Neftlix's Cobra Kai has only grown in popularity since its premiere in 2018. This sequel to the classic 80s Karate Kid films quickly captured the hearts of audiences with its sense of humor and drama. But one unexpected aspect garnered some extra substantial attention for its unwavering creativity. That aspect is the show's soundtrack, an ambitious blending of genres that pays tribute to the classics while still making its own way.
Composers Zach Robinson and Leo Birenberg set out to do exactly that when they came on to construct the music behind this addictive series. Not content to simply throw together some samples and call it a day, the team brought on a full 90 piece orchestra to weave their musical tapestry. Combining genres like 80s hair metal, synthwave, and classical Japanese music, Robinson and Birenberg created a score that all at once plays to wistful nostalgia as well as fresh, modern sensibilities.
In fact, that unique yet familiar feel to the soundtrack felt like the perfect canvas for Robinson and Birenberg to express their creativity. "I came up from a rock background and Leo came from a jazz orchestra background," Robinson said in an interview with Variety, "and we do a lot of interchanging of that, so it’s funny that Cobra Kai requires all of this." The combination of genres not only serves to inspire nostalgia, but also explicitly and intentionally sets Cobra Kai apart from The Karate Kid, giving the show an opportunity to forge its own way. This spirit shines through even in the name of the show's distinct musical style: "Miyagi Metal" (named after The Karate Kid's own eminent teacher, Mr. Miyagi.)
Robinson and Birenberg are no amateurs either. They've been through the Hollywood circuit a few times, assisting in the creation of soundtracks for films such as Ant-Man, The Peanuts Movie, and even Frozen. Those experience combined with their respective histories in rock and jazz orchestra helped allow for the now distinct feel of the Cobra Kai soundtrack to manifest. It's unclear where synthwave fits in, but to be fair, the entire genre is basically just 80s nostalgia in music form, so they were already well suited for it.
In a world where atmospheric and more abstract soundtracks seem to dominate the landscape, some may see the more melodic and overt themes of the Cobra Kai soundtrack as a welcome change. A full orchestra belting out hair metal and synthwave hybrid music all backed by a choir? If nothing else, it's difficult to deny the ambition behind it.
Some fans of more traditional soundtracks might not gravitate towards this one like others do, and that's ok. Everybody's got preferences. But either way, Cobra Kai certainly knows how to keep its own target audience engaged, both visually and aurally.
Source: Variety