Detective Pikachu (soundtrack)

Development

Henry Jackman composed the score, marking his third collaboration with director Rob Letterman after Monsters vs. Aliens (2009) and Gulliver's Travels (2010). Jackman described the writing process as "immensely fun" and noted that the film offered a unique opportunity to create a musical world for the Pokémon universe, using sonic colors ranging from a full symphony orchestra to analog vintage synths. Bustle characterized the soundtrack as "heavy on electronic dance music."

Letterman helped Jackman bring his Roland TR-808 drum machine for the score, but it could not be used because it was faulty and damaged. Jackman arranged Junichi Masuda's "Red & Blue Theme" from previous Pokémon media for the end credits, though this arrangement was not included on the score soundtrack. Kygo and Rita Ora released the standalone single "Carry On" on April 19, 2019, with a remixed version by Dutch DJ Nicky Romero. Honest Boyz collaborated with Lil Uzi Vert on "Electricity," produced by Pharrell Williams, which also plays over the end credits.

Reception

Casey Cipriani of Bustle called the soundtrack "fun and boppy," adding that it keeps listeners in Ryme City after leaving the theater. Karen Han of Polygon described it as "a rollicking, riotously fun soundtrack, as befitting the surprisingly terrific movie." Filmtracks.com criticized the score, stating it lacks the cohesive narrative and genuine heart of the Wreck-It Ralph scores and seems like a cheap knock-off when electronics are incorporated, with too few robust orchestral action sequences to merit recommendation. CNET called Jackman's score "catchy," and Umesh Punwani of Koimoi wrote that his "absorbing background score matches up to the dazzling visuals on screen."