My Top Ten Favourite Soundtracks

I'm a sucker for a good soundtrack, especially film ones. The instrumental pieces; whether they're in an action film, a romantic comedy, or just a plain comedy, all give me goosebumps. I thought it was about time I pinned down my favourite ten film's soundtracks and why, and you never know, they might just grow on you too.

10. The Lion King (1994)

'I'm gonna be a mighty king, so enemies beware', oh yes, my favourite Disney film of all time, although I won't argue Pocahontas (1995) and Aladdin (1992) came close. This film is one that has been with me since childhood and through my teenage years became the soundtrack that everyone knew. With wondrous songs such as Can You Feel the Love Tonight and Circle of Life you have to give Elton John some credit for producing some incredibly gripping songs that won't be forgotten by the younger generation, not to mention Hans Zimmer's genius, who will be someone I bring up a lot in this countdown. I actually remember trying to but this in a French supermarket when I was little, however my mum was not convinced. This is my favourite song from the bunch, Under the Stars:



9. Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (2004)

This is one for all the women out there who sat down like I did, single and lonely, with a box of tissues and some chocolate to watch the lives we wished for unravel on our TVs. This sequel to the successful Bridget Jones's Diary (2001) has numerous famous artists on the soundtrack, from The Darkness, Kylie Minogue, and Will Young, to Jamelia and Jamie Cullum. It's upbeat in all the right places, and damn right depressing in the other parts. Nevertheless, it's the ideal romantic comedy for the girls, and if you feel like singing your heart out then there's no harm in Jamelia's Stop. Being a soppy git, that is not my favourite, and instead I have chosen I Eat Dinner by Dido and Rufus Wainwright, a delightful combination that really pulls your heart strings:




8.Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010)

Due for release on DVD on 27th December, this film is one of my favourites this year and it had a rocking soundtrack. A few of the cover tracks on the album are from the film's band Sex Bob-omb, among which I think Garbage Truck is my favourite. There are several other artists, including Beck, Crash and the Boys, and The Rolling Stones. This retro geek-chic film definitely takes pride in its soundtrack, it's not one I listen to all the time but is more of a 'going for a drive' album for me. It's got some funny ones from the battle of the bands part of the film, in particular I'm So Sad, So Very, Very, Sad but the one I think you can rock out to is this one, We Are Sex Bob-omb:



7. Avatar (2009)

I don't think a lot of people will understand why I like this one, but if you like the soundtrack of Jamanji (1995), Titanic (1997), The Perfect Storm (2000) or The Karate Kid (2010) then you have composer James Horner to thank. All the tracks for Avatar are instrumental, some with a small chorus using the Na'vi language as a chant, and the reason I like them are the same reason I love Hans Zimmer. These songs give me goosebumps, they give the right atmosphere, and they always build up to an amazing climax. The use of strings and drums genuinely takes you head on into this adventure, right from the moment Jake enters the Avatar world, through the moments it is under destruction until the very end. Some songs are very long on the album, but the best instrumental pieces are. You can really hear some similarities to the Titanic soundtrack in some of the songs, but this soundtrack makes you feel like you are in an entirely different world. It's magical, and I love the world of fantasy. A whole seven minutes and forty seconds long, Becoming One of the People - Becoming One with Neytiri is the most breathtaking.



6. Shrek 2 (2004)

Ok, I'm getting excited now. I love ALL of the songs from this film, they're catchy, they're fast and I could sing to them all day long. From the beginning of the film, Counting Crow's made me fall Accidentally in Love while Lipps Inc. took me to Funkytown. This soundtrack is fun, there's no other way to describe it, it fits this animation perfectly and makes Shrek 2 that classic that anyone can enjoy. I also like Shrek's soundtrack, but Shrek 2 stood out to me when it took me on that chaotic journey. There are a couple of more contemplative songs, such as People Ain't No Good and I Need Some Sleep, but these are taken over by Jennifer Saunders' Holding Out for a Hero and Livin La Vida Loca by Eddie Murphy and Antonio Banderas. I adore all these songs so much, but the one that gets me every time is this, You're So True by Joseph Arthur. The lyrics are beautiful:




5. Twilight (2008)

Well, you either love it or you hate it, and sorry, but I love it. As I should only be talking about the soundtrack here I won't comment on the films, but this film has various artists which produce a mysterious atmosphere for the film, which I believe was the best way to go having read all the books. There are some more well known artists, Muse and Paramore, amongst others such as Collective Soul and Iron & Wine (great artist!) which give a sense of romance with some 'feisty' thrown in there. I enjoy Carter Burwell's Bella's Lullaby, and Robert Pattinson's Never Think as two songs which are relaxing and emotionally fulfilling. However, I also like the use of Paramore's Decode, which has some very moving lyrics. The proceeding films have not had such an effect on me, apart from Sia's My Love, a very passionate piece. So, here is my favourite, Spotlight (Twilight Mix) by Mute Math:




4. Pearl Harbor (2001)

I'm nearing the top three now, and it's getting pretty hard to actually give these soundtracks a number, because I'd put them all at number one. Pearl Harbor has been a favourite since I watched the film when I was fifteen, not only for the narrative, and the attractive men in it, but for the soundtrack too. These are all instrumental, and unless you're a fan you probably won't have noticed them in the background of the film. But this is a true tear jerker for me, the piano work is graceful, and always catches you off guard, just when you don't think you're going to get upset you probably will. There are some upbeat ones, but they mostly reflect the action going on in the film. It's tough to choose the one I prefer most as there are a couple, but the one I've had on repeat over the years is this, And Then I Kissed Him:



3. Moulin Rouge (2001)

I'm hoping this will be a favourite for most audiences, even the male ones (I know one guy that will sing it with me anyway!). It's one of the most romantic musicals you will ever see, and the soundtrack reflects that. It's sexy, intense, and almost addictive. Because We Can and Lady Marmalade will get you bopping about the place, and there is always the Elephant Love Medley or Come What May that will go down well as a karaoke duet. From the gorgeous voices of Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor, this film is amazing and definitely for those of you who like a good musical. I'm not ashamed to say this soundtrack is on my iPod, and as a big fan of Elton John who sang the original of my favourite, I present you with Your Song, covered by Ewan McGregor and Alessandro Safina. Watch out for the climax at 1:50 in...




2. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001, 2002, 2003)

Call me a bloke, I love them. Invite me to watch all three, extended edition, and I'd happily accept the offer. From the adorable and boisterous Concerning Hobbits to mysteriousness in The White Tree and a mixture of delicateness in The Return of the King, once you have heard all the songs from the films you truly do feel like you are part of the characters. The songs convey the romance, the battles, the tensions, and the loss throughout. It gives a sense of hope and power, and amongst all the fighting it really brings out the true theme of friendship and trust. It saddens me that this trilogy had to come to an end, but I feel through the soundtrack you can relive it again and again. My dad introduced me to Enya one night on a drive home and her voice has stuck with me since, and with this, I give you the one song that I look forward to when I watch these films. Evenstar:




1. Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End

And here we are at number one! Hopefully somewhere out there someone will agree with me that this is a fantastic soundtrack. It's playful, and I think it reflects Johnny Depp's character of Jack Sparrow perfectly. In some places it can be strange, in others just plain fascinating. Composed by in my opinion, the best, Hans Zimmer has produced a stunning soundtrack for the last part of this epic trilogy. In particular, Up Is Down is one I would definitely recommend to simply enjoy, and if you're feeling a little more serious perhaps Hoist The Colours. The one that gives me jitters is this one, One Day which gives me goosebumps at 2:38 exactly in and proves Hans Zimmer's ability to provide an outstanding build up and climax:



There you have it folks, I hope some of you agree, and if not, why not share what you think is a worthy soundtrack?