There’s No Business, Like Show Business

One of the most important elements of a film is the soundtrack: the sweet symphonic sounds that make the film complete, the songs that bring a scene to life. Over the years, the classic film soundtrack has transformed from a simple score, to blockbuster musical numbers, to today’s popular renovated recordings. Music in film is highly influential to our culture. I’m sure we can all remember that time in our childhood when we first heard Somewhere Over the Rainbow, or as the years progressed, the first time we listened to My Heart Will Go On (and the countless times after that). Songs from the cinema complete a substantial part of our everyday music obsessed lives. Whether it be an impressive orchestral piece, a contemporary classic, or a distinct melody we have never heard before, we all have our favorites. Would you like to hear a few of mine?

Probably one of the best modern musicals of all time, the spectacular (spectacular) Moulin Rouge sets itself apart with its inventive soundtrack of re-imagined tunes. Featured songs by Elton John, The Police, and Paul McCartney make up a small part of this set list. You will most likely remember Ewan McGregor’s fantastic rendition of ‘Your Song,’ but the highlight (and my favorite) of the score is, Elephant Love Medley. Undoubtedly memorable, the track plays as compilation of popular love songs. “How wonderful life is, now you’re in the world.”

Once: The film that stole everyone’s hearts. With original music by Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova, this heartwarming tale of blossoming love and loss easily became one of the most beloved soundtracks of the past few years. The songwriting duo will forever hold a special place in my heart with songs like ‘Say It To Me Now,’ and ‘When Your Minds Made Up.’ The alternative folk style shines and captivates. However, the must-listen on the album features the stunning love song, Falling Slowly. It is simply impossible not to fall head-over-heels taking in each poetic lyric as the beautiful melodies unfold. Here, take a listen.

How to Be is the quirky indie comedy I’m sure many of you haven’t heard of, thought its star is a different story. Starring Robert Pattinson (Please hold your FanGirl screams until the end), the film boasts a delightful mix of humor and truth. Pattinson lends his voice to the album, singing rough tunes originated by the films struggling character, Art. Here you will find the soundtrack to be as eccentric as the film itself. Though if you are anything like me, that makes the album that much more likeable. A mix of fun instrumental tunes, Art’s sorrowful songs, and out of the ordinary classics, the soundtrack is in a league all its own. Hammond Song, by The Roches, is by far my favorite on the album.

Beatles fans will find this pick familiar. Across the Universe is the film that carefully crafted the legendary band’s songs into two hours of music and plot, reaffirming our love for the classic tunes we all fell in love with early on. Taking their own spin on things, the soundtrack spans the entire career of the band, updating the anthems we have memorized by heart. Sung by Jim Sturgess, the novel folk-country rendition of I’ve Just Seen a Face stands out amongst the rest. The scene in the film is imaginative and jovial, with the prefect amount traditional movie-musical qualities.

I want YOUR music suggestions! You can Tweet, Facebook, or E-mail your suggestions to me. And you can always leave your song, artist, or album suggestions in the comments below.

What did you think of the featured songs above? What is your favorite soundtrack? Your favorite musical? What is your favorite song from a film? Tell me in the comments!

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