Both Debney and Favreau wanted "classic Disney score with proper cultural influences", hence he imported tabla, Indian percussions, bamboo flutes and several other exotic instruments, in addition to the 104-piece orchestral members from Los Angeles Orchestra and a 50-member voice choir.

Shere Khan's theme consists of a three- or four-note motif,[7] while Baloo's "called for quirky strings and bass" that is "frolicking and emotional".

[7] Debney brought world-renowned percussionists and orchestral players for recording in Los Angeles, as several instruments were needed in the action sequences, which are "rhythmic and fast-paced".

[10][11] "The Bare Necessities", written by Terry Gilkyson, is performed by Murray and Sethi,[12] and a cover version by Dr. John is featured in the end credits.

In terms of those themes and those songs, that was the job that I was given, to try and incorporate them and make them feel a part of this whole fabric of the film score.

"[8] Used in trailers is the track "Take A Bow" by English alternative rock band Muse, from their 2006 album, Black Holes and Revelations.

James Southall of Movie Wave wrote: "The Jungle Book may not quite be one of John Debney's very best but it's not far from it, probably the best thing he's done, since Lair – it's an old-school (by old, I mean 1990s) adventure romp full of memorable melody, wit and charm, not to mention great compositional technique.

It doesn't quite reach the heights of his trio of all-time greats, but it's certainly his best score since The Stoning of Soraya M. (2009), and the finale almost rivals the magnitude of the last cue from Dragonfly (2002), which is still the most tear-jerking and emotionally overwhelming music Debney has ever written".