On June 17, 2016, Walt Disney released the Finding Dory Soundtrack. This 34-track album features the original score from the animated Finding Nemo sequel, as well as the song Unforgettable by Sia.
Keep reading to learn more about the album and where you can find it.
The Finding Dory Soundtrack Expands Disney’s Finding Nemo Music Collection
Still riding high on the success of Finding Nemo, Walt Disney and Pixar decided to give us a sequel. Released on June 17, 2016, this sequel, Finding Dory, generally follows the misadventures of Dory as she and her friends, Nemo and Marlin, try to discover her past.
However, they didn’t stop there. That’s because they also dropped the Finding Dory soundtrack on that day. Released both digitally and on CD, the album featured the film’s original score from Composer Thomas Newman, along with the single Unforgettable by Sia. Because of this, there are 34 tracks on the album, totaling over an hour’s worth of music.
Thomas Newman: A Perfect Fit for The Finding Dory Soundtrack
Because it’s a sequel, there’s a lot riding on the Finding Dory soundtrack. That’s because it must retain some semblance of the Finding Nemo soundtrack while giving us something new. Luckily, it had Thoman Newman at the helm.
Newman, of course, is a renowned, award-winning composer who has appeared in numerous films over the years, including Pixar’s Wall-E, American Beauty, The Shawshank Redemption, and Skyfall. As a result, he joined the Finding Dory crew, already knowing how to score animated films, much like his cousin, Randy.
However, that means nothing if his music doesn’t click, and soundtrack music can be fickle at times. That’s because it must support the film without getting in the way yet be noticeable enough to stand apart from it.
A Mix of Vocals and Instrumentals
All things considered, Neman did exactly that. While the Finding Dory soundtrack is awkward at times, it’s mostly a decent listen. The textures all fit the film’s underwater settings while offering a sense of adventure.
It’s also a mix of vocal and instrumental tracks, which is nice, with sweeping chants and that classic Hollywood orchestral sound. There are also a few diegetic tracks thrown in for good measure.
And because it’s all score, this soundtrack can fit any situation. In other words, you don’t need the film’s visuals to get album’s sense of wonder. The music provides it in spades, regardless of whatever mood you’re in.
Need something light while working? It has it. Similarly, need something that’ll wake you up and keep you there? It can do that too. There’s simply something for everyone here, making it perfect for any Pixar fan or soundtrack music collector.
Even the album’s lone single has a place in your music collection. That’s because it feels like a classic Jame Bond song. Sia’s vocals are delightfully old school, like something from the Golden Era of film. It’s a bit jarring at first, especially if you don’t expect it. But the song grows on you as a good showtune should, capping off another great soundtrack from Disney.
Collector’s Guide: Finding Dory Soundtrack
Album Details
- Title: Finding Dory (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
- Release Date: June 17, 2016
- Label: Walt Disney Records
- Composer: Thomas Newman
- Format: CD, Digital
- Track Count: 34
- Runtime: 1 hour, 8 minutes, 20 seconds
- Highlights: original score, Unforgettable single
Track List
- Kelpcake (0:46)
- Finding Dory (Main Title) (0:55)
- Lost at Sea (1:36)
- One Year Later (2:24)
- Migration Song (0:35)
- O, We’re Going Home (1:38)
- Jewel of Morro Bay (2:00)
- Gnarly Chop (1:39)
- Squid Chase (1:28)
- Sigourney Weaver (1:21)
- Hank (3:19)
- Nobody’s Fine (3:29)
- Rebecca Darling (1:54)
- Meet Destiny (1:07)
- Joker at Work (1:16)
- Becky Flies (3:53)
- Hands! (2:24)
- Almost Home (2:01)
- Open Ocean (3:18)
- Two Lefts and a Right (3:57)
- Everything About You (1:41)
- Quarantine (2:41)
- Warp (1:03)
- All Alone (0:53)
- …Shells (4:47)
- No Walls (2:25)
- Okay with Crazy (1:50)
- Hide and Seek (1:51)
- Quite a View (1:25)
- Unforgettable – Sia (3:17)
- Three Hearts (End Title) (3:29)
- Loon Tune (1:20)
- Fish Who Wander (1:18)
- Release (1:13)
Where to Listen Digitally
Where to Buy the CD
Final Thoughts
I loved the original Finding Nemo. So, it’s good to hear that the Finding Dory soundtrack didn’t disappoint. That’s because it’s just good film music and didn’t try to be something it wasn’t.
However, that’s just my opinion. What’s yours? Post your thoughts in the comments.
P. S., Disney recently announced their next Nemo sequel, Loving Dory. Therefore, you can expect a soundtrack review from me as soon as it drops. Until then, you can check out the other musical hits from Disney and Pixar. You can also subscribe to this blog to be notified when I post my Loving Dory soundtrack review.
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