What makes The Terminator by Brad Fiedel notable?

The Terminator soundtrack significantly influenced the sound of action and sci-fi films in the 1980s, introducing a synth-heavy aesthetic that became a hallmark of the genre. Its theme has been widely referenced in pop culture and remains iconic, contributing to the film's enduring legacy and critical acclaim. Released in 1984, The Terminator marks Brad Fiedel's first major film score, establishing him as a notable composer in Hollywood. Prior to this, he had worked on smaller projects, but this soundtrack propelled him into the spotlight, leading to future collaborations with director James Cameron.

How many songs are on The Terminator?

The Terminator has 11 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

The Terminator

Brad Fiedel · 1984

40 min · 11 tracks

A pulsating blend of synthesizers and orchestral elements creates a tense atmosphere that captures the film's dystopian urgency.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
The Terminator Theme — This track establishes the film's haunting atmosphere through its iconic melody, setting the tone for the entire series and evoking themes of impending doom.
→
Tunnel Chase — The rapid tempo and driving synth lines create an intense sense of urgency that mirrors the film’s pivotal chase sequence, making it a standout moment.
→
Love Scene — This track juxtaposes the action-oriented score with emotional depth, showcasing Fiedel's ability to convey complex human emotions within a sci-fi context.

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 79% of albums we've rated

The score blends synth and orchestral elements effectively, establishing a distinct sound for action films.

What we noticed

The score features a prominent use of synthesizers, creating a pulsating rhythm that drives the tension throughout.
Several tracks incorporate orchestral elements, blending them with electronic sounds to enhance the emotional impact.
The first track establishes a memorable theme that recurs in various forms across the album, providing cohesion.
The album's pacing varies, with faster tracks like 'Tunnel Chase' contrasting with slower pieces such as 'Love Scene', creating dynamic shifts.

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 The Terminator Theme 4:18
2 Terminator Arrival 4:59
3 Tunnel Chase 2:51
4 Love Scene 3:47
5 Future Remembered 2:31
6 Factory Chase 3:54
7 You Can’t Do That 3:27
8 Burnin’ in the Third Degree 3:32
9 Pictures of You 4:00
10 Photoplay 3:35
11 Intimacy 3:34

What to play next

Go back to

Terminator 2: Judgment Day

Full Brad Fiedel discography Artists like Brad Fiedel

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata