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6 Stellar Sountracks
Modern cinema is a massive industry, grossing hundreds of billions of dollars a year while also producing some of the biggest celebrities. Every year has a single film that makes the most money, one that is deemed the “best” in the eyes of the public, one that wins the best picture at the Oscars, etc. But music is a fundamental and often overlooked aspect of many films, and sometimes an incredible (or underwhelming) soundtrack has the potential to make or break an entire movie. With that being said, here are my top six film soundtracks ever:
6. Trainspotting (1996)
This Ewan McGregor-led indie hit from the U.K. chronicled the life of social vagrant Mark and his circle of heroin-addicted friends as they navigate their impending overdose doom, all the while surrounded by an unapologetically brit-pop and techno haze. With musical contributions from iconic British acts like Damon Albarn and Blur, this flick provides social commentary on urban poverty through black comedy, and some unforgettable tracks.
5. Requiem for a Dream (2000)
4. Forrest Gump (1994)
Forrest Gump is undoubtedly one of the most recognizably American films, ever. This film is kind of like a 3 hour lesson on American history, told through iconic songs and running, lots and lots of running. The soundtrack follows the years of Forrest’s life, from his childhood in the early 50’s spent singing along to songs by Elvis, to his teen years listening to Aretha Franklin and the Doors. The film progresses through multiple eras of popular music, from Simon and Garfunkel to Lynyrd Skynyrd and Fleetwood Mac. A true testament of the history of American music, this soundtrack is powerfully unforgettable.
3. Dirty Dancing (1987)
2. Almost Famous (2000)
Historically, movies made about the music scene have
1. Drive (2011)
I’m somewhat of a cinefile and have watched countless movies, and over the years I always had a different favorite film every few months that I thought couldn’t be beat. But for four years now, Drive has been my favorite movie of all time, my go to when I can’t decide what to watch, my instant recommendation to any friend that is in the same predicament, and my most treasured soundtrack. With a minimal yet powerful title like Drive, you’d think the soundtrack would be teeming with searing guitar riffs and heavy vocals, but it is the complete and total opposite. Beautifully composed by Cliff Martinez, the score is an integral part of the film, aiding in character development and holding as much importance to the plot as the film itself. Once you watch Drive, it is almost impossible to imagine the film without it’s ambient and neon tracks. I’ve attached a video below that showcases some highlights from the score: