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Top 10 Movie Soundtracks

By Michelle Donnelly · October 14, 2014

Music is an integral cinematic element that can help convey not only the mood of a scene, but also the tone of a movie. Music adds texture and emotion and is an important component for a filmmaker telling a story. As a consequence, the existence of an outstanding soundtrack is a great reward. If musically groundbreaking, a soundtrack can mark a huge contribution to music (Pink Floyd’s “The Wall”), or it can give life to once forgotten songs (Stealer’s Wheel, “Stuck In the Middle With You”); it can even define a generation. Myself included, musicians are a critical and often ornery bunch and settling on the ‘best of’ would prove an onerous task, but only because there are a plethora of impressive ones to choose from. While defining was difficult at best, for the most part this list does not include scores or concert films (so no Star Wars or The Last Waltz). In the end, the most challenging part was narrowing it down to ten, but seeing as this is a Top 10 list, here it goes…

 

10. Searching For Sugar Man (2012)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=NI3H7KQE9Gk

 

Malik Bendjelloul’s documentary about once forgotten Detroit musician Sixto Rodriguez, garnered Bendjelloul an Academy Award and earned Rodriguez long deserved, yet elusive recognition. In early 1970, Rodriguez recorded two albums that were thought to have disappeared into obscurity. Only later was it discovered that his music thrived in Australia and South Africa, where the story of his post-apartheid appearances in 1998 became the basis of Bendjelloul’s 2013 documentary. Once hailed as the next Bob Dylan, Rodriguez had since been relegated to playing small clubs around Detroit-until Bendjelloul’s film that is. The interdependence of the movie and the music is clear. Without the music, the film wouldn’t exist and without the film, Rodriguez’s now revived career would not be flourishing. With his original recordings rereleased for the movie’s soundtrack, Rodriguez now enjoys a career that has included appearances at Coachella and the Glastonbury Festival.

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9. O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=ZjzcGOSl2a0

 

The soundtrack for the Coen Brothers artful take on Homer’s Odyssey set during the Depression, was so important that it was recorded even before filming began. Mega talented producer T-Bone Burnett served as producer to a wide array of well-known and respected musicians such as Allison Krauss, Ralph Stanley and Emmylou Harris. The result is songs that are so entwined with the telling of the story that it’s impossible to divorce the two. Burnett helped create a soundtrack that combines bluegrass, country, folk and blues, all made accessible for an audience that might not otherwise have been exposed.

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8. Pretty In Pink (1986)

 

It seems obvious that Quentin Tarantino, known for his pop culture reverence and offbeat look at the world, would excel at the art of using music in his films. His first film Reservoir Dogs is well known for its soundtrack and his follow-up, Pulp Fiction, would only improve on his earlier effort. With a killer version of Neil Diamond’s “Girl You’ll Be a Woman Soon,” Urge Overkill’s rendition will forever be synonymous with Uma Thurman’s character, Mia, snorting heroin and then keeling over. Chuck Berry’s “You Never Can Tell” is the backdrop for Thurman and Travolta’s contest dance, less seductive than it is eccentric and just tacky enough to be cool. Tarantino’s knack for combining disparate musical styles is what makes this soundtrack so genuine and so flawless.

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6. American Graffiti (1973)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=SapClGprE2A

 

Danny Boyle’s 1996 film Trainspotting is a gritty look at life as a heroin addict in Edinburgh. Its soundtrack is a mix of post punk pop mixed with dramatic undertones that fits precisely throughout the film. Underworld’s “Born Slippy” aptly underscores Renton’s betrayal of his friends and “Dark and Long (Dark Train)” illuminates his fragile state as he suffers though withdrawal. If only for the opening sequence where Renton and Spud run from security guards with McGregor’s famous “choose life” narration over Iggy Pop’s “Lust For Life,” this would be enough to land it on any top soundtrack list.

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3. Purple Rain (1984)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=IccZGXGivic

 

While naysayers may shun the disco fervent soundtrack, the truth is the Bee Gees, whose songs make up the bulk of the recording, are some of the most gifted songwriters and musicians of their generation. They were able to combine melodic hooks with stellar production, to create songs that resonate to this day. In turn, the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack ensured what could have been a mockery, was instead a story that gave credence to its character’s ambitions and desires, all with a title song that itself is a perfect accompaniment to John Travolta’s strut. The album would go on to sell 40 million copies worldwide and become one of only two soundtracks to win a Grammy for Album of the Year.

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Honorable Mentions: 8 Mile, Buena Vista Social Club, Swingers, Rushmore