Director Peter Sohn collaborated with Newman to tell an emotional story of a character caught between two worlds to musically bring Elemental to life.

Newman used cultural influences from across the globe using Chinese and Indian instruments by incorporating elements to reflect the global story.

"[3] One of the biggest challenges for scoring the film was the opening montage where Bernie and Cinder Lumen immigrate to Element City.

[4] On June 2, 2023, it was announced that Lauv performed the original song called "Steal the Show" that plays during Ember and Wade's dates as well as the end credits, which was released that day.

[9] Sohn had suggested using the song which is a fixture at sporting events around the world because Gale Cumulus does not have a cue or motif.

His score is as beautiful and full of warmth as the flame elements that it represents, with much of the music taking a distinctly Indian tone.

Sitar and Tabla are key instruments throughout the soundtrack, representing Ember and her family, and can even be heard alongside Konnokol (Indian vocal percussion).

"[10] Matt Neglia of Next Best Picture stated: "Thomas Newman's soothing score is magnificent and easily the best he's composed yet for a Pixar film, as it incorporates many cultural influences from eastern countries (but never anything too specific so as not to stereotype the Lumen family) to create a soundscape that is playfully cordial and appealing."