Best Film Soundtracks: Part 1

What is essential to any film to be successful? Great acting? Flawless special effects? Nope, it all comes down to the beats that move our lives. Nothing makes us jump, cheer, laugh, cry or just downright dance in our seats like a great film score does.

Films are sometimes defined by one piece of music or even still a series of simple notes. What music hits your brain when you take that first plunge in the ocean during vacation? Who knew we could communicate with aliens with five singular notes. And when you think of Val Kilmer spinning a volleyball on his finger, what song comes to mind?

In the first installment of the best soundtracks from films, we start with the first half and work our way to No. 1. Sit back, slip on your oversized headphones on and enjoy.

14. Woodstock (1970)

OK, so I’m cheating a little here. Documenting three days of peace, love and music created one of the best soundtracks. With legends such as Hendrix, Santana, Joplin and Joe Cocker, the soundtrack was as much of an achievement as the film itself.

13. Pulp Fiction (1994)

You got to love a soundtrack that mixed awesome music and the wonderful dialog of one Samuel L. Jackson. “Say what again...!” A little Al Green, Urge Overkill and The Statler Brother makes this disc an eclectic batch of goodies that soothes the soul and kicks the ass.

12. Almost Famous (2000)

With classic rock staples like Elton John’s “Tiny Dancer” and Thunderclap Newman’s “Something in the Air,” Almost Famous is definitely worthy to be on the list. Combine the classics with the fictional band Stillwater’s “Fever Dog” and the soundtrack is road tripping must.

11. Forrest Gump (1994)

Another road trip essential is the soundtrack to Forest Gump. Two disks of classic tunes that range from pop to rock to Motown. It’s one of the few soundtracks that is almost superior to the film.

10. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

Indiana Jones is the fedora, the bullwhip and John Williams. While the accessories help make Jones the badass he is, it’s Williams’ score that makes the character a legend.

9. Empire Strikes Back (1980)

It can be argued that the soundtrack for A New Hope is superior, but Empire captured that essence of this sequel perfectly. There’s a sense of despair, a feeling of foreboding doom that lingers throughout the score and helps explains what makes this film a fan favorite.

8. Jaws (1975)

Two notes. A simple two-note Dum-Dum and millions of fans shied away from the beach in the summer of 1975. When fans think of the fright of Jaws, naturally their thoughts gravitate to the 25-foot Great White lurking in the ocean. In fact, it was a two-note masterpiece that held us in its clutches throughout the first half of the film.

Visit The Yap for Part 2 of the Best Soundtracks Friday.