10 of the Greatest Songs from Movie Soundtracks
Barbie isn’t the only movie that boasts an incredible soundtrack — here are our favourites that make great movies even greater.
It’s Barbie Day in the UK — we can finally enjoy the star-studded soundtrack in all its glory (not to mention on screens!).
I mean, I’m already obsessed with Dua Lipa’s Dance The Night and Charli XCX’s Speed Drive, so I get the feeling all our playlists are going to be turned pink for quite a while – not that I’m complaining.
But before we all get stuck into Greta Gerwig’s pink, plastic and fantastic world in headphones and in cinemas, delve into some of our favourite songs from movie soundtracks to remind yourself of great music moments in film (or just listen to some amazing songs!).
Though don’t worry, you’re not going to get the same basic list of tracks you’ve seen a million times. There’s no Don’t You (Forget About Me) by Simple Minds and Heroes by David Bowie is nowhere to be seen or heard (even though we love those tracks to pieces).
Without further ado…
1. Pretty in Pink by The Psychedelic Furs in ‘Pretty in Pink’
Originally released in 1981 as a single from The Psychedelic Furs’ second album Talk Talk Talk, John Hughes gave his 1986 film the same title after actress Molly Ringwald told Hughes about the track at the end of filming ‘Sixteen Candles’. Re-recording a poppier version for the film’s opening credits, the post-punk band’s upbeat rhythm, earworm melodies and punky vocals set the tone perfectly for the cult classic, placing audiences at the alternative edges of American society and instantly taking us back to the 80s. Plus, it features an iconic sax melody, so what’s not to love?
2. Piledriver waltz by Alex Turner in ‘Submarine’
Piledriver waltz is one of six original songs by Arctic Monkeys’ lead vocalist Alex Turner that made up the soundtrack of Richard Ayoade’s debut feature film, ‘Submarine.’ Departing from the previous guitar-heavy work of the Monkeys to experiment with an indie folk sound, Piledriver waltz is a stunning addition to the film, not only for its musical complexity – the song features two-time signatures – and its gorgeous orchestral arrangement, but also for its lyrical content, which mirrors the melancholic tone of the film so beautifully. It’s really no wonder that Arctic Monkeys decided to re-record the track for their fourth album Suck It and See.
3. These Days by Nico in ‘The Royal Tenenbaums’
Playing over the reunion between Margot (Gwyneth Paltrow) and Richie (Luke Wilson), the song’s picking pattern, string elements and sincere lyrics add so much to the scene tonally and emotionally. Despite the limited dialogue, the song tells us exactly how each character feels about the other, showing the power music can have in a film, whilst also putting a spotlight on just how gorgeous this simple-sounding track is.
4. Tiny Dancer by Elton John in ‘Almost Famous’
The inclusion of Elton John’s Tiny Dancer in the ‘Almost Famous’ (now famous) bus scene not only made the scene incredibly well-known, but also helped make one of John’s lesser-known tracks hugely popular. From the moment the piano melody begins and the cast start singing along, the audience are treated to a much-needed moment to catch their breath at what is a stressful point in the movie, before the song builds to its cathartic chorus and reminds everyone of just how talented Elton John is as a songwriter (even though we really shouldn’t need reminding).
Honourable mention: the movie’s original song, Fever Dog, has to get a special mention as that song made me a fan of Stillwater (even though it’s a fictional band). If you’ve not heard it, give it a listen and you’ll know what I mean.
5. What’s Up Danger by Blackway and Black Caviar in ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’
This powerful track comes at a key moment in ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’, when Miles Morales is preparing to take on Kingpin in an epic battle. The driving rhythm and march-like beat truly suit the emotions at the core of the scene, as the sound and lyrics perfectly mirror Miles’ decision to take a risk and be brave in the situation he is in. The track exists as a sort of motivational anthem in the film, which effectively helps the movie build to its narrative climax and no doubt inspired many viewers in one way or another.
6. Young and Beautiful by Lana Del Rey in ‘The Great Gatsby’
With her theatrical performances and sound, it only made sense that Lana Del Rey would one day write a theme song for a hit movie – the fact that she didn’t even have to alter her style for the film just shows how it was always meant to be. Young and Beautiful’s rich tones and decadent orchestral sound pull the listener into Gatsby’s lavish world, while Lana Del Rey’s nostalgic leanings make this track a fitting addition to a story about a man preoccupied with the past. It’s really no surprise that the singer was able to create a powerful anthem that equals the extravagance of the film.
7. Where Is My Mind? by Pixies in ‘Fight Club’
Before it was even featured in the hit film ‘Fight Club’, Pixies’ Where Is My Mind? was already an iconic single in itself. Yet, in slowly leading into the film’s credits sequence, the song somehow becomes even more impactful. As explosions loudly intertwine with the iconic acoustic strums and electric guitar tune, the song’s lyrics emphasise the central themes of the film and most importantly the plot twist, leaving audiences stunned at both the movie’s ending and the song’s perfect placement.
8. Exit Music (For a Film) by Radiohead in ‘Romeo + Juliet’
When commissioned by director Baz Luhrmann to write a song for his adaptation of ‘Romeo and Juliet’, Radiohead created one of their many famous songs, Exit Music (For a Film), before featuring it on their 1997 album OK Computer. Playing over the movie’s end credits following its famously tragic ending, the haunting track brings the film to a poignant end by encapsulating the tragedy, heartbreak and distress of the story through melancholic vocals and a stunning climactic build.
9. Mystery of Love by Sufjan Stevens in ‘Call Me by Your Name’
Indie folk singer-songwriter Sufjan Stevens skilfully brings a quiet intimacy and sense of innocence to the ‘Call Me by Your Name’ soundtrack through his sentimental piano-ballad Mystery of Love. Playing when young Elio and Oliver take a trip together, the delicate song highlights the hope and purity that is often at the centre of first love, while acoustic strings bring a sweetness to the track and breathy vocals whisk you away to the world of a romantic in Italy.
10. No Ceiling by Eddie Vedder in ‘Into The Wild’
Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder created an entire original soundtrack for ‘Into The Wild’, but arguably one of the best tracks in the film is No Ceiling. It comes at a moment when the protagonist Chris is in Alaska and is realising that he needs people in his life to be happy. The folk sound of the banjo brings with it an array of emotions, including motivation and realisation, while the song’s lyrics create the sense of someone leaving or saying goodbye to something they’ve learned from. Mirroring the plot beautifully, this gives more meaning to Chris’ actions in the scene, ensuring that audiences understand the extent of this moment, as well as the true meaning of the film.
Did we miss your favourite? Let us know!