The 5 live-action Star Wars show soundtrack ranked
Do you ever find yourself studying or working to the sounds of the galaxy far, far away? If you’re like me, then Star Wars music is a big part of your daily life.
Music has always been an integral part of Star Wars films and plays as much a role in making it a successful franchise as the story and characters. John Williams is the maestro behind the magical music for the Skywalker Saga, with tracks such as the “Force Theme,” “Duel of the Fates,” “Across the Stars,” “Rey’s Theme,” and “The Imperial March” to his credit. His music has become synonymous with Star Wars, and even casual fans recognize it.
More recently, the Star Wars live-action series broke away from John Williams’s distinct sound. Each Star Wars series has a different composer, which has given every soundtrack a very different vibe. Which show has the best soundtrack? Which tracks make us want to hit the repeat button? Before ranking them, I just want to say that this is based on my personal preferences and that music is art, and all art is beautiful.
Here’s are the 5 Star Wars live-action series ranked least to most favorite:
5. Obi-Wan Kenobi
For a series as highly anticipated as Obi-Wan Kenobi, the music is a bit of a letdown. Apart from the main theme composed by John Williams himself, the soundtrack is composed by Natalie Holt. The Loki composer is the first woman to score a live-action Star Wars project. The title track gives a very melancholic feel and suits Obi-Wan, who finds himself in the most miserable condition he’s ever been in. The rest of the soundtrack doesn’t have many tracks that stand out, but notable mentions include “Overcoming the Past” and “I Will Do What I Must,” both playing during Obi-Wan and Darth Vader’s duel in the series finale. Overall, this soundtrack lacks a bit of punch, but it may grow on you over time.
My grade: B-
4. The Book of Boba Fett
The main theme for The Book of Boba Fett is composed by Ludwig Goransson, and it’s an absolute banger. If you’ve watched the show, chances are you still haven’t stopped listening to it. The rest of the album is composed by Joseph Shirley, with themes provided by Ludwig Goransson. My favorites include “The Underworld,” “A Cautionary Tale,” “Two Paths Diverged,” “A Gift,” and “Teacher’s Pet.” Volume 2 has the space Western sound of The Mandalorian, as well as the Star Wars music we’ve all grown up listening to for characters like Luke Skywalker, Ahsoka Tano, and Boba Fett. Overall, The Book of Boba Fett features outstanding music that’s worth a listen any day of the week.
My grade: B+
3. Andor
Composed by Nicholas Britell, Andor‘s soundtrack includes some of the best Star Wars music of all time. Sound is baked into the very creation of Ferrix. It will inspire the rebel in you to bring down any evil Empire. The soundtrack features 3 Volumes and hours worth of music, so it’s hard to choose my favorites, but the title track for Episode 1 has stayed with me. Other energizing tracks include “Niamos,” “B2”, “The Cassian Way,” “Eulogy,” and “The Rebellion Suite.” Nicholas Britell’s music is as refreshing as the storytelling of Andor. Britell has said that the music of Season 2 will be similar to Rogue One‘s, and that’s something I’m looking forward to.
My Grade: A
2. Ahsoka
Kevin Kiner has provided melodious music for The Clone Wars, Star Wars Rebels, and Tales of the Jedi, but Ahsoka is his first live-action Star Wars show. The standouts from the soundtrack include the theme from the End Credits, teaming up with the band Illuminati Hotties for “Igyah Kah,” “Grand Admiral Thrawn,” “The Hyperspace Jump,” “Teaching You How to Lead,” “Epilogue I,” and “Epilogue II.” Kevin Kiner’s inspiring music has become a huge part of Star Wars, and at this rate, he’ll be ranked alongside the great John Williams.
My Grade: A
1. The Mandalorian
Oscar winner Ludwig Goransson hit the ground running with The Mandalorian‘s theme. Its unique Space Western sounds struck a chord with listeners, and it’s nothing short of iconic. It has been played a whopping 62 million times on Spotify! That’s not all; tracks such as “Ahsoka Lives,” “You Are a Mandalorian,” “Brown Eyes,” “Mando’s Back,” “Marshall’s Theme,” and “Open the Door” are just some of the many gems by Goransson, who’s received lots of awards recognition for his mellifluous music for the series.
My Grade: A+