nless you’ve been actively avoiding all forms of communication for the past few months, you’ve probably heard about Hollywood’s newest show-stopping, blockbuster film, La La Land. This homage to the classic Hollywood movie musical has had both audiences and awards charging towards it like a stampede. Although there is much controversy over whether or not it deserves such prestige, it is without a doubt on the minds and in the ears of thousands.
Being the first big Hollywood musical in what feels like ages, the film’s soundtrack has been the music to many an eager ear. Yet, can you think of the last film whose soundtrack made quite this big of a splash? One can quickly rattle off the great scores from Star Wars, Jurassic Park, Harry Potter, and even Inception. While it is undeniable that in a perfect world Hans Zimmer and John Williams would compose each of our lives’ background music, to generalize the work of thousands of underappreciated music directors in the film industry into just those two names would be a true disservice.
Think about how much buzz was generated by The Great Gatsby (2013) soundtrack. Was it probably because Beyoncé was featured on it? Yes. However, what is important is that that soundtrack was not a compilation of orchestral compositions all done by one person hired specifically for the job; it was a big, beautiful, car radio mixtape that someone got to blast to millions of people all over the world. Those are the kinds of soundtracks I’m talking about – the kind that create mood, establish setting, bring tears to your eyes at just the right moments and put you on the edge of your seats for others.
I would like to take this time to applaud those wonderful artists who produced in us those feelings–feelings we continue to recocgnize each time we joyfully associate a song with the film that first introduced us to it. So, without further ado, here is a feel-good playlist of 10 of my favorite songs that I first discovered while watching these 10 different films:
1. Find My Way – Gabe Dixon – The Proposal (2009)
2. Send Me On My Way – Rusted Root – Matilda (1996)
3. This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) – Natalie Cole – The Parent Trap (1998)
4. For What It’s Worth – Buffalo Springfield – Forrest Gump (1994)
5. Son of a Preacher Man – Dusty Springfield – Pulp Fiction (1994)
6. Sexy Silk – Jessie J – Easy A (2010)
7. Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough – Michael Jackson – 27 Dresses (2008)
8. Rescue Me – Fontella Bass – Sister Act (1992)
9. Think – Aretha Franklin – The Blues Brothers (1980)
10. Silly Boy – The Blue Van – The First Time (2012)
Images Courtesy of: IMDb.