Some of the best film soundtracks from the last few decades have featured an eclectic mix of pop, jazz, soul, blues, and rock music. We’re fans of these four albums, in particular. However, it is worth noting that rock music makes up only a portion of these iconic film soundtracks for the most part. Still, these records are the sum of their parts; and the rock tunes that appear on these albums tie them together beautifully.
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1. ‘Help!’
The Beatles were featured in a few musical films throughout the 1960s, but there’s just something about Help!
The movie itself is lighthearted and silly, and the soundtrack is absolutely stellar. There are so many great songs on this soundtrack, from the title track to “Ticket To Ride” to “Yesterday” to “The Night Before” and so many more. This soundtrack is essential listening for any self-respecting Beatles fan.
2. ‘Pulp Fiction’
This one was a shoo-in on our list of the best rock soundtracks of all time. It just doesn’t get better than Pulp Fiction.
There is such a well-curated list of songs on this album. “Bustin’ Surfboards” is one of the most memorable surf-rock tunes that had new life breathed into it with this movie’s release. There’s a little bit of Neil Diamond, some Chuck Berry, a little Dick Dale and The Revels. The whole thing is worth a thorough run-through.
3. ‘American Graffiti’
This classic 1973 film had a lot of big names involved, from George Lucas to Francis Ford Coppola to Harrison Ford and more. The music used was carefully curated, considering the film itself is a study of early rock and roll music and culture. The soundtrack to American Graffiti is pretty hefty, clocking in at over 40 tracks.
A few standout highlights include “Surfin’ Safari” by The Beach Boys, “Almost Grown” by Chuck Berry, “Maybe Baby” by Buddy Holly, and so much more.
4. ‘Trainspotting’
This heartwrenching but ultimately iconic cult classic film was a huge deal back in 1996. The soundtrack to Trainspotting was very much a product of its time, loaded with a ton of Britpop and rock hits.
A few noteworthy songs from this soundtrack include Iggy Pop’s “Lust For Life”, a few David Bowie works, “Perfect Day” by Lou Reed, and many more.
Photo by Michael Ochs Archive/Getty Images
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