What makes True Grit: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack by Carter Burwell notable?

The soundtrack received positive reviews from critics, helping to elevate Burwell's reputation in film scoring. It was particularly noted for its ability to enhance the film's narrative and atmosphere, leading to a nomination for Best Score at the 2011 Golden Globe Awards. At the time of this release, Carter Burwell had established himself as a prominent film composer, known for his collaborations with the Coen brothers. True Grit marked his first project after receiving critical acclaim for scores in films like Twilight and Fargo, solidifying his unique sound in Western cinema.

How many songs are on True Grit: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack?

True Grit: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack has 20 tracks, running approximately 35 minutes.

True Grit: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Carter Burwell · 2010

35 min · 20 tracks

A haunting blend of orchestral swells and traditional folk melodies, echoing the stark landscapes of the American frontier.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
A Methodist and a Son of a Bitch — This track encapsulates the tension of the film with its dramatic orchestration, mirroring the characters' moral complexities and confrontations.
→
The Hanging Man — The eerie tones and suspenseful build-up reflect a pivotal moment in the narrative, highlighting Burwell’s skill in creating an emotional landscape.
→
I Will Carry You — This piece stands out with its melancholic melody, intertwining themes of loss and determination that resonate throughout the film.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The soundtrack effectively blends orchestral and folk elements, enhancing its narrative depth while maintaining a cohesive atmosphere.

What we noticed

The score features a consistent use of strings and woodwinds, creating a haunting atmosphere that reflects the film's themes.
Several tracks incorporate traditional folk melodies, which are interspersed with orchestral swells to evoke the American frontier.
The album maintains a slow to mid-tempo pace throughout, with moments of tension building in tracks like 'The Hanging Man' and 'Ride to Death'.
Many pieces end on unresolved chords, contributing to a sense of unease and anticipation.

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: 8/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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 Wicked Flee 2:34
2 La Boeuf Takes Leave 2:57
3 Little Blackie 1:05
4 River Crossing 1:22
5 The Hanging Man 1:56
6 Talk About Suffering 1:33
7 Your Headstrong Ways 0:30
8 A Great Adventure 0:55
9 We Don't Need Him Do We? 0:49
10 Father's Gun 1:20
11 A Methodist and a Son of a Bitch 3:00
12 Talking to Horses 0:35
13 A Turkey Shoot 2:44
14 Taken Hostage 2:00
15 One Against Four 1:37
16 The Snake Pit 3:15
17 Ride to Death 2:28
18 I Will Carry You 1:58
19 A Quarter Century 1:23
20 The Grave 0:59

What to play next

Listen next

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1 – The Score

2011

Go back to

A Serious Man – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

2009

Full Carter Burwell discography Artists like Carter Burwell

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata