Mulan – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack cover

Mulan – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Harry Gregson-Williams · 2020

70 min · 21 tracks

Epic orchestral arrangements intertwine with traditional Chinese instrumentation, evoking both grandeur and intimacy throughout Mulan's journey.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Mulan Rides into Battle — This track encapsulates the film's climactic moments, combining powerful orchestration with intense percussion that heightens the sense of urgency and bravery.
  • →
    Loyal Brave True — As a thematic anthem for Mulan's journey, this song highlights her internal struggle and determination, drawing listeners into her emotional arc.
  • →
    Reflection (2020) — This new rendition updates a classic song, offering a poignant exploration of self-discovery that resonates deeply within the context of Mulan's character development.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The soundtrack effectively combines orchestral and traditional elements, enhancing its narrative depth and cultural representation.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks build tension through dynamic crescendos, particularly during battle scenes, while others utilize softer melodies to evoke emotional moments.
  • The album includes vocal performances in both English and Mandarin, with 'Reflection' appearing in two versions that showcase different interpretations of the same theme.
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
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

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 emotional peaks
  • evocative soundscapes for reflection
  • orchestral landscapes for cinematic immersion
  • uplifting themes of courage and
  • for storytelling moments

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking fast-paced instant gratification
  • prefer standalone tracks over cohesion

Where this album fits

Career context
By 2020, Harry Gregson-Williams had established himself as a prominent composer for film scores, known for his work on the Shrek series and The Chronicles of Narnia. Mulan marks a continuation of his collaboration with Disney, following his contributions to other animated features. This soundtrack showcases his ability to blend Western cinematic styles with Eastern musical motifs, reflecting a mature evolution in his career.
Stylistic neighbors
Hans Zimmer· Lorne Balfe· Ramin Djawadi

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Ancestors 3:22
  • 2 Tulou Courtyard 2:06
  • 3 The Desert Garrison 3:28
  • 4 Böri Khan & Xianniang 1:38
  • 5 The Lesson of the Phoenix 3:15
  • 6 Mulan Leaves Home 3:50
  • 7 Four Ounces Can Move a Thousand Pounds 3:40
  • 8 Mulan Rides into Battle 5:24
  • 9 Honghui 1:18
  • 10 Training the Men 3:02
  • 11 The Witch 3:42
  • 12 “I Believe Hua Mulan” 3:56
  • 13 The Charge 5:22
  • 14 Imperial City 3:36
  • 15 Fight for the Kingdom 5:43
  • 16 Mulan & The Emperor 0:58
  • 17 Return to the Village 1:33
  • 18 The Fourth Virtue 4:53
  • 19 Loyal Brave True 2:46
  • 20 Reflection (2020) 3:38
  • 21 Reflection (Mandarin) 3:39

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata