Introduction
This year I wrote two articles on Prince soundtracks (1984’s Purple Rain and 1989’s Batman). I realized I had never made a list containing the greatest soundtracks. Well, here it is.
Soundtracks
What are we talking about?
A soundtrack, also written sound track, can be recorded music accompanying and synchronized to the images of a motion picture, book, television program, or video game; a commercially released soundtrack album of music as featured in the soundtrack of a film, video, or television presentation; or the physical area of a film that contains the synchronized recorded sound.
For my list I added two more conditions:
- I have to have a physical copy in my possession (CD or LP)
- it has to contain newly written music (especially written for the movie, video, etc.)
Due to the last condition the great soundtracks to a lot of Quentin Tarantino movies are discarded. The music existed (way) before the movie.
So, on with my list containing my 10 favorite soundtracks, which I listened to a lot and of which I watched the accompanying movie (multiple times).
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Woodstock1970 The first soundtrack I knew. An account of the mythical pop festival that was organized 50 years ago this August, where so many greats performed. For me personally, Sly & The Family Stone’s performance is the undisputed highlight. |
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Shaft1971 Just the first notes of the title song alone can give me goosebumps. Laid-back, yet übercool, funk! |
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Super Fly1972 The pinnacle Curtis Mayfield album? Probably. So many great songs, so much musicality, so much originality. A dizzying piece of work and a soul classic. |
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Saturday Night Fever1977 I vividly remember where I was when I saw the movie. I thought the story was impressive (I was just 11 years old when I saw it) and the music wonderful. Also read: Saturday Night Fever. |
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Dance Craze1981 English ska’s popularity was already waning, but this album was still exciting. The best of everything the ska-revival had to offer, coming together on this album, live and fresh! |
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Purple Rain1984 One of the most exciting albums of all time is a soundtrack to a movie about a musician whose life isn’t easy, and isn’t very easy himself. An exciting mix of rock and funk! Also read: Prince reaches the top of the world with Purple Rain, the album, the movie and the tour. |
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Do The Right Thing1989 The movie was a revelation. The ever rising tensions between all the different segments of people and social groups during a sizzling hot summer in New York. Beautiful atmospheric images of a city where many struggle with prejudice and its consequences. The central musical theme is written for the movie: Public Enemy‘s genius Fight The Power. |
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Twin Peaks1990 The soundtrack for the best television series of all time. The beautiful, heart wrenching, terrifying, comical, wayward and overwhelming Twin Peaks. The music fits the images seamlessly (and vice versa). Moving music, which is exciting, sexy, sad and evil. The music alone is a journey in itself. |
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The Straight Story1999 Just like Twin Peaks, The Straight Story is directed by David Lynch. Contrary to his regular work, Lynch was hired (by Disney!) to make this movie. It’s the moving, true story of an old man who wants to visit his brother. He covers his route, through the heart of the US, on a tractor. A beautiful movie, with music that honors all the splendor. |
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Black Panther2018 Well, king Kendrick. Everything Kendrick Lamar touches seems to turn into gold. As is the case with the soundtrack to the movie Black Panther. The world is enriched by yet another hip-hop classic! |
In closing
What do you think is the best soundtrack of all time? Isn’t it a part of the list and you think it’s sorely missed? Let me know! If you react using the comment form below, your choice will be added to the article *.
* Due to the holiday season it is possible that choices will not be added before the month of September.
Additions by readers
Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence1983 By Jessica (see Dutch article) |
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The Fifth Element1997 By Yvon Jonckbloedt (see Dutch article) |
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The Mission1986 By Menzo Barendregt (see Dutch article) |
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Atonement / Celle Que Vous Croyez2007 / 2019 By Peter van Soest (see Dutch article) |
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Video/Spotify
This story contains an accompanying video. Click on the following link to see it: Video: My 10 favorite soundtracks. The A Pop Life playlist on Spotify has been updated as well.
2 comments
That TP soundtrack still gets played by me regularly. Hauntingly beautiful
Author
Agreed!