Since before movies existed, music has functioned as an art form to evoke emotion and capture an audience. In modern times, movies and TV shows are accompanied by a soundtrack in order to heighten the experience of what you see on the screen. Whether it be the genius composing of John Williams or Hans Zimmer, a pop song to fit the mood or a musical number from a Disney movie, music plays an essential role in film and television.
While there are countless film scores and soundtracks to rave about, here are three albums by staff writers Zackery Bauder and Quinn Teubert and editor-in-chief Lillian Piel.
"TRON: Legacy" by Daft Punk
Submitted by Zackery Bauder
“Tron: Legacy” is Daft Punk’s foray into film scores. Daft Punk was directly involved in the production of the movie’s soundtrack from pre-production of the film to the editing room.
“[The movie] was cut to the music. Usually, composers come in at the end when everything is done," Guy Homem-Christo, the golden helmet wearing half of Daft Punk, told the Dazed and Confused magazine in 2010.
With approximately 51.3 million streams on Spotify, “Derezzed” is by far the most popular track but misses out on the 85-piece orchestra found in tracks like “Recognizer.” The marrying of Daft Punk’s unique pumping electronica and Joseph Trapanese’ orchestral arrangement is a match made on “The Grid”.
"Entergalatic" by Kid Cudi
Submitted by Quinn Teubert
Overall, it is an amazing album. Very calm and relaxing, but not as depressing lyrically as past Cudi albums. This album is great for easy listening in the car or sitting around and vibing.
I think the album is unique in the production, especially compared to Cudi's previous albums. Lyrically the focus is also shifted – love not sadness. The visual pairing of the animated series gives viewers more insight into the feelings and mind of Cudi. The series is captivating with gorgeous and bright colors. Similar to how to he describes love.
Favorite song: "Willing to Trust" (with Ty Dolla $ign)
"La La Land (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)" by Justin Hurwitz, Justin Paul and Benj Pasek
Submitted by Lillian Piel
Watching “La La Land” for the first time was truly a magical experience, largely in part because of the soundtrack that somehow manages to capture the feelings of wishing for a dream to come true and of falling in love. Every time I listen to a song from the soundtrack, it feels like I’m being transported to a theatrical dream sequence, and it always helps me to feel inspired.
The “La La Land” soundtrack also gets bonus points for versatility, complete with instrumentals that are great to listen to while you’re writing (“Planetarium” is my favorite for this), as well as songs that will bring out your inner theater kid and get you loudly singing along (see “Another Day of Sun” and “Audition (The Fools Who Dream)).”