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5 Favourite Movie Soundtracks

5 Favourite Movie Soundtracks

By: Julia Prendergast

In honour of National Film Score Day, we put together a list of five of our favourite film scores:

  1. The Graduate (1967)

The Graduate’s soundtrack became massively popular and launched Simon & Garfunkel’s single, ‘Mrs. Robinson’, to a new level of fame. Simon & Garfunkel also contributed songs such as ‘Scarborough Fair’ and ‘April Come She Will’, though not to overshadow Dave Grusin’s orchestral swing.

  1. The Big Chill (1983)

The Big Chill’s soundtrack has definitely lent itself to a party or two since its release in 1983. From Creedence Clearwater Revival and Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, to Procol Harum, this soundtrack can satisfy any craving for the classics.

  1. Dirty Dancing (1987)

Believe it or not, the Dirty Dancing soundtrack sold roughly 32 million copies worldwide after its release. The movie features a mainly pop score, from the likes of the Five Satins and the Ronettes, fitting in perfectly with Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes’ Oscar-winning rendition of ‘(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life’.

  1. Trainspotting (1996)

This film, managing to remain full of life while depicting awful tragedies, kicks off with Iggy Pop’s ‘Lust for Life’. What follows is a collective of tracks ranging from post-punk disco to some 90’s rave favourites, and beyond. Lou Reed’s ‘Perfect Day’ also finds its spot on the soundtrack, adding his signature style to the mix.

  1. Straight Outta Compton (2015)

This movie follows the history of the legendary hip-hop group N.W.A. While their tracks play heavily throughout the film (no complaints here!), we also get a taste of the legends that inspired Dr. Dre himself. Roy Ayers and his song ‘Everybody Loves the Sunshine’ is featured, which helped Dr. Dre to find his West Coast, bass-heavy sound. This soundtrack is more like a collection of some influential recordings from the ‘80s and ‘90s.

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