The album featured the original score composed by Bruno Coulais, who worked on the film for over a year, and was recorded at several places including Paris, Budapest, Los Angeles and Cincinnati.

Coulais had developed the themes based on the visual style and used variety of instruments and orchestral and choir portions, to create strange sounds.

Coulais' score received critical acclaim and won the Annie Award for Best Music in an Animated Feature Production in 2010.

[4] Coulais wanted to make his own orchestration, depending on the density of the sequence, which he admitted it:[4] "...I have a big orchestra, especially the string [section].

[5] They Might Be Giants had created more music for the film, but their contributions were cut in the production process, to which the band's member John Flansburgh, admitted that "It was a strange experience.

[6] Music critic Jonathan Broxton commented "Coulais’ score, which may appeal more to admirers of the art of film music itself, who can appreciate the detail of unusual orchestration or intricate compositional techniques, and less to those who simply want to listen to something nice; as such, the score's high ranking comes from the fact that I fall into the former camp.

"[7] Filmtracks.com wrote "In an industry plagued by stock, anonymous film scores, Coraline is a frightfully engaging pleasure, but its vast technical prowess can be surprisingly alienating and borderline nightmarish.

"[8] Jason Heinzel of The Holland Sentinel complimented the musical score, saying "The music was beautifully arranged and produced by Bruno Coulais and, as a special treat, there is a song by the ‘Other Father’ that is sung and produced by “They Might Be Giants.” Coulais’ orchestra creates a wonderful atmosphere and spooky tone for the film.