In compiling this list I realized a few things about myself when it comes to movies. I haven’t seen as many as a real film buff, I’m not nearly as open to different things as I am with music, and I’m drawn to emotional sounds rather than thoughtful lyrics. This list is one of things I really do love, but I wouldn’t say I love soundtracks by their very nature. I can tell you if music ruins a movie for me (Scarface sucks and so does it’s music, most romantic comedies make me grind my teeth) but rarely am I truly moved by music in a film. When I am moved the music becomes a part of me and soundtracks my own life. Included are movie scores and music put together for soundtracks, I didn’t differentiate. I’m absolutely missing pieces that are essential to soundtrack bests, but this is just my list.
- The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou
All of Wes Anderson’s soundtracks are curated with care and purpose. I might know a few songs on any one soundtrack, but usually it’s new stuff for me. Collecting them has always meant discovery for me. I saw this movie in the theatre and loved the guy singing in a foreign language and playing guitar in various scenes. Buying this soundtrack was my initial exposure to David Bowie, to which I am very grateful. The guy singing in the movie was Seu Jorge, and I found out it was Portuguese versions of Bowie songs. Every song fits perfect in the film; Mark Mothersbaugh’s score is excellent and whimsical. Plus my exposure to Iggy and the Stooges, Devo (I only knew ‘Whip It’) and the Zombies made this an important piece in my collection.
- Napoleon Dynamite
I love this movie and I love the music in it. It’s a simple movie, simple music and a simple explanation of why it’s a favorite. Because I feel like it, GOSH! John Swihart puts out a quirky sound matching this quintessential quirky movie that feels like a perfect extension of Napoleon himself. Every song picked for the movie is an excellent choice. I especially love Napoleon’s dance to ‘Canned Heat’ by Jamiroquai and the final scene use of ‘The Promise’ by When In Rome.
- Hook
This is a childhood favorite that has gotten better with age (both movie and soundtrack). I used to fly my oldest daughter Rapha around the room when we listened to ‘Remembering Childhood’ and she would giggle with delight. I realize that most of John William’s work sounds similar, but it’s so grand and cinematic that I can’t help but love it.
4. Beauty And The Beast
Here’s another one that I loved as a kid but got better. Most musicals bother me with terrible lyrics and phony emotion; I think this movie stands apart from most other musical theatre endeavors. When Belle runs into the field and sings ‘I want adventure in the great wide somewhere, I want it more than I can tell!’ it always gives me the shivers. Angela Lansbury’s/Mrs. Pott’s version of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ is so beautiful that I’m positive I cried when I saw it in the theater as a kid. I deleted the Celine Dion trash version of the song when I put on my iPod.
(Bonus rabbit trail list- favorite Disney animated movie songs that are actually about going on crazy adventures with Jesus: A Whole New World- Aladdin, How Far I’ll Go- Moana. If you listen to these and Holy Spirit doesn’t speak to you PLEASE get Spirit filled.)
- Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind
The part of the movie near the beginning where Jim Carrey is weeping and Beck’s ultra-emotive ‘Everybody’s Got to Learn Sometime’ is the realest scene of heartbreak I’ve ever seen. Jon Brion’s compositions are fitting and beautiful, especially as the movie’s theme plays when Mark Ruffalo says ‘I really liked you’ to Kirsten Dunst.
- The Wizard Of Oz
This great American classic has meaning for so many people for a variety of reasons. To me it means Thanksgiving time (we must have watched it on Thanksgiving when I was a kid) and having the whimsical soundtrack be a part of consciousness. The trio of Scarecrow, Tin man and Cowardly Lion’s songs of what they desire are funny and genuinely relatable. Think about it, how many times did you wish you had brains, heart and courage? My favorite song is ‘The Merry Old Land Of Oz,’ for its jubilant joyfulness; the way this song plays out is how I feel when we go to Disneyworld or youth camp.
- Jurassic Park
John Williams is a genius. I think the theme to Jurassic Park is my favorite piece Williams does. I like it better than Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and Superman. Suffice to say, I really enjoy this soundtrack.
- Back To The Future
This is my all-time favorite movie (tied with ‘The Dark Knight’) and has an iconic soundtrack. The mix of 80’s goof rock and 50’s standards is a fantastic contrast. ‘The Power Of Love’ by Huey Lewis and the News is incredibly cheesy, but works so well that it couldn’t be replaced by a cooler song. It is the only time I will let Huey Lewis slide, the rest of the time let’s put his music in the garbage where it belongs. The pretend band Marvin Berry & The Starlighters is an all-time great pretend band; their versions of ‘Night Train’ and ‘Earth Angel’ are my favorite renditions of those songs. Plus, ‘Johnny B. Goode’; that was my favorite part when I was a kid.
- Wall-E
A superb movie, an excellent score by Thomas Newman, and a handful of songs chosen with what had to be great care make this a keeper. ‘Define Dancing’ is the music we use for my wife’s dance concerts after the show; it gives the audience a feeling of gentleness and contentment. Seriously, listen to it. If you don’t feel that way after hearing it you are most likely dead inside.
- Super 8
This was another great movie that was aided expertly by its score. The music is haunting or intense when it needs to be and has a lovely familiarity when the time is right. My favorite piece is at the end of the movie, called ‘Letting Go’. Children reunite with their fathers and the main character comes to terms with his mother’s death. It is a stunning piece of music, and makes me emotional anytime I hear it.
Shout out’s to the soundtracks of Batman (Tim Burton/Danny Elfman), The Incredibles (Michael Giacchino), and City Of God (Antônio Pinto Junior and Ed Côrtez’), more great movies with great soundtracks.
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