A soundtrack can make or break a movie. The iconic prologue as we entered the halls of Hogwarts and the masterpiece that is “A Whole New World” has shaped our generation. When a soundtrack is good, it causes butterflies in your stomach and you are swallowed up in the adventures of your favorite characters. When a soundtrack is bad, you are left feeling isolated in your chair, checking your watch every two minutes to see if the movie is over yet. So, without further ado, here are five of the best movie soundtracks going around from Gen Y. Would you add anything to the list?
Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby: Oh my goodness, this soundtrack is impeccable. Transforming some of today’s top hits into big band serenades and layering on the haunting vocals of Lana Del Ray as (spoiler) Gatsby dies, this soundtrack plays as big a role as the stunning cinematography in the movie. For epic renditions of songs by Beyoncé, Fergie and Sia, this is your ultimate go to.
Music Inspired by The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe: Please allow me to geek out for a second and talk about how much I adore this soundtrack. It’s a must for lovers of CCM (or the ‘inspirational’ tab on iTunes), and it includes songs by TobyMac, Bethany Dillon, Rebecca St James AND Jars of Clay. If you are like me and have dreamt of entering the world of Narnia through an enchanted wardrobe, you really should give this soundtrack a listen. Bonus points if you can pick up the references to the iconic C.S.Lewis story throughout the lyrics (Turkish Delight anyone?).
The Princess Diaries: If you were born in the 90s, this chick flick is likely a staple in your DVD collection. And even though most of us don’t even remember who sang what song on the soundtrack, the sounds of “Super Girl” by Krystal Harris, “Miracles Happen” by Mya and “Hold On” by B*Witched are the best corny pop songs going around. Throw in Hanson, The Backstreet Boys, Steps and Mandy Moore and this soundtrack is a winner.
A Walk To Remember: I know the phrase “Tears for days” largely belongs to The Fault in Our Stars, but I’m pretty sure this movie (and the novel it is based upon) could have coined it. I dare you to listen to Mandy Moore’s version of “Only Hope” and not tear up. Poignant, poetic and hopelessly romantic, the soundtrack which put Switchfoot on the map is one of the best.
The Hunger Games: Songs from District 12 and Beyond: To be honest, this makes the list because the combination of Taylor Swift and The Civil Wars in “Safe and Sound” seems to communicate the heartbreak of Suzanne Collin’s story to a tee. The soundtrack is eerie, quiet, powerful and haunting. Opening with the trademark sound of Arcade Fire, I think it’s safe to say that this soundtrack goes in hand in hand with an amazing performance by Jennifer Lawrence.