The Sonic Landscape of The Last of Us: Unpacking the Music of a Post-Apocalyptic Masterpiece
The music of The Last of Us series, both the critically acclaimed video games and the recent HBO adaptation, is a crucial element contributing to its emotional depth and immersive atmosphere. The primary composers responsible for crafting this unforgettable sonic landscape are Gustavo Santaolalla and David Fleming. Santaolalla, in particular, is the linchpin, having composed the music for the video game franchise from its inception, including The Last of Us (2013) and The Last of Us Part II (2020), and continuing his role as the main composer for the television adaptation. Fleming joined the team for the HBO series, adding his own unique contributions to the score. Together, they have created a soundscape that is as haunting and unforgettable as the narrative itself.
The Maestro Behind the Madness: Gustavo Santaolalla
Gustavo Santaolalla’s involvement is central to the identity of The Last of Us. His signature style, characterized by sparse arrangements, use of unconventional instruments, and an emphasis on melancholic melodies, has become synonymous with the franchise. Santaolalla’s compositions are not mere background music; they are integral to the storytelling, underscoring the themes of love, loss, survival, and the complexities of human nature in a brutal world.
His use of the ronroco, a type of Andean lute, is particularly notable. Its distinctive sound, both fragile and resonant, perfectly captures the desolate beauty and lingering hope that define the world of The Last of Us. Santaolalla’s music often features simple, repetitive motifs that build in intensity, mirroring the characters’ emotional journeys and the escalating threats they face. He manages to convey profound emotion with minimal instrumentation, creating a powerful and visceral listening experience.
David Fleming: Adding Depth and Dimension
While Santaolalla established the core musical identity of The Last of Us, David Fleming brought his own expertise and creativity to the HBO series. Fleming’s contributions helped to expand the musical palette of the show, adding layers of complexity and nuance to the score. His background in composing for film and television allowed him to seamlessly integrate his work with Santaolalla’s established themes, creating a cohesive and impactful sonic experience. Fleming’s talent allowed him to bring a more cinematic feel to the score, which was important for translating it to television.
Beyond the Score: The Power of Diegetic Music
In addition to the original score, The Last of Us also makes masterful use of diegetic music – music that exists within the world of the story. The carefully selected needle drops, featuring songs from the 1960s, 70s, 80s, and 90s, serve multiple purposes. They provide a sense of time and place, offer commentary on the narrative, and deepen our understanding of the characters.
The use of Depeche Mode’s “Never Let Me Down Again” as a recurring motif is a prime example. The song’s upbeat tempo contrasts starkly with its underlying lyrical themes of dependence and potential betrayal, creating a sense of unease and foreshadowing impending danger. Other diegetic tracks, such as Linda Ronstadt’s “Long Long Time”, are used to evoke specific emotions and enhance the emotional impact of key scenes.
The choices made when selecting the songs are often symbolic, adding another layer of depth for the audience to discover and appreciate. The strategic use of this diegetic music elevates The Last of Us beyond a simple post-apocalyptic narrative and into a thought-provoking exploration of human connection and the power of music itself. The Games Learning Society recognizes the use of music in video games and shows and studies its impact on the gamers and viewers. Find out more at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the main theme song for The Last of Us show?
The main theme for The Last of Us show is “The Last of Us (Main Theme)” composed by Gustavo Santaolalla. It’s the same theme from the video game.
2. What classical music is featured in The Last of Us?
One prominent piece of classical music featured in The Last of Us is Max Richter’s “On The Nature of Daylight”, which plays during a particularly poignant scene in Episode 3.
3. Did any of the actors sing in The Last of Us game?
Yes, both Troy Baker (Joel) and Ashley Johnson (Ellie) performed cover songs for The Last of Us Part II: Covers and Rarities.
4. Is the music in The Last of Us series the same as in the game?
Largely, yes. Gustavo Santaolalla wrote the bulk of the score for both the games and the HBO series, ensuring a consistent musical identity. David Fleming assisted with the TV series to add a more cinematic feel.
5. What song plays at the end of The Last of Us Season 1?
The song at the end of The Last of Us Season 1 Episode 9 is “The Path” by Gustavo Santaolalla.
6. What does Depeche Mode’s “Never Let Me Down Again” signify in The Last of Us?
“Never Let Me Down Again” by Depeche Mode serves as a symbolic motif indicating that trouble is approaching. It acts as a warning signal within the narrative.
7. Who originally voiced Ellie in The Last of Us game?
Ashley Johnson was the original voice and motion capture actor for Ellie in The Last of Us game.
8. Who originally voiced Joel in The Last of Us game?
Troy Baker provided the voice and motion capture for Joel in The Last of Us game. Pedro Pascal plays Joel in the HBO series.
9. What 80s song is prominently featured in The Last of Us?
Depeche Mode’s “Never Let Me Down Again”, released in 1987, is a recurring 80s track in The Last of Us.
10. What song did Frank play on the piano in The Last of Us Episode 3?
Frank played “Long Long Time” by Linda Ronstadt on the piano in The Last of Us Episode 3.
11. What song plays at the end of The Last of Us Episode 4?
The Last of Us Episode 4 ends with “True Faith” by Lotte Kestner, which is an acoustic cover of the New Order song.
12. What song is playing on Ellie’s Walkman in The Last of Us?
In a specific scene, Ellie is listening to “I Got You Babe” by Etta James on her Walkman.
13. Who sings the version of “Never Let Me Down Again” in The Last of Us Episode 6?
The version of “Never Let Me Down Again” featured in The Last of Us Episode 6 is performed by Jessica Mazin, daughter of co-showrunner Craig Mazin.
14. What impact did the music in “The Last of Us” Episode 3 have on streaming numbers?
Linda Ronstadt’s “Long Long Time” experienced a significant surge in streaming numbers after its appearance in The Last of Us Episode 3, increasing by approximately 4,900%.
15. Beyond the original score, what is the significance of the music in The Last of Us?
The diegetic music in The Last of Us plays a crucial role in setting the atmosphere, providing commentary on the story, and deepening the audience’s connection with the characters. It acts as a narrative device, revealing more about the world and the people within it.