Music from Mission: Impossible cover

Music from Mission: Impossible

Lalo Schifrin · 1968

38 min · 14 tracks · classical music

A thrilling blend of jazz rhythms and orchestral flourishes that evokes suspense and adventure.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Mission: Impossible Start here — The title track establishes the album's identity with its unmistakable melody and rhythmic tension, capturing the essence of the spy genre.
  • →
    Jim on the Move — This track showcases Schifrin's ability to blend jazz elements with action-oriented motifs, reflecting the urgency and excitement of undercover missions.
  • →
    The Sniper — With its tense arrangement and dramatic pacing, this piece embodies the suspenseful atmosphere that characterizes much of the series.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
73 /100
Alpine
Higher than 96% of albums we've rated

The album blends jazz and orchestral elements effectively, showcasing strong composition and craft.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of syncopated rhythms and brass instrumentation, creating a sense of urgency throughout.
  • Each track varies in tempo and orchestration, with some pieces incorporating jazz elements while others lean into classical motifs.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
9/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

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

  • suspenseful moments of intrigue
  • steady pacing with consistent energy
  • short bursts of excitement
  • vibrant orchestral arrangements throughout

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking long, immersive tracks
  • prefer slow, reflective listening

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album established Schifrin's reputation with its iconic theme and innovative orchestration.
Career context
When Lalo Schifrin released 'Music from Mission: Impossible' in 1968, he was already an established composer known for his work in film and television. This album followed his successful score for the TV series 'Mission: Impossible', which premiered the same year, solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in cinematic music.
Stylistic neighbors
Chick Corea· Herbie Hancock· Dave Brubeck

Tracklist

  • 1 Mission: Impossible Start here 2:32
  • 2 Jim on the Move 3:15
  • 3 Operation Charm 2:57
  • 4 The Sniper 3:21
  • 5 Rollin Hand 2:53
  • 6 The Plot 2:28
  • 7 Wide Willy 2:05
  • 8 Cinnamon 2:37
  • 9 Barney Does It All 2:32
  • 10 Danger 2:43
  • 11 Mission: Accomplished 2:43
  • 12 Intrigue 2:34
  • 13 Self-Destruct 2:37
  • 14 More Mission 2:46

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata