The Call of the Wild (soundtrack)

Background

John Powell was announced as composer in January 2019, having previously worked with Sanders on How to Train Your Dragon. The music was intended to be folksy, with Powell describing it as immigrant music. The score features banjos, accordions, mandolins, guitars, fiddles, and harmonium, reflecting instruments carried by French and Irish immigrants. Irish and Native American flutes and penny whistles round out the ethnic soundscape, with English and Scottish flavors adding rhythmic dance-like movement.

Powell incorporated a phrase from the song "Bless Your Beautiful Hide" from Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Sanders stated that music served as Buck's voice in critical moments. Buck's "work tune" involved an ensemble of 12 banjos, and Powell employed 12 session guitarists. Music of regret and loss was composed for Thornton, and a disquieting sound was used for the mysterious giant black wolf.

The score was recorded at the Newman Scoring Stage with a 90-piece orchestra and a 60-voice choir performing Inuit phrases. Additional music was provided by Batu Sener and Paul Mounsey.

Reception

Jonathan Broxton of Movie Music UK wrote that the music exemplifies aural storytelling, with orchestrations evoking the film's setting and thematic ideas conveying shifting relationships. He noted the emotional pull of the score and praised the warmth of harmonies and thematic ideas, though he suggested those averse to banjos and fiddles might find them uncomfortable. Filmtracks described Powell's work as transcending Western film music stereotypes, merging with fantasy and adventure sensibilities to form a uniquely satisfying soundtrack experience, stating the music will gain respect long after the film is forgotten.

James Southall of Movie Wave called the score big-hearted and full of warmth, with classic action/adventure music and colorful folk touches, calling it Powell at his very best. Anton Smit of Soundtrack World said it is a typical John Powell score with a strong focus on themes, delivered by orchestra, choir, and folk instruments. Eric Kohn of IndieWire called it a lively but generic orchestral score. David Edelstein of Vulture wrote that Powell's incessantly sentimental score keeps all traces of unruliness at bay. Ian Freer of Empire called the score stirring.