X (soundtrack)

X marked Bates' second collaboration with West after he previously worked with the latter on The Sacrament (2013).^[1] Bates said that the pair intended to "create a vocal-centric score framed with organic synthesizers and atmospheres that evoke a sonic aesthetic of '70s arthouse horror films". He then used the wakka wakka guitars as another substantial component to the score, that provided a propulsive element to the disturbing scenes. Wolfe, who had not soundtracked a film before, primarily contributed her voice to the score, and attempted to use non-singing sounds to emulate the character's emotions.^[2] Bates compared the score to that somewhere between that of Debbie Does Dallas and Rosemary's Baby.^[3]

The soundtrack album was released on March 25, 2022, by A24 Music.^[4] It was preceded by a cover version of "Oui, Oui, Marie" performed by Wolfe, which was released as a digital single on March 11, 2022.^[5]

The film incorporates a number of songs from the 1960s and 1970s, including "In the Summertime" by Mungo Jerry,^[6] "Act Naturally" by Loretta Lynn,^{[citation needed]} and "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" by Blue Öyster Cult.^[7][8][6] Additionally, one scene in the film features Jackson (Scott Mescudi) and Bobby-Lynne (Brittany Snow) performing "Landslide" by Fleetwood Mac, with the former playing acoustic guitar and the latter providing vocals.^[9][10]

Justin Lockwood of Bloody Disgusting wrote "Bates and Wolfe have created a unique musical tapestry befitting such a rich and unique cinematic experience."^[11] Matt Donato of /Film wrote "Tyler Bates and Chelsea Wolfe's disquieting score scampers with chaotic freneticism".^[12] Patrick Cavanaugh of ComicBook.com wrote "While Bates was able to lay a foundation to establish the mood and atmosphere of the picture by establishing an era-appropriate base level, Wolfe's more haunting and ethereal vocal contributions elevate the discordant elements of the score while never fully plunging us into darkness."^[13]