Nine Inch Nails ‘TRON: Ares': Every song ranked from best to worst

Tron: Ares Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, which was released on September 19, 2025; may be regarded as a landmark in Nine Inch Nails' (NIN) history. It is the initial film soundtrack credited to the band rather than individual composers, Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross.

This album is a 24-track album which is used with the third movie in the TRON series, directed by Joachim Ronning. This soundtrack by Nine Inch Nails is an industrial rock, electronic, and ambient soundscape mix to support the futuristic themes of the film.

The Nine Inch Nails album is named TRON: Ares, in which other artists have contributed their work, such as Boys Noize, Judeline and Hudson Mohawke. The song "As Alive as You Need Me to Be" was released as a single on July 17, 2025, and it is a mix of industrial rock and synth-pop..

The critics have pointed to the capability of the album as a piece of music to be heard in its entirety and some have suggested that it may be as musically effective as some of the soundtracks created in the past by TRON: Ares.

Following is a track-by-track review of the TRON: Ares by Nine Inch Nails.

Who Wants to Live Forever?

The song is remarkable due to its ghostly tune and poignancy. With the vocals of Trent Reznor and Spanish singer Judeline, it is a heart-touching ballad that the listeners will be heartened with.

Infiltrator

Merging industrial tunes with some urgency, "Infiltrator" effectively renders the action scenes in the film. It is full of dynamic development that keeps the listener entertained.

Echoes

A composition that demonstrates the capacity of Nine Inch Nails to compose soundscapes. Its finer details make the album even deeper.

As Alive as You Need Me to Be

This is a blend of industrial rock and synth-pop released as a single prior to the Nine Inch Nails TRON: Ares album. Its relatable beat and overproduction make it an excellent piece.

This Changes Everything

Balancing electronic beats with introspective melodies, "This Changes Everything" reflects the film's themes of transformation and discovery.

Daemonize

With its intense build-up and electronic textures, "Daemonize" effectively conveys a sense of impending conflict.

Still Remains

A more subdued piece, it offers a moment of reflection amidst the album's more intense tracks.

Target Identified

Featuring sharp electronic elements and a driving rhythm, "Target Identified" aligns well with the film's action sequences.

Forked Reality

An experimental piece that delves into abstract sound design, showcasing the duo's versatility.

100% Expendable

Combining industrial sounds with a sense of urgency, "100% Expendable" fits the film's high-stakes moments.

Building Better Worlds

With expansive soundscapes, this track reflects the film's themes of creation and innovation.

Ghost in the Machine

Blending electronic elements with a haunting melody, "Ghost in the Machine" captures the film's exploration of artificial intelligence.

Permanence

A more ambient track, it provides a contrast to the Nine Inch Nails TRON: Ares album's more intense pieces, offering a moment of calm.

What Have You Done?

Featuring a driving rhythm and electronic textures, "What Have You Done?" aligns with the film's themes of consequence and action.

A Question of Trust

Delving into darker tones, this track reflects the film's exploration of loyalty and betrayal.

I Know You Can Feel It

With rhythmic beats and electronic elements, "I Know You Can Feel It" adds energy to the Nine Inch Nails TRON: Ares album's middle section.

Empathetic Response

An experimental piece that explores abstract sound design, showcasing the duo's creative range.

No Going Back

Combining electronic beats with a sense of finality, "No Going Back" fits the film's themes of irreversible decisions.

Shadow Over Me

With brooding tones and layered production, "Shadow Over Me" adds a sense of mystery to the album.

New Directive

An avant-garde track that challenges traditional structures, "New Directive" offers a bold sonic experience.

Out in the World

A reflective piece that provides a moment of introspection amidst the Nine Inch Nails TRON: Ares album's more intense tracks.

Nemesis

Featuring aggressive rhythms and electronic textures, "Nemesis" conveys a sense of impending conflict.

Init

Serving as the album's opening track, "Init" sets the tone with its atmospheric sounds and subtle build-up.

Forked Reality (Reprise)

A reimagined version of the earlier track, "Forked Reality (Reprise)" offers a fresh take on its themes and soundscapes.

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Nine Inch Nails' approach to the ‘TRON: Ares' soundtrack

TRON: Ares shows that Nine Inch Nails can fit their trademark sound to the movie world, coming up with a soundtrack that fits the movie with all the futuristic themes, but still retaining their trademark sound. The combination of industrial and ambient sound and electronic rhythms in the album gives an entire listening experience that can be associated with the plot of the film.

The entire soundtrack of Nine Inch Nails' TRON: Ares is available on various streaming services, including Spotify and Apple Music.