Last week we finished watching Diario de un Gigoló on Netflix. In the final episode we heard a beautiful song playing in the background. After that I started a search through various channels, without any luck so far. If anyone wants to help, it’s the song starting at 21:21 in episode 10. Anyway, this got me thinking about the importance from music in series and films. A movie can be pretty shitty, but have a good soundtrack, but a great movie can have poor music decisions as well. But if all is in balance both movie and soundtrack should complete eachother. And off course it got me thinking what my favorite movie soundtracks are. Please find my list below. You might miss a few names, but for this list I’m focusing on music compiled for a movie. Not specially composed for a movie. So people like John Williams, Hans Zimmer and Ennio Morricone might pop up in another list somewhere in the future.
10. Baby Driver
Great mix of some newer and older music in this movie about a young getaway driver. From Dutch band Golden Earring, Queen and Simon & Garfunkel to Young MC and Danger Mouse. Discogs link. Youtube link.
9. Intouchables
Never have been very much into classical music. Thanks to this soundtrack we discover Ludovico Einaudi. Add some Earth Wind & Fire and Nina Simone, and you have a decent soundtrack. Discogs link. Youtube link.
8. The Big Chill
Just watched the trailer and have to admit that I do not recollect having seen this at all. But that does not mean that I did not see it. But I do remember the soundtrack. Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, Procol Harum und so weiter. Discogs link. Youtube link.
7. Trainspotting
I might give the movie another chance soon. At that time I did not like it at all. But the soundtrack was great. Brian Eno, Iggy Pop, Lou Reed, but most of all Bedrock’s For what you dream of and Underworld’s Born Slippy. Discogs link. Youtube link.
6. Beverly Hills Cop
More childhood sentiment. I remember watching this in the Cinema in Utrecht with a friend of the family. At that time there were lots of junkies hanging around at Utrecht Central Station. I was a bit scared. Anyway, I think everyone knows the movie and the Axel F theme. And let’s not forget The Heat is On. Discogs link. Youtube link.
5. Forrest Gump
Aretha Franklin, The Doors, Simon & Garfunkel, The Supremes. How many great artists can appear on a soundtrack? Discogs link. Youtube link.
4. American Gangster
Movie about an upcoming gangster at the end of the 60s and early 70s. Class movie starring Denzel Washington. And with lots of music from this period the soundtrack is great too. Discogs link. Youtube link.
3. Reservoir Dogs
As I mentioned before unlike many people I prefer Reservoir Dogs over Pulp Fiction. Not alone for the movie, but also for the soundtrack. George Baker who performs Little Green Bag on this soundtrack is from Holland. Discogs link. Youtube link.
2. Top Gun
Another decent 80s soundtrack. Who does not remember Danger Zone and Take my breath away? Discogs link. Youtube link.
1. The Business
A young geezah escapes living as a thug in London and settles in Spain. There he takes hustling to the next level. Since this all happens in the early 80s this is by far my favorite soundtrack ever. Duran Duran, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Talk Talk, David Bowie, and the list goes on. The old school tracksuits are great as well in this movie. Discogs link. Youtube link.
