One of the most important aspects of a film is it’s use of music. Now, it doesn’t have to be the actual score, but it can use songs to either help tell a story or to convey a specific emotion. It’s nearly as important as the actors or the writing. If you don’t get the music right, you end up giving the audience mixed signals about what to feel about what’s happening on screen. You’ve got stuff like the soundtrack to Star Wars which makes audiences excited and on the edge of their seats to see what happens next. Then you’ve got music for movies like Saving Private Ryan which are far more subtle when it comes to music, but it’s no less important. There are also movie that employ the use of musical bands and their songs. These are generally chosen to fit in with the theme of a particular movie. For this list, I’m going to forego the actual orchestral sounds in favor of music with lyrics and are sung by people. A couple of things: Some of these songs may be written specifically with a movie in mind, and some may not but were used regardless. These are the songs that speak the most to me, and that I love the most. So, let’s begin, shall we?
Highlander: Who Wants to Live Forever by Queen
While Highlander has MANY great songs, this one fits perfectly with the film, because it truly emphasizes the enormous tragedy that the Immortals have to deal with: Loss. The people they love and cherish end up dying eventually, while the Immortal continues to live. The combination of Queen’s lyrics and Michael Kamen’s score make this an extraordinarily powerful song that is not just tragic, but epic as well. The guitar work along with the drums and Freddy Mercury’s astounding voice are, for the lack of a better word, perfect.
Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring: May it Be by Enya
This song was specifically written for The Fellowship of the Ring. No percussion instruments, but a lot of woodwind as well as Enya’s incredible voice, make this a very special song. It’s not only epic, but it recalls to mind some of the greatest moments of the fantasy film genre, not just LOTR. The use of Elvish in May It Be is a brilliant touch. It was a great closing song for an incredible film, but it also gives us hope. That’s what I think it’s about. This is one of those songs that I like to chill out to. It’s a very soothing melody and among the most memorable.
007: Live and Let Die: Live and Let Die by Paul McCartney
One of the greatest things about a James Bond film is it’s opening song. Say what you will about Roger Moore’s first outing as 007, but the song that was used is simply fantastic. It’s got some amazing guitar-work, drums and Paul McCartney’s voice is second to none. I’ve seen all the James Bond movies, but this song is the one that I remember the most. It certainly has a very playful feel to it and it’s very energetic. It’s quite appropriate for a James Bond film.
The Lion King: Circle of Life
Of course I’m going to have something from Disney in here. The music for The Lion King is some of the best that I’ve ever heard. Written by Tim Rice and Elton John, we have some of the greatest tunes in a Disney movie. The song Circle of Life opens the film with a grand majesty that is spectacular in almost every way. With the excellent animation and sound, this song is one of my personal favorites. I loved this movie as a kid and now as an adult, I appreciate it even more. It’s just one of many songs that Disney got right during the 90s.
Return of the King: Into The West by Annie Lennox
Like May It Be by Enya, Into The West is a very powerful song, but unlike May It Be, this song is more about the end of a journey. As a result, there is a very melancholy and somewhat downbeat feel to the song. But it also gives us the impression that there may be something beyond our world that we can look forward to. The song is absolutely perfect for The Return of the King The amazing vocals by Annie Lennox as well as Howard Shore’s great score help sell the end of one of the greatest journeys in book and film history. It is an emotional song, and for that reason I really like it.
The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies: The Last Goodbye by Billy Boyd
It seems like I’m cheating with three songs from Peter Jackson’s films, but they are just so damn good, I can’t really resist. This one in particular, like Into The West, is about the end of a long journey for Bilbo Baggins. I love it because Billy Boyd, who played Pippin the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, gives the song an incredible sound and spirit that befits The Hobbit. Say what you will about the films, but the music for these movies is one of the best parts. It’s unlikely we’ll ever see another film in J.R.R Tolkien’s world, so this is a very appropriate song. For those of us who willingly spent so many years in Middle-Earth, this a very emotional song.
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves: (Everything I Do)I Do it For You by Bryan Adams
This is one of those great songs that I could listen to all day and NOT get tired of. Co-written by Michael Kamen for Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, this is the romantic theme for Robin and Marian. I guess I’m a bit of a sentimental fool, but this song is just one of the greatest. Adams’ voice, along with the great piano and guitar-work make for an incredibly heart-felt performance. It’s a perfect theme for an imperfect movie, but you can’t doubt the song’s staying power. Every time I hear this song, I just have to stop and listen to it. For that and many other reasons, this song is my personal favorite song used in a movie.
There is real power in music, and if you allow it, it will allow your spirit to soar to unbelievable heights. Music affects people in many different ways, but there is no doubt that it DOES have an effect. These are some of my favorite songs period, regardless of the film. I hope you enjoy this little glimpse into what I enjoy listening to, and hopefully given you something new to listen to. Never underestimate the power of music, because it can be used to bring us all together, hopefully.