We are on a family road trip right now. What this means is that we need to fill many, many hours with something other than fighting over the music, since my taste tends to fall somewhere in the “indie folk” genre, while my husband’s tends to fall somewhere closer to, well, bubble gum pop, fist-pumping music. So, since music is obviously out, the discussion turns to very important things, like, whether or not Jude Law has had a hair transplant or what movies had the best soundtracks—my favorites being the soundtracks that are way, way better than the movies. See: the entire Twilight series, Catch and Release, Batman Forever, Garden State.
The Ten Best Movie Soundtracks Ever
(…that are not musicals.)
1. Wicker Park. This one is worth it for the Broken Social Scene factor alone. But it doesn’t just stop at their epic “Lover’s Spit”. This one has a great mix of Aqualung, Mogwai, Mates of State, Death Cab for Cutie, Mazzy Star, The Shins. It’s a great soundtrack to a mediocre film. Josh Hartnett is no longer relevant, but this soundtrack sure is.
2. Beautiful Girls. The greats—The Afghan Whigs’ cover of Barry White’s “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Babe,” The Spinners and Kiss—make up for the only meh songs on this near-perfect soundtrack to an amazing movie. Also: “Sweet Caroline”.
3. Almost Famous. This one is—hands down—my favorite soundtrack of all time. From Elton John’s “Tiny Dancer” (and I dare you not to think of the bus scene!) to The Allman Brothers Band’s “One Way Out” to Led Zeppelin’s “That’s The Way.” This soundtrack feels like a little gift—wrapped up nicely with bow. Every song is good, every song is great. Also, there’s music from Stillwater—obviously.
You’re thinking of the bus scene now, aren’t you?
Well…here. Let me help with that!
4. Singles. This one is fabulous from start to finish. The likes of Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Smashing Pumpkins, and Screaming Trees remind us that this movie—which came out almost exactly TWENTY years ago—is an ode to grunge music. And, really, the only thing missing from it is a little Nirvana. Or, well, a lot of Nirvana.
5. Reality Bites. One of the best and most charming of the 1990s. This soundtrack is such a great eclectic mix of pop, rock, and alternative. It’s good from start to finish—even the number by Ethan Hawke.
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