. It won the Academy Award for Best Original Score and influenced how music could evoke emotion and enhance narrative in film, leaving a lasting legacy on the industry.
Career context
When John Williams released this soundtrack in 1982, he was already an established composer known for his work on blockbuster films. This album followed his iconic score for 'Star Wars' and further solidified his reputation in Hollywood, marking a peak in his career where he began to define the sound of modern cinema.
Stylistic neighbors
Stars of the Lid· musicAeterna· Wojciech Kilar

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Far From Home / E.T. Alone Standout 6:49
  • 2 Bait for E.T. 1:44
  • 3 The Beginning of a Friendship 2:50
  • 4 Toys 3:11
  • 5 "I'm Keeping Him" 2:19
  • 6 E.T.'s Powers 2:42
  • 7 E.T. and Elliott Get Drunk 2:53
  • 8 Frogs 2:10
  • 9 At Home 5:37
  • 10 The Magic of Halloween 2:53
  • 11 Sending the Signal 3:57
  • 12 Searching for E.T. 4:15
  • 13 Invading Elliott's House 2:22
  • 14 E.T. Is Dying Standout 2:17
  • 15 Losing E.T. 2:00
  • 16 E.T. Is Alive! 4:18
  • 17 Escape / Chase / Saying Goodbye Standout 15:04
  • 18 End Credits 3:52

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata