For my first ever WIUX article, I wanted to write about two things that I love: music and movies. Hello, blog post about movie soundtracks! Here are seven of my favorites in no particular order. I initially tried to rank them, but I became so conflicted and frustrated that I decided it wasn’t worth the immense anxiety.

 

1. Slumdog Millionaire (2008)

While this is not a conventional soundtrack, it’s definitely one of my favorites. Almost all of the songs are original for the movie, which is cool. Disclaimer: They are ridiculously catchy. I’ve been caught dancing to “Jai Ho” and “Ringa Ringa” in my car more times than I’d like to admit. It also features “Paper Planes” by M.I.A., which I’m guessing helped make the song more popular back in 2008 before it was overplayed to death and using a gun is all I wanna do when it comes on. Memorable Song: “Jai Ho”, A.R. Rahman

2. Garden State (2004)

Ok yes, I realize that this movie is known for its soundtrack. But that recognition is definitely well deserved (nice picks, Zach Braff). I love how all of the songs go well together and every single one is good. The Shins, Coldplay, Simon & Garfunkel, Iron & Wine, Frou Frou, and Colin Hay are some of the artists that make this a perfect playlist to study to. Memorable Song: “New Slang” by The Shins

3. 500 Days of Summer (2009)

When Regina Spektor started playing at the beginning of this movie, I knew the next 95 minutes were about to be good. The combination of classic old favorites (Hall & Oates, “You Make My Dreams”? I’d like to see someone try to resist foot-tapping when that comes on) and modern stuff (Temper Trap, She & Him) is definitely reason for this soundtrack to make my list. Memorable Song: “There is a Light that Never Goes Out”, The Smiths

P.S. I’m pretty sure the number of YouTube searches of The Smiths rose by 2000% when this came out.

4. Pulp Fiction (1994)

This movie and its soundtrack are both awesome. I honestly have no idea what music genre this would fall under; it’s kind of a mix between country/folk songs and old-school rock. It also features dialogue from some of the best parts of the movie. When I’m wishing I could watch Pulp Fiction again, I play the soundtrack and it’s a more than acceptable substitute. Memorable Song: “Jungle Boogie”, Kool & the Gang

5. Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist (2008)

This movie would have totally bombed if the playlist was bad, given how “playlist” is in the movie title. The movie itself was alright, but the combination of the soundtrack and Michael Cera saved it for me. The playlist consists of less well-known artists and familiar favorites, like Vampire Weekend, Band of Horses, Devendra Banhart, and Rogue Wave. Memorable Song: “Very Loud”, The Shout Out Louds

6. Dazed and Confused (1993)

If you’re into 70’s rock, look no further than the Dazed and Confused soundtrack. Alice Cooper, Ted Nugent, The Runaways, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath?! These bands plus many more make up one of the best rock soundtracks you could ask for. Memorable Song: Slow Ride, Foghat

7. Moulin Rouge (2001)

If you’ve never seen it, Moulin Rouge is a romantic, non-conventional musical set in Paris during the 1900s. The music in this movie is crazy good. Some of the best songs on the soundtrack are sung by the stars themselves (Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor), which is pretty cool. A lot of the songs actually are modern songs (Beck!) or take music from modern songs. The song “Elephant Love Medley” features something crazy like 12 other songs in it! Memorable Song: “Your Song”, Ewan McGregor

By: Rachel Ogle

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