I expected to hate this score, but was surprised to find that it was really great. It's not easy listening at times, but is very compelling and some of the most scary music I have ever heard. It is strange that Close Encounters isn't really a horror film, but the music will have you on the edge of your seat for most of the way through. It is very edgy and often dissonant. Of course, it doesn't stay like that all the way through and in the final few tracks transforms into a very melodic and romantic style with the appearance of the famous 5 note motif used to communicate with the aliens. Cunningly interwoven is When you Wish Upon a Star from Pinocchio. It is this part that is perhaps more listenable to many, but the genius perhaps lies the fact that the opening tension can all be relieved, slowly at first but then bursting into a wonderful romantic climax. A Special Edition featuring more music and far better sound is now available and makes this brief version somewhat obselete.

Rating ~

  1. Main Title and Mountain Visions (3:22)
  2. Nocturnal Pursuit (2:34)
  3. The Abduction of Barry (4:32)
  4. I Can't Believe it's Real (3:15)
  5. Climbing Devil's Tower (2:10)
  6. The Arrival of Sky Harbour (4:31)
  7. Night Siege (6:22)
  8. The Conversation (2:21)
  9. The Appearance of the Visitors (4:49)
  10. Resolution and End Title (6:50)
  11. Theme from Close Encounters of the Third Kind

Total Time ~ 40:47