What makes Halo – Original Soundtrack by Michael Salvatori notable?

The Halo Original Soundtrack is notable for its critical acclaim, receiving recognition from prestigious publications like IGN and Electronic Gaming Monthly. It not only enhanced the game's narrative but also became influential within gaming culture, paving the way for future video game scores to be regarded as legitimate musical compositions worthy of standalone listening. When Michael Salvatori released the Halo Original Soundtrack in 2002, he was already established in the gaming music industry, having previously contributed to the music of various video games. This soundtrack marked a significant milestone as it accompanied the groundbreaking release of Halo: Combat Evolved, which reshaped the first-person shooter genre and elevated game soundtracks to new artistic heights.

How many songs are on Halo – Original Soundtrack?

Halo – Original Soundtrack has 26 tracks, running approximately 66 minutes.

Halo – Original Soundtrack

Michael Salvatori · 2002

66 min · 26 tracks

Cinematic orchestral soundscapes intertwine with haunting melodies, creating an immersive experience that evokes the grandeur of interstellar conflict.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Opening Suite — Setting the tone for the entire album, this track introduces listeners to the expansive theme of Halo with its sweeping orchestral arrangements and dramatic flair.
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Truth and Reconciliation Suite — This suite captures the game's emotional core, blending tension and resolution through its dynamic shifts, perfectly complementing key game moments.
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Covenant Dance — With its energetic rhythms and unique instrumentation, this track embodies the game's alien factions' characteristics while providing an engaging auditory experience.
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Library Suite — This piece stands out with its intricate layers and haunting motifs, reflecting the game's atmospheric exploration and enhancing a pivotal moment in gameplay.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 80% of albums we've rated

The soundtrack blends orchestral and electronic elements effectively, creating a cohesive experience that resonates with its gaming context.

What we noticed

The first half of the album tends to focus on more melodic and reflective pieces, while the latter half shifts towards more action-oriented compositions.

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

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Opening Suite 3:33
2 Truth and Reconciliation Suite 8:25
3 Brothers in Arms 1:29
4 Enough Dead Heroes 3:00
5 Perilous Journey 2:26
6 A Walk in the Woods 1:52
7 Ambient Wonder 1:56
8 The Gun Pointed at the Head of the Universe 2:26
9 Trace Amounts 1:51
10 Under Cover of Night 3:41
11 What Once Was Lost 1:40
12 Lament for Pvt. Jenkins 1:14
13 Devils… Monsters… 1:30
14 Covenant Dance 1:57
15 Alien Corridors 1:48
16 Rock Anthem for Saving the World 1:18
17 The Maw 1:06
18 Drumrun 1:01
19 On a Pale Horse 1:35
20 Perchance to Dream 1:00
21 Library Suite 6:47
22 The Long Run 2:11
23 Suite Autumn 4:22
24 Shadows 0:59
25 Dust and Echoes 2:49
26 Halo / The Siege of Madrigal 4:22

What to play next

Full Michael Salvatori discography Artists like Michael Salvatori

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata