What makes Theme from Close Encounters of the Third Kind by John Williams notable?

The album's main theme became an iconic representation of extraterrestrial communication in popular culture and won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. Its innovative use of synthesizers alongside traditional orchestration influenced future film scoring and remains a touchstone in cinema music. Released in December 1977, this score marked John Williams' continued ascent as a leading composer in Hollywood following his success with 'Star Wars' earlier that year. At this point in his career, Williams was solidifying his reputation for creating memorable film themes that would define cinematic scores for decades.

How many songs are on Theme from Close Encounters of the Third Kind?

Theme from Close Encounters of the Third Kind has 2 tracks, running approximately 5 minutes.

Theme from Close Encounters of the Third Kind

John Williams · 1977

5 min · 2 tracks · contemporary classical music

An ethereal blend of synthesizers and orchestral arrangements creates a feeling of wonder and cosmic exploration.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Theme from "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" — This track serves as the central piece of the album, encapsulating the emotional depth and mystery of human encounters with the unknown through its melodic simplicity and grandeur.
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Nocturnal Pursuit — This composition captures tension and urgency, showcasing Williams' ability to evoke suspense through fluctuating rhythms and dynamic contrasts, enhancing the film's narrative drive.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

89 /100

Summit

Higher than 99% of albums we've rated

The score's innovative blend of orchestral and electronic elements creates a unique soundscape that remains influential.

What we noticed

The main theme features a repetitive five-note motif that serves as a musical language for communication, creating a sense of intrigue.
The orchestration blends traditional strings and brass with electronic synthesizers, enhancing the otherworldly atmosphere.
The second track, 'Nocturnal Pursuit', introduces a faster tempo and rhythmic drive, contrasting with the serene opening theme.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 9/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 9/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This score solidified Williams' status as a leading film composer post-Star Wars.
Themes: Devils Tower rendezvous· five-note alien signal· 1970s UFO sightings
Career context: Released in December 1977, this score marked John Williams' continued ascent as a leading composer in Hollywood following his success with 'Star Wars' earlier that year. At this point in his career, Williams was solidifying his reputation for creating memorable film themes that would define cinematic scores for decades.
Stylistic neighbors: Ennio Morricone· Howard Shore· James Horner