When Soundtracks Make a Movie

You know a movie has left an imprint on you when you find your brain defaulting to the remnants of its soundtrack, replacing the white noise that used to occupy your brain. The danger of this recently became evident to me after I listened to the ‘Hairspray’ soundtrack. I had to listen to every other playlist I created on Spotify in an attempt to rid my brain of the disease that was ‘You Can’t Stop The Beat.’  Music can make a performance convincing, enhance a scene and bring the audience to tears.

Of course, the ‘Disney’ franchise cannot be ignored for its movie soundtracks. Between ‘Encanto’s ‘Remember Me’ and ‘The Lion King’s ‘I Just Can’t Wait To Be King’, Disney can transport its audience from tears to laughter and their soundtracks are undoubtedly central to their brand. 

It would be near impossible to discuss the best movie soundtracks without mentioning Edgar Wright’s 2017 movie ‘Baby Driver’. An amalgamation of cheesy hits including ‘Easy’ by the Commodores, ‘When something is wrong with my baby’ by Sam & Dave and Barry White’s ‘Never Never Gonna Give Ya Up’ intensify pivotal scenes, while other scenes are built around the music itself. The songs in this movie are central to the entire plot of this movie, and the personality of Baby himself. 

‘Back to the Future’ (1985) is one of those classic movies that is hard not to love. Huey Lewis & The News and Chuck Berry have become the very epitome of the ‘Back to the Future’ trilogy, adding to the lively, playful atmosphere of the movie.

Another feel-good 80’s classic is ‘Top Gun’ (1986). You know you're riding into the danger zone of catchy songs when you watch ‘Top Gun’. It’s cheesy 80’s at its finest; it’s romance and action and heroism. From ‘Great Balls Of Fire’ to the iconic ‘Top Gun Anthem’ there’s no denying the significance of this soundtrack to its fans. 

More recently, Greta Gerwig released the critically acclaimed ‘Barbie’ (2023) movie, and alongside it ‘Barbie The Album’ was born, with six tracks in the UK Top 40. Featuring several award-winning songs, including ‘What Was I Made For?’ by Billie Eilish, ‘Dance The Night’ by Dua Lipa, and, of course, Ryan Gosling’s ‘I’m Just Ken’. The movie delivered a powerful yet humorous social commentary on the perception of women and female empowerment. Safe to say, I laughed and I cried. 

Edited by: Eleanor Robinson