When Jackson was asked to compose a song for the film, he composed several pieces that were released as an album in September 1983. The film was eventually scored by John Barry, with little of Jackson's music retained.[3] The album reached the Top 100 in the United States, and the songs "Memphis" and "Cosmopolitan" were released as singles. "Breakdown", another song from the album, was nominated for a Grammy in the Best Pop Instrumental Performance category.[3]
The Mike's Murder soundtrack was first released on CD, in its entirety, as part of the three-disc The Ultimate Collection[4] in 2003, and separately released on CD in 2006 on the Lilith label. The album's first five tracks were also included on the 2003 deluxe edition reissue of Jackson's Night and Day album.
In June 2009, Prometheus Records released a CD of John Barry's replacement soundtrack, containing the entire score.