Top 10 Movie Soundtracks

While organizing some music last Saturday I came across some of my soundtracks that I hadn't listened to for a while. I decided to listen to some. After finishing up one I started to think about my top 10 soundtracks. What soundtracks have moved me, etc. I am sure I may be forgetting a few on the list but here it is. Enjoy. I am trying to put them in order as best as I can.

1. Lord of the Rings Soundtracks (all three movies)- Howard Shore
I can sit and listen to these songs and I will know at what point we are at in the movie. It's some of the most amazing music assembled together and combined with the film makes for a beautiful experience. I always cry listening to the music because I get so touched, excited for the drama, the adventure, etc. I encourage you to revisit these albums if you have not listened to them for awhile. I would also tell you to listen to any of Howard Shore's scores. He rocks! Did I mention my friend Jo and I met him in a Moscow, Russia airport a few years ago on our way home. It was so AWESOME.

2. Original Star Wars Trilogy (Star Wars, Empire Strikes Back & Return of the Jedi)- John Williams
Wow! I can listen to these for hours. The unmistakable Empire's March and the opening theme's are gorgeous. John Williams changed the lives of so many children and adults in the mid-70's and his songs are still amazing today. I can remember sitting at the Price Theater with my family watching the Star Wars movie when I was little. Loved it!!

3. Braveheart- James Horner
Some people have their opinions about Mel Gibson but I don't think they can ever deny one of the greatest films ever to come to film was directed by him. This music has so much feeling and that Scottish flare with the bagpipes gets to me every time. And I can always picture William Wallace screaming "Freedom" at the end of the film with that beautiful bagpipe anthem from the film ringing in the background. It will surely bring you to tears and make you feel proud to stand up for the things you believe in. Stand up for freedoms and justice.

4. Gladiator- Hans Zimmer & Lisa Gerrard
This is another powerhouse soundtrack. I have just about every soundtrack that Hans Zimmer has done and every one by Lisa Gerrard. Those of you who are Dead Can Dance fans will know of her work in that group and the haunting melodies, exotic and hypnotic sounds she produces with her vocals. She is truly amazing. And in working together Hans and Lisa have created a beautiful moment in time. It's the same for me when I listen to Braveheart. It gets down into the heart of me and I am forever changed.

5. Amadeus- Mozart

Mozart is my favorite classical composer. I love his works and what a wonderful collection for the telling of his life's story. His Requiem makes me cry. 

6. Purple Rain- Prince

It's Prince! And all of the songs are still popular today. Love this album

7. The Sound of Music- Rodgers & Hammerstein

I love the songs from his movie. Julie Andrews is my hero. Such a wonderful voice. Catchy tunes that tell a beautiful story about love, war, country and music. Favorite Things and Do A Deer are two of my most favorite songs next to Edelweiss.

8. ET- John Williams

Memories of my childhood. Hope, sadness and love all mixed into one soundtrack. Who didn't want to have ET live in their home and who didn't want to fly on their bicycle through the sky.

9. Pretty in Pink- Various Artists

This takes me back to the 80's which I just LOVE. Every song on this album is worthy. Thank you John Hughes for making some wonderful movies and introducing us all to Duckie! I married my Duckman! New Order, Psychedelic Furs, etc. Great Album! And who didn't want to look like Molly Ringwald's character. I loved her vintage clothes and I always wanted to work in a music store.

10. Sense & Sensibility- Patrick Doyle

Emma Thompson did such a fabulous job with this film and Patrick Doyle likeness complemented the script with his beautiful music. I especially love the songs that they sang. I bought this piano book for myself and for my mom. I love all of the piano solos which is mostly what comprises the musical score as well as some symphonic pieces. Simple and elegant.

Honorable Mentions:

1. Saturday Night Fever- Bee Gees

Such a classic album and movie. John Travolta was great and the songs of the Bee Gees will forever be associated with disco.

2. Grease-  Olivia Newton-John, etc.

Another John Travolta flick and this time he is singing. We all grew up listening to this and now the teenagers today are singing the songs and dancing to them in cheer leading and drill team routines; much like we did when we were young. The funny thing is that they don't really understand what the song Summer Lovin' is talking about. But I won't give it away so they can still live in that la la land.