film soundtrack recommendations
How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
Recommended Track(s): This Is Berk, Coming Back Around
-An absolutely phenomenal soundtrack. Powell does an excellent job of creating a distinct style that is able to contribute to the world building. Emotional beats are also carried out perfect through the music. Not gonna lie this is probably my favorite soundtrack period. It’s just hacking amazing, go listen to it.
Composer: Javier Navarrete
Recommended Track(s): Pan’s Labyrinth Lullaby
-This movie combines historical fiction and magical realism and the soundtrack does a good job of reflecting whichever it needs to. The repetition of the main theme becomes very powerful by the end and is therefore able to shape emotions. It’s just *chef kiss*.
Recommended Track(s): Theme From Schindler’s List
-This is a very emotionally heavy film and Williams doesn’t hold back. The theme alone is so tragically beautiful and adds so much to the film. He uses a Jewish violinist for the main theme’s solo which really goes to show the detail in the music.
Star Wars: Episodes I-VI (1977-2005)
Recommended Track(s): Main Title, Imperial March, Duel of the Fates
-A classic that probably everyone knows. Williams really brought leitmotifs into movies with these films and it does wonders. Each theme is phenomenal in its own way and Williams doesn’t hold back. And yeah, I’m not including the sequel triology because if I’m being honest the music is not that memorable and doesn’t hold up the legacy of its predecessors.
Pirates of the Caribbean: 1-3 (2003-2007)
Composer: Klaus Badelt, Hans Zimmer
Recommended Track(s): The Kraken, Drink Up Me Hearties Yo Ho, Swords Crossed
-So I know the music for these movies can get a little over saturated if you’re in a musical group (like orchestra or marching band), but that doesn’t make it not good. I’m continuously blown away by how creative each theme is and the diversity of instruments across themes (for example, the violins get to shine in Drink Up Me Hearties, but bass gets to be heard in The Kraken). Additionally, the widespread use of syncopation makes me happy. It’s just so good.
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003)
Recommended Track(s): A Knife in the Dark, The Battle of Pelennor Fields, The Eagles
-Where to begin? Every single theme and track in these films is absolutely phenomenal I can’t even begin to explain. I recommend watching interviews and bts on this music because there’s so much detail and care put into it. I know I only put four recommended tracks, but that’s not enough. This is probably the soundtrack to end all other soundtracks like wow.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (2005)
Composer: Harry Gregson-Williams
Recommended Track(s): A Narnia Lullaby, To Aslan’s Camp
-Another fantasy film where the music adds to and melds itself to the story. The contrast in instrumentation across themes really helps emphasize the difference between the two sides in the film. Ngl I have a soft spot for this movie and it’s music.
Recommended Track(s): The Night Window, A Bit of Tin, Come Back To Us
-This is everything the Dunkirk soundtrack tried to be (oooh, historical film tea that no one cares about except me 🍵). This soundtrack has identifiable underscoring that effortless creates tension, but when it needs to it conveys other emotions such as grief and longing. And it’s able to do both those things in quick succession without being thrown off it’s groove. There are several breathtaking moments in the soundtrack (and when paired with the film’s visuals, it’s even more astounding). Additionally, Come Back To Us has to have one of the most beautiful cello lines I’ve ever heard in my lifetime. Props to Newman for this one.
Recommended Track(s): The Maze Runner
-Paesano does a really good job of melding electronic instruments/noises and the orchestra. It creates a unique sound that is identifiable for the entirety of the film. The main theme track does a really good job of building in a theme and variations style and it’s honestly really great.
