Movies are good, but even when they can be excruciating an awesome soundtrack can make them so much better. PPcorn is counting down the top five greatest movie soundtracks of all time. Keep in mind that straight up musicals aren’t counted, so don’t expect Sound of Music or The Lion King on this list. Honorable Mentions: Trainspotting, Pulp Fiction, Easy Rider.
Number Five: The Graduate (1968). Few soundtracks fit the themes of the film than Simon and Garfunkel’s incredible classic. With contributions like “Mrs. Robinson” and “Sound of Silence” they did more than just make an awesome Soundtrack. They helped make some of the most iconic movie moments of all time.
Number Four: The Bodyguard (1992). The bestselling worldwide album is the one that implanted Whitney Houston’s killer pipes in the memories and hearts of listeners all across America. The average moviegoer has probably never seen this movie but they have definitely heard the songs “I’m Every Woman”, “I Have Nothing”, and “I Will Always Love You.”
Number Three: O Brother, Where Art Thou (1998). Responsible for a huge surge in Country’s popularity in the North and the incorrect praising of George Clooney’s vocal ability, this is one stellar soundtrack. John Hartford, Harry Mclintock, and The Whites add authenticity to the Coen Brothers quirky, Depression-era tale.
Number Two: Purple Rain (1984). Yeah, yeah. It is pretty cruel to dedicate this list to the soundtrack we’re only giving the number two slot to. But honestly, number 2 of all time is pretty damn great, and well deserved for what amounts to Prince’s greatest album to date. “When Doves Cry”, “Let’s Go Crazy”, and “Purple Rain” are just three great reasons to listen to this album on its anniversary.
Number One: Saturday Night Fever (1977). Not even on Prince’s 30th anniversary of his killer soundtrack could he manage to beat this one. Purple Rain, The Graduate, and The Bodyguard may have defined artists, but Saturday Night Fever defined an entire musical era. Just listening to this album will familiarize oneself with the greatest of Disco including “Disco Inferno”, “A Fifth of Beethoven”, and of course “Stayin’ Alive”.