Top 10 Greatest Songs Written for the Movies.

 
 

In an ongoing effort to try and supplement podcast topics with word and video-heavy corresponding blog posts, we've been trying to compile lists like this one for your reading and viewing pleasure.

As usual, youtube couldn't be counted on to cover 100% of our visual aid needs. But I feel like, for the most part, I put together a pretty decent cross-section of scene clips and song samples.

This week the rules were very simple:

-The song must have been written specifically for the film in which it appeared (sorry, As Time Goes By).

-The song cannot be explicitly part of the "score" (but the score could integrate parts of the song if necessary. See: ROCKY)

So... without further ado...


Matt's list:

10. The Sherman Brothers - Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, MARRY POPPINS

It's truly "Sophie's Choice" when trying to pick a song from this peerless soundtrack. But a song named after a 34-letter word is nearly impossible to ignore.

9. Keith Carradine - I'm Easy, NASHVILLE

My favorite song from my least favorite musical style. This is one of the all time great Altman scenes and that's very good company to be in.

8. Spinal Tap - Tonight I’m Gonna Rock You Tonight, THIS IS SPINAL TAP

"Well, I'm sure I'd feel much worse if I weren't under such heavy sedation. "

7. Johnny Mandel and Mike Altman - Suicide Is Painless, MASH

 

A pitch-black comedic scene from one of the most influential comedies of all time. A rare acoustic performance of the theme song proves to be a show-stopper.

6. Simon & Garfunkel - Mrs. Robinson, THE GRADUATE

Like so many of the best aspects of THE GRADUATE, Mrs. Robinson hits all the right notes in sharp, startling, zeitgeist-rattling form. A specific song for a specific film for a specific time.

5. Prince - Purple Rain, PURPLE RAIN

 

I've never sung karaoke in my life. BUT... if I ever HAD to...

4. John Barry, Leslie Bricusse & Anthony Newley – Goldfinger, GOLDFINGER

The best 007 title track? Quite possibly. The best 007 film? Pretty hard to argue against.

3. Isaac Hayes - Theme from Shaft — SHAFT

The Oscar-winning song that changed EVERYTHING.

2. Paul Williams and Kenneth Ascher - The Rainbow Connection, THE MUPPET MOVIE

The ultimate banjo hymnal to lovers and dreamers (and me).

1. Bee Gees - Stayin’ Alive, SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER

Still iconic, even in Spanish!.

Oscar's List:

10. Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg - Over the Rainbow, THE WIZARD OF OZ

9. Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova - Falling Slowly, ONCE

8. Isaac Hayes - Theme from Shaft, SHAFT

7. Simon & Garfunkel - Mrs. Robinson, THE GRADUATE

6. Trey Parker and Mark Shaiman - Mountain Town, SOUTH PARK: BIGGER, LONGER & UNCUT

 

5.Eminem - Lose Yourself, 8 MILE

4. A.R. Rahman - Jai Ho, SLUMDOG MILLIOANAIRE

3. Paul Williams and Kenneth Ascher - The Rainbow Connection, THE MUPPET MOVIE

2.Bill Conti - Gonna Fly Now, ROCKY

1. Roger Miller - Whistle-Stop, ROBIN HOOD