[1][6] Following the passing of producer Lee Mendelson in December 2019, his children undertook an extensive search of archival materials in hopes of locating original music score recordings from the Peanuts television specials.

These recordings, long believed to be lost, comprised not only all of Guaraldi's music cues but also the arrangements by John Scott Trotter, including multiple alternate takes.

[9] For this score, Guaraldi extensively utilized the Fender Rhodes Stage electric piano, chosen for its warm tone and subtle dynamic responsiveness, and which required a lighter touch to avoid distortion.

[8][9] Drummer Vince Lateano recalled that the recording process was largely improvisational, with Guaraldi favoring a spontaneous and organic approach over rigidly structured compositions.

A bonus mix of "Woodstock's Mambo" reveals additional instrumental layers, including a previously unused guitar part and a wah-wah-inflected ARP passage.

The bonus mix of this cue unveils an unused guitar track and wah-wah effects, further illustrating Guaraldi's willingness to experiment with sonic textures.

The piece opens with a triple metre run set against a duple meter, creating subtle tension before transitioning into a boogie-woogie style reminiscent of earlier Peanuts compositions.

Though not prominently featured in the final special, its inclusion in the expanded soundtrack offers insight into Guaraldi's penchant for humorous and unconventional musical phrasing.

[9] Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown: Original Soundtrack Recording 50th Anniversary Extended Edition was released on January 17, 2025, in CD, vinyl, and digital download formats.

To minimize the carbon footprint, the records use BioVinyl, a material that replaces petroleum in S-PVC with recycled cooking oil or industrial waste, achieving a 100 percent reduction in CO2 emissions while preserving acoustic and visual quality.

Weiner further praises Guaraldi’s ability to evoke emotion through melody, stating, "It is hard to imagine anyone’s heart not being pierced by Cupid’s arrow upon hearing this music".

Harris describes the album’s tone as shifting toward a more "synthy" aesthetic, particularly on tracks like "Valentine Interlude" and "Paw Pet Overture", and notes that pieces such as "Jennie L." and "Woodstock’s Mambo" adopt a “bar mitzvah mood,” reflecting a kitschier approach compared to Guaraldi’s more swinging early Peanuts scores.

Guaraldi's melancholic yet playful score complemented the storyline, leading to an influx of valentines sent to Charles M. Schulz’s studio on behalf of Charlie Brown.

While Guaraldi would further explore electronic instrumentation several months later in You're a Good Sport, Charlie Brown, this score remains a unique and highly regarded entry in the Peanuts musical canon.