Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack cover

Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Danny Elfman · 1993

61 min · 21 tracks · new wave · ska

A whimsical blend of dark cabaret and orchestral arrangements that brings a haunting fairy tale to life.

Why this album works

The soundtrack achieved critical acclaim and has become a quintessential part of Halloween and Christmas culture, resonating deeply with fans over the decades. It peaked at number 29 on the Billboard 200 chart, and its songs, particularly 'This Is Halloween', have been widely covered, influencing subsequent generations of artists and musicians.
Best for
whimsical storytelling with dark undertones dynamic journey with thematic peaks for seasonal celebrations
Context
By the time Danny Elfman released this soundtrack for 'The Nightmare Before Christmas' in 1993, he was already recognized for his unique scoring style, especially following his work on 'Beetlejuice' and 'Batman'. This album marked a significant evolution in his career as it showcased his ability to merge theatricality with poignant melodies, solidifying his status as a leading composer in film music.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Overture 1:47
  • 2 Opening 0:57
  • 3 This Is Halloween Standout 3:17
  • 4 Jack’s Lament Standout 3:14
  • 5 Doctor Finklestein / In the Forest 2:36
  • 6 What’s This? 3:06
  • 7 Town Meeting Song 2:57
  • 8 Jack and Sally Montage 5:17
  • 9 Jack’s Obsession 2:46
  • 10 Kidnap the Sandy Claws 3:03
  • 11 Making Christmas 3:58
  • 12 Nabbed 3:04
  • 13 Oogie Boogie’s Song Standout 3:17
  • 14 Sally’s Song 1:48
  • 15 Christmas Eve Montage 4:44
  • 16 Poor Jack 2:31
  • 17 To the Rescue 3:38
  • 18 Finale / Reprise 2:44
  • 19 Closing 1:26
  • 20 End Title 1:13
  • 21 Bonus Theme Montage 3:53

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata