1. Trainspotting (1995) - Danny Boyle
Danny’s Boyles drug-fuelled ‘90s classic stars Ewan McGregor as it follows a group of heroin addicts in Scotland. The iconic opening scene introducing us to Renton and co running through the streets while “Lust for Life” by Iggy Pop plays really is a memorable opening scene. Another Iggy Pop classic “Nightclubbing” is also featured. While Renton crawls down a toilet looking for his drugs in a dream like sequence Brian Eno’s ambient “Deep Blue Day” fits the scene perfectly. A film featuring drug induced states is sure to have some beautiful songs to accompany it. “Perfect Day” by Lou Reed plays as Renton overdoes on heroin and the world quite literally closes in on him. Nightclub scenes feature dance classics “Temptation” by New Order and Sleepers cover of Blondie’s “Atomic”. Other notable songs are “Sing” by Blur and “Born Slippy (Nuxx)” by Underworld which became a hit specifically because it was used in the film.
2. Jackie Brown (1997) - Quentin Tarantino
Quentin Tarantino’s third movie, Jackie Brown, stars Pam Grier and features an impressive funk and soul soundtrack. In true Tarantino fashion he hand-picked all the songs to feature in his movie.
The film opening credits start with “Across 110th Street” by Bobby Womack while we are introduced to the titular character. 1970s soul group The Delfonics are spoken about between characters and the film features two of their songs, “Didn’t I Blow Your Mind This Time” and “La La Means I Love You”. Samuel L Jackson plays Ordell, and as we are introduced to him “Cissy Strut” by the Meters plays. While “Strawberry Letter 23” by The Brothers Johnson plays during the scene where he murders an associate. Other notable funk and soul songs to feature are “Baby Love” by the Supremes, “Inside My Love” by Minnie Riperton and Randy Crawford’s 1984 hit “Street Life”.
3. Almost Famous (2000) - Cameron Crowe
Almost Famous is a semi-biographical coming-of-age movie about a young boy who goes on tour with a fictitious famous rock band in the ‘70s. He has to pretend to be older in order to write an article on them for Rolling Stone magazine. Set in the ‘70s, it features an impressive soundtrack of Led Zeppelin classics such as: “Misty Mountain Hop”, “That’s the Way”, “The Rain Song” and closing track “Tangerine”. A memorable scene from the movie is when the band and co are driving whilst singing Elton John’s “Tiny Dancer” after the bass player experiences a bad acid trip. The film uses music at pivotal moments such as “America” by Simon and Garfunkelduring the older sister leaving for college and “My Cherie amour” by Stevie Wonder plays as the main character watches his love interest experience a drug overdose. Kate Hudson’s character, Penny, dances to “The Wind” by Yusuf/ Cat Stevens surrounded by flowers in an empty concert hall. Other notable songs include “Paranoid” by Blacksabbath, “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)” by Jimi Hendrix and “Search and Destroy” The Stooges.
4. High Fidelity (2000) - Stephen Frears
High Fidelity is a romantic comedy drama, set in a Chicago record store. Given the setting it’s inevitable that we would hear a remarkable soundtrack. Starring John Cusack, it follows a record store owner, Rob, as he counts down his top five most memorable heartbreaks. The film consists of mostly 1960s and ‘70s rock as well as ‘90s hip-hop. The movie opens with the punchy “You’re Gonna Miss Me” by west-coast psych-rockers 13th Floor Elevators. Velvet Underground Classics “Who Loves the Sun” and “Oh Sweet Nuthin” appear throughout the film, as well as other notable songs such as “Rock Steady” by Aretha Franklin and “I Can’t Stand the Rain” by Ann Peebles and “Juice (Know the Ledge)” and “What’s On Your Mind” by hip-hop duo Eric B. and Rakim. The film closes with Stevie Wonder’s classic “I Believe (When I Fall in Love It Will Be Forever)”. The movie was remade into a tv series on Hulu in 2020, starring Zoe Kravitz which equally has a phenomenal soundtrack with lots of nods to the original movie.
5. This is England (2006) - Shane Meadows
Shane Meadow’s gritty drama about the skinhead subculture of the 1980s features a ska and reggae soundtrack, as well as featuring some ‘80s classics. The movie follows 12-year-old Shaun and his journey after he gets involved with a skinhead gang.
The film features three tracks by Toots & the Maytals, “54-46 Was My Number”, “Pressure Drop” and “Louie Louie”. Also includes 80s pop tracks “Tainted Love” by Soft Cell and “Come on Eileen” by Dexy Midnight Runners.
Other notable mentions include “Do the Dog” by The Specials, “Morning Sun” by Al Barry & The Cimarons and Return of Django by the Upsetters. The film ends with Clayhill’s cover of The Smiths classic “Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want”.
6. Queen & Slim (2019) - Melina Matsoukas
Queen and Slim is a romantic crime road movie starring Daniel Kaluuya and Jodie Turner-Smith. It was directed by Melina Matsoukas in her feature-length directorial debut after previously directing Beyonce’s music videos. Matsoukas wanted the soundtrack to include music from Black artists, past and present, as well as young and upcoming talent to show the historical evolution of Black music.
Included in the original songs recorded for the movie is what was R&B legend Lauryn Hill’s first single in five years “Guarding the Gates”. Other original songs include “Runnin Away” by Blood Orange, “My Money, My Baby” by Burna Boy and “Collide” by Tianamajor9 & EARTHGANG. Megan Thee Stallion also features on “Ride or Die”.
Solange helped hand-pick the tracks which included her own 2019 hit “Almeda”. Other classics featured include;“Searching” by Roy Ayers which is played over beautiful scenic shots as well as “Never Too Much” by Luther Vandross, “Shakara” by Fela Kuti and “Soul Sista” by Bilal.
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