THE 50 MOST ESSENTIAL MOVIE SOUNDTRACKS. Today: #25-21. More: tomorrow.

Caffè Lattè presents:

THE MOST ESSENTIAL

MOVIE SOUNDTRACKS

For decades, songs and movies have been matched. The most successful are effective tools, cross-promoting both the music and the film in which they are featured; giving one or both longevity. Here are 50 Motion Picture Soundtrack Albums that evoke memories of the films they appeared in. The criteria was to include only movie soundtracks which consisted largely of new material, rather than a compilation of older songs or remakes.

 

25

URBAN COWBOY

1980

The new singles included on the ‘Urban Cowboy’ soundtrack were major hits on the US Country Chart. The John Travolta film spawned #1 singles on that listing such as “Lookin’ For Love” (Johnny Lee), “Stand By Me” (Mickey Gilley) and “Could I Have This Dance” by Anne Murray. It also featured “Love The World Away” (Kenny Rogers) and “Look What You’ve Done To Me” (Boz Scaggs). The LP proved so popular, it crossed over to the Pop and Adult Contemporary charts. 

24

ROMEO AND JULIET

1996

Baz Luhrmann directed an imaginative adaptation of William Shakespeare’s famous tale of star-crossed lovers. The 2 main protagonists were portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Daines. Among the soundtrack’s highlights are the sublime “Kissing You” (Des’ree) and Swedish pop hit “Lovefool” (The Cardigans).

23

BEACHES  

1988

Arguably the best film vehicle starring Bette Midler, the film revolved around a friendship between two women. The actress/ singer demonstrates her versatility on the soundtrack album. Although there are some covers, most notably “Wind Beneath My Wings”, “Under The Boardwalk” and “I Think It’s Going To Rain Today”, Midler injects humour and emotion in her inimitable way. The former track had been recorded before, but it was ‘Beaches’ that brought it to the world’s attention.

22

THE GREATEST SHOWMAN 

2017

Hugh Jackman leads the ensemble cast on the soundtrack album which topped charts in America, Britain, Australia and New Zealand. Its stand-out track is the anthemic “This Is Me”, performed by Keala Steele. 

21

BEVERLY HILLS COP

1984

Eddie Murphy’s action comedy boasted a very contemporary soundtrack, offering the chart hits “Axel F” (Harold Faltermeyer), “The Heat Is On” (Glenn Frey) and “Neutron Dance” (Pointer Sisters). The parent LP which reached #1 on the US Album Chart, also included songs by Patti LaBelle, Shalamar and Danny Elfman.