Jessie Murph’s “Criminal” From the Original Motion Picture Scream 7 Soundtrack
March 4, 2026
Rising pop-soul artist Jessie Murph brings a brooding emotional edge to the soundtrack of Scream 7 with her track “Criminal.” The song serves as a haunting thematic complement to the long-running horror franchise, capturing the psychological tension, guilt, and obsession that have defined the Scream universe for nearly three decades. With Murph’s unmistakable voice—equal parts fragile and ferocious—“Criminal” becomes more than a soundtrack inclusion; it feels like an emotional monologue from inside the mind of someone caught in the chaos of the film’s narrative.
stir
“Criminal” opens with minimalist instrumentation—soft piano chords and distant atmospheric synths that evoke the uneasy calm before a storm. Murph’s vocals enter almost in a whisper, setting a confessional tone. The production gradually expands into a cinematic swell, layering percussion and echoing textures that mirror the rising dread associated with the Scream series.
Unlike traditional horror soundtrack songs that lean heavily into aggressive rock or electronic elements, Murph’s approach is more psychological. The track leans into dark pop and alternative soul, allowing the emotion of the lyrics to drive the tension. The result feels intimate, as though the listener is hearing the inner thoughts of someone confronting their own moral ambiguity.
idea
Thematically, “Criminal” explores guilt, obsession, and the blurred boundary between victim and perpetrator—ideas deeply rooted in the Scream franchise. Murph sings about feeling complicit in chaos, questioning whether love, loyalty, or desperation can push someone into becoming the very thing they fear.
Lines throughout the song revolve around emotional contradictions: love mixed with violence, devotion mixed with betrayal. That duality mirrors the storytelling tradition of Scream, where characters are rarely as innocent—or as guilty—as they initially appear.
Murph’s vocal delivery emphasizes vulnerability. She often stretches syllables into aching falsetto notes, conveying a sense of regret that lingers even as the music grows more intense.
flow
For Jessie Murph, contributing to a major franchise soundtrack represents another step in a rapidly evolving career. Known for blending pop, country, and R&B influences, Murph has built a reputation for emotionally raw songwriting that resonates with younger audiences online. Her music often explores heartbreak, personal conflict, and identity—topics that translate surprisingly well into cinematic storytelling.
“Criminal” demonstrates her ability to adapt her style for film while maintaining the authenticity that made her music popular in the first place. Instead of writing a generic horror anthem, Murph delivers a song that could easily exist outside the movie while still reinforcing the atmosphere of the film.
The track also highlights her vocal versatility. Murph moves effortlessly between restrained verses and powerful climactic moments, showing a dramatic range that fits the heightened emotional stakes of a horror narrative.
show
Music has always played an important role in the Scream series. From alternative rock tracks in the original 1990s films to contemporary pop and hip-hop in later installments, the franchise’s soundtracks often serve as cultural time capsules. Each film’s music reflects the era in which it was released while reinforcing the film’s tension and mood.
“Criminal” continues that tradition by bringing a modern streaming-era sensibility to the franchise. Its atmospheric production and emotionally charged lyrics align with contemporary trends in pop music while maintaining the eerie tone that fans expect from a Scream soundtrack.
fin
Ultimately, “Criminal” works because it feels personal. Murph doesn’t simply sing about horror in a literal sense; she explores the internal fear of becoming someone you never intended to be. That psychological focus makes the song resonate beyond the film itself.
For listeners, the track functions almost like a secret confession whispered in the dark—an emotional reflection that mirrors the paranoia and suspense of Scream 7. With its haunting melody and powerful vocal performance, Jessie Murph’s “Criminal” stands as one of the most compelling musical moments associated with the newest chapter of the franchise.
In a series defined by masks, secrets, and shifting identities, Murph’s song reminds audiences that sometimes the most terrifying conflict isn’t the killer outside the door—but the doubts and impulses hiding within ourselves.
No comments yet.
