Sound Score vs. Soundtrack: What’s What in Movies?

Imagine watching your favorite movie, but this time, there's no music. That thrilling chase scene? Silent. The heartfelt goodbye between two characters? Hollow. Suddenly, the emotional intensity is gone. That’s because music in films isn't just background noise—it’s the emotional backbone of the story. Music has the power to elevate a simple moment into something unforgettable, whether it’s a haunting melody that raises the tension or a nostalgic song that transports us back in time. 

Yet, when it comes to the music in movies, there’s often confusion between two key components: the soundtrack and the sound score. These terms are used interchangeably by many, but they serve very different purposes in filmmaking. While both play crucial roles in creating the overall mood and tone of a movie, they operate in distinct ways, each contributing something unique to the cinematic experience. 

In this blog, we’ll explore the difference between a sound score and a soundtrack, why they’re often mistaken for each other, and how each serves a special function in bringing a movie to life. 

Sound Score vs. Soundtrack: The difference 

Soundtrack 

A soundtrack is a collection of songs featured in a movie, often songs with lyrics that can exist outside the movie as independent music. These songs may already be popular, or they might be specially composed for the movie, but they are used in specific scenes to add mood, emotion, or drama. 

Example: 

In Guardians of the Galaxy, the soundtrack includes famous old songs like “Hooked on a Feeling” and “Come and Get Your Love.” These songs are not specifically composed for the movie; they were pre-existing hits that added nostalgia and fun to the film. 

Sound Score 

A sound score (also known as a film score) is the instrumental music specifically composed to accompany a movie. This music is often created to match the emotions, tension, or mood of particular scenes. Unlike a soundtrack, the score doesn't have lyrics and isn’t a collection of popular songs. It’s usually orchestral or instrumental, and it’s designed to blend with the action on screen. 

Example: 

In Baahubali: The Beginning (2015), M.M. Keeravani’s score, particularly during battle scenes or moments of high tension, plays a huge role in creating the grandeur and epic feel of the movie. The music is instrumental and supports the action, helping you feel the weight of the moment. 

Soundtrack composition 

1. Selecting Pre-Existing Songs 

• In many cases, filmmakers choose already popular songs or older hits that align with the theme or mood of the movie. For example, in Guardians of the Galaxy, director James Gunn handpicked 1970s hits that fit the retro tone of the movie. 

• Once a song is chosen, the production team needs to secure the rights to use the music. This involves paying for licenses, which can be expensive, especially for hit songs. 

• The director or music supervisor decides which songs will play during specific moments in the film to create a particular mood or evoke emotions. 

2. Creating Original Songs 

• In many films, songs are specially composed for the film. A director might collaborate with a famous composer or music director to create songs that fit the story and tone of the film. 

• A lyricist writes the lyrics based on the film’s narrative or characters. 

• Once the songs are written, composers work with singers to record the tracks. These songs may be released ahead of the movie to generate excitement.

Sound Score Composition 

• Initial discussions between composer and director about the movie’s tone, feel, and emotional pacing. 

• The director shares key scenes or the full movie to help the composer understand the themes and characters. 

• Composer gains insight into the film’s themes and plot points to create music that aligns with the story 

• Composer and director review the film scene by scene to decide where the score should appear. 

• Composer writes the music for an orchestra or band, choosing instruments to match the scene's mood. 

• The music is recorded by an orchestra or musicians in a studio. 

• After the final cut of the film, the composer adjusts the score to match the pacing of the movie. 

• Ensures the score integrates seamlessly with the film’s scenes. 

 Importance of a Soundtrack 

Emotion and Mood Setting: 

A well-chosen song can evoke nostalgia, joy, sadness, or excitement in a way that resonates with the audience. 

Audience Connection:  

Songs from a soundtrack can often become hits on their own, creating a connection between the film and the audience even outside the cinema. 

Branding and Marketing:  

A strong soundtrack can help market a film and keep it in public consciousness.

Importance of a Sound Score 

Enhancing the Narrative: 

It amplifies the emotional and philosophical depth of the film, creating an immersive experience for the audience. 

Building Atmosphere and Tension: 

The score is essential for creating mood, tension, or suspense without distracting from the story. It can guide how the audience should feel in particular scenes without using words. 

Subtle Emotional Influence:  

Unlike soundtracks, which are more direct in their impact, scores work more subtly, enhancing the emotional undertone of scenes. They often go unnoticed but play a crucial role in elevating the cinematic experience. 

Conclusion 

Both soundtracks and sound scores play unique and vital roles in shaping a movie’s emotional depth and audience connection. Whether it’s a popular song creating a memorable moment or a haunting score building tension, music is essential to the film experience.