The soundtrack is notable for its introduction of sequenced electronic rhythm tracks overdubbed with the orchestra – at the time, a relatively new innovation.

However, in 2006 A-ha's Paul Waaktaar-Savoy complimented Barry's contributions "I loved the stuff he added to the track, I mean it gave it this really cool string arrangement.

In addition to the above, the film features a number of pieces of classical music – naturally, since it involves an international-standard cellist in Kara Milovy.

Dvořák's cello concerto in B minor and Mozart's Le nozze di Figaro (in Vienna) also feature.

At the end of the film, Kara performs Tchaikovsky's Rococo Variations before a rapturous audience including M, General Gogol (but not Kamran Shah, who arrives too late) and Bond – though she does not know it until he surprises her in her dressing room afterwards.