What makes The X-Files: Original Motion Picture Score by Mark Snow notable?

This score is notable for its critical reception, praised for its ability to evoke tension and drama without dialogue, solidifying Snow's reputation in film scoring. It further cemented The X-Files' cultural impact, contributing to its legacy and influence on other television shows and films in the science fiction genre. By the time Mark Snow released The X-Files: Original Motion Picture Score in 2008, he was already well-established as the show's composer since its inception in 1993. This score marked a return to familiar themes while expanding on the cinematic possibilities of the franchise, coinciding with the film's release after a hiatus from the series.

How many songs are on The X-Files: Original Motion Picture Score?

The X-Files: Original Motion Picture Score has 24 tracks, running approximately 67 minutes.

The X-Files: Original Motion Picture Score

Mark Snow · 2008

67 min · 24 tracks · stage and screen

A haunting orchestral landscape interwoven with eerie soundscapes, reflecting the series' iconic blend of mystery and suspense.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Threnody in X — Opening with a mournful tone, this track sets the emotional gravity for the entire score, encapsulating the show's dark themes effectively.
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A Call to Arms — This brief but impactful piece utilizes dynamic orchestral swells to build tension, embodying moments of urgency found throughout the film.
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Pod Monster Suite — This suite combines various motifs from previous scores, showcasing Snow's ability to weave thematic continuity while amplifying the film's horror elements.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The score effectively blends orchestral and electronic elements, enhancing its distinctiveness within film music.

What we noticed

Several tracks utilize dissonant harmonies and unconventional instrumentation to build tension, particularly in the middle section of the album.
The album's pacing varies, with some tracks maintaining a slow, suspenseful build while others introduce sudden 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: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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 Threnody in X 3:13
2 B.C. Blood 2:26
3 Goop 4:17
4 Soda Pop 4:45
5 Already Dead 1:42
6 Cave Base 1:31
7 Remnants 2:10
8 Fossil Swings 0:58
9 Plague 3:22
10 Goodbye Bronschweig 2:40
11 A Call to Arms 0:57
12 Crossroads 2:17
13 Corn Hives 3:04
14 Corn Copters 2:35
15 Out of Luck 1:00
16 Stung Kissing / Cargo Hold 4:11
17 Come and Gone 5:27
18 Trust No One 2:51
19 Ice Base 1:33
20 Mind Games 3:52
21 Nightmare 2:44
22 Pod Monster Suite 5:21
23 Facts 2:35
24 Crater Hug 2:05

What to play next

Listen next

Private Fears In Public Places (Coeurs)

2008

Go back to

The X-Files: I Want to Believe: Original Motion Picture Score

2008

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stage and screen

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata