The Tree of Life cover

The Tree of Life

Alexandre Desplat · 2011

61 min · 13 tracks

A lush orchestral tapestry intertwining delicate motifs with expansive, existential soundscapes.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • wave-like pacing with emotional depth
  • dynamic exploration of existential themes
  • headphone detail hunting in soundscapes
  • evocative motifs for reflective moments
  • immersive journey through life stages

Maybe skip if you want

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • seek upbeat party anthems

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time 'The Tree of Life' was released in 2011, Alexandre Desplat was already an established composer, known for his work on films like 'The King's Speech' and 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows'. This score marked a significant collaboration with director Terrence Malick, highlighting Desplat's growing reputation in crafting deeply evocative music for cinema. It followed his Academy Award nomination for 'The King's Speech', solidifying his place in contemporary film scoring.
Stylistic neighbors
Hans Zimmer· John Williams· Thomas Newman

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Childhood 3:42
  • 2 Circles 11:24
  • 3 Clouds 3:00
  • 4 River 3:35
  • 5 Awakening 3:30
  • 6 Emergence of Life 3:56
  • 7 Light & Darkness 8:17
  • 8 Good & Evil 3:16
  • 9 Motherhood 2:04
  • 10 City of Glass 3:38
  • 11 Fatherhood 2:49
  • 12 Temptation 6:48
  • 13 Skies 5:19

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata