Avengers: Infinity War (soundtrack)

Lore & Background

Alan Silvestri, who composed the score for *The Avengers*, was revealed in June 2016 to be returning to score both *Infinity War* and its sequel. He reprised the main theme from the first Avengers film but noted that discussions about incorporating each character's individual motif were set aside because it would be 'more of a distraction to even attempt it.' Silvestri began recording his score in January 2018 and concluded in late March.

Silvestri described working on the film as 'a really different experience than anything I'd done before, especially in regard to the approach and balancing quick shifts in tone.' He gave Thanos his own musical sensibility, and the Children of Thanos were linked musically to him. Silvestri avoided giving each Infinity Stone a theme, instead building the music around Thanos's reaction each time he obtained a stone. The score incorporates both orchestral and electronic elements, including synthesizers. Silvestri composed a variation of the *Black Panther* theme himself, rather than using Ludwig Göransson's original; there is no public record of Göransson hoping his theme would be used.

The film includes 'The Rubberband Man' by The Spinners for the Guardians of the Galaxy's first appearance, chosen by James Gunn. Other songs considered for that moment were 'Draw the Line' by Aerosmith, 'Train in Vain' by The Clash, and 'Caught in a Dream' by Alice Cooper. A cut scene originally featured a different song, not 'New York Groove' by Ace Frehley.

Reader's Guide

The *Avengers: Infinity War* soundtrack is significant as Alan Silvestri's return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe after scoring the first *Avengers* film. His approach to the score emphasized Thanos's perspective, with the Infinity Stones' music tied to his emotional reactions rather than having individual themes. The decision to avoid using each character's established motifs reflects a deliberate focus on narrative cohesion over fan service. The inclusion of Ludwig Göransson's *Black Panther* theme demonstrates cross-film musical continuity within the MCU. The soundtrack's release in both regular and deluxe editions, with the deluxe offering extended tracks, catered to collectors and fans. The use of pre-existing songs like 'The Rubberband Man' and the consideration of other tracks highlight the collaborative input of director James Gunn. The album's digital release preceded the physical release by about three weeks, a common strategy for film soundtracks. Overall, the score stands as a key component of the film's emotional and dramatic impact, particularly in its portrayal of Thanos.