Whenever I go to a party, I am undoubtedly always THAT girl. You know, the one in the corner fiddling with the music. I can never make up my mind about which song to play — it’s too hard of a decision! One song can affect the entire mood of the party. Should it be a dance song? That might stress people out. Should it be a low-key, acoustic song? That might bore people. I spend forever contemplating these ideas and end up driving everyone nuts because I switch songs right in the middle. This is a problem that I see often, not just at parties, but in all situations. Dinner, studying, you name it: people can never settle on what type of music to listen to. Luckily, there is a perfect solution: movie soundtracks! Movie soundtracks are an easy way to tap into a variety of good music. They can simultaneously convey a single theme while providing you with a wide range of songs for different moods. Here I provide you with the best movie soundtracks for different occasions.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Columbia Barnard chapter.
1) For a backyard barbecue: Almost Famous
This soundtrack is best for a barbecue atmosphere because it is chalk full of all-American, rock n’ roll classics. It puts you in the mood to grab a drink, collapse on a couch, and unwind after a long day. This soundtrack is also great because it is the perfect combination of loud, upbeat songs and quiet, mellow classics.
Standout tracks: “Something In the Air” by Thunderclap Newman, “Tiny Dancer” by Elton John, and “That’s the Way” by Led Zeppelin. Three different but equally excellent classics.
2) For just a chill session with close friends: The Virgin Suicides
Some of my favorite nights in college have been the ones where I have stayed up for hours, just lying around my friends’ various rooms talking until morning. While the plot of this movie is a little more sinister, the soundtrack is dreamy and ethereal, with songs composed mostly by the French indie-pop group Air. The soundtrack is perfect for contemplating life and love, and delving into great late-night discussion with your girlfriends.
Standout tracks: “Playground Love” by Air, “A Dream Goes on Forever” by Todd Rundgren, “Magic Man” by Heart.
3) For studying: A Single Man
Ok, so this does happen to be one of my favorite movies. But I owe that adoration partially to the incredible soundtrack. The majority of it consists of gorgeous, emotive, modern-classical tracks composed by Abel Korzeniowski and Shigeru Umebayashi. These songs are perfect for studying because they are faster in tempo and motivational, yet thought-provoking and full of texture. There are also a few classical jazz ballads on the soundtrack, by the incomparable Etta James and Jo Stafford.
Standout tracks: “Becoming George” by Abel Korzeniowski, “A Variation on Scotty Trails Madeline,” by Shigeru Umebayashi, “Stormy Weather” by Etta James, “Blue Moon,” by Jo Stafford.
4) For a dance party: The Great Gatsby
Part of the recent commotion surrounding this movie was due to the fact that the soundtrack was compiled by the hip-hop guru himself, Jay-Z. And a fine job he did at composing a wild, rollicking collection of songs perfect for any dance party. Whether you’re throwing a flapper-themed dance party or a disco, the Gatsby soundtrack has you covered with a variety of songs for any type of good time.
Standout tracks: “$100 Bill” by Jay-Z, “Crazy in Love” by Emeli Sande, “A Little Party Never Killed Nobody” By Fergie and Q. Tip.
5) For a holiday party: The Family Stone
Ah, one of my very favorite holiday movies with a killer Christmas soundtrack. It includes all of the signatures, like “Jingle Bells” and “Joy to the World,” but the more modern, jazzy versions that are perfect for a festive soiree. Just be sure to relax and embrace the holiday season, unlike Sarah Jessica Parker’s character in this movie.
Standout tracks: “Fooled Around and Fell in Love” by Elvis Bishop, “Jingle Bells,” by Skip Martin, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Judy Garland.
There are hundreds of great movie soundtracks for any occasion, so hopefully this list puts you out of your playlist funk!