This list is compiled by some of my favourite original score tracks across cinema. Although there is no ranking, franchises receive three tracks of mention, while other film titles just receive one; consequently keeping the list more condensed. Instead of a competitive listing, this will be structured using the composers names in an alphabetical order.
*****
Halloween Main Theme (1978) by John Carpenter | Halloween
Now I'm aware I stated that this list consisted of my favourite cinematic scores, and I know what you're thinking; no I don't sit and listen to the main theme of Halloween in my spare time. On my commute to university I do not listen to John Carpenter's stalker, slaughter, nightmare track in my earphones. In fact, I do anything I can to avoid hearing this piece of music because it is TERRIFYING. To be perfectly honest, it's a favourite in a very abstract way.
When my parents first sat me down to watch this film I had the mentality of "it's fine I can look when it's daylight during a horror movie, I know how this works, I only have to hide behind the pillow during the night scenes because that's when the paranormal and freaky stuff happens". Well Halloween changed that. Instead I cried. Halloween provides zero 'safe' moments on screen, during daytime and night this film is terrifying and it's down to the films score.
The constant ticking creates some next level suspense and makes you aware that Michael Myers is always lurking. The fast piano notes that jump from high to low shadow a type of rhythm but because it's ongoing with little climax we never know when he is ready to jump out or show himself. I admire this original composed track because it is not ambitious, there is nothing crazy and epic, but with just some repetitive piano notes and a ticking noise John Carpenter has managed to create a piece of music that no one wants to listen to because it actually makes you feel scared. He keeps it simple, and that's why it is so effective. Cheers John for the tears and having to avoid anything to do with your movie!
(A little end note - Although I cried the first time watching it, don't worry, I forced myself to give it a re-watch. Well my parents did. As the film enthusiast I am, it would have been highly inappropriate for me to disregard one of the most important and influential films to be produced. So thanks mom and dad for that one!)
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First Date (1976) by Bill Conti | Rocky
This film and these characters mean a lot to many people and Bill Conti manages to make this score just as sentimental as the characters in the hearts of those who love underdog Rocky Balboa.
'First Date' is my favourite track for a few reasons. Firstly it's beautiful, without a doubt so beautiful. Secondly because it reflects Rocky and Adrian's love story so well. Conti begins the track with slow, gentle piano notes which strike back and forth as if flirting. Sparking the romance between the two of them. But it remains slow portraying Adrian's shy and tender qualities. When they fall in love Adrian blossoms into a woman and as the track builds it reflects the strength they both provide for each other. Rocky is reliant on Adrian for support and love, whilst for Adrian, Rocky brings out her confidence.
Although there are other incredible tracks in the film such as Gonna Fly Now, Going the Distance and Rocky's Reward, this track remains my favourite for those two reasons. The film gets misunderstood at times for being a boxing movie when in truth it is a love story and whenever I hear 'First Date' it clarifies it for me every time.
Bill Conti you will always be the soundtrack to Rocky.
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Titanic Suite (1997) by James Horner | Titanic
James Horner's original soundtrack for Titanic is my favourite of all time. Ambitious, emotional, delicately crafted and romantic. It's hard to find the words for how much I love the score to this movie. My favourite original track from the film is 'Titanic Suite' an epic 20 minute piece, encompassing all the tracks from the movie into one - hence why this would inevitability be my favourite! It's simply too hard to choose between Rose's Theme, The Portrait, Never An Absolution or even Hymn To the Sea. There are just so many, and this is the track I tend to reach for because you can embark on a 20 minute journey to the Titanic.
Titanic Suite begins at a slow and steady pace, already rich with emotion. It then melts into a hopeful and uplifting anthem of the Titanic about to set off across the Atlantic ocean. It of course returns to the previous state of gentle and emotional listening.
James Horner has written some other great original scores but for me this will always be his best and most memorable work.
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Any Other Name (1999) by Thomas Newman | American Beauty
American Beauty depicts the everyday living of suburban America. It focuses on characters within a family and the tests some relationships face. Not every 'normal' white picket fenced American family household is perfect. And director Sam Mendes plays around with this philosophy.
My favourite track from this movie is dazey and so atmospheric. It coincides with the characters as most of them, within the films plot, are lost. For example lost in identity or self worth. As a listener I feel that it provides that sense of abandonment or wonder which fuels the movie.
Any Other Name has made appearances in other movies across the years such as: Shawshank Redemption (1994), Cinderella Man (2005), Revolutionary Road (2008), and Wall-E (2008).
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The Godfather Waltz/Theme (1972) by Nino Rota | The Godfather
Recognisable anywhere, it is a ballad of culture. The theme to The Godfather entwines Italian instrument and sound to illuminate the families history in the film. The track is dark, sinister and serious; consequently setting the tone for the movie. Nothing's going to be lighthearted in this movie folks!
There is little negativity to ever say about Francis Ford Coppola's masterpiece - fantastic acting performances, an intricate plot and an authentic score.
'Nuff said.
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Concerning Hobbits (2001), The Breaking of the Fellowship (2001) and The Return of the King (2003) by Howard Shore | The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
A spell bounding original score which shrouds Tolkien's Middle Earth with just a seconds listen. It was hard narrowing down three tracks that are my favourite across the trilogy as there are so many epic ones; but I'm certain with the ones chosen.
Concerning Hobbits depicts Hobbiton perfectly, this track is the sound of the Shire. The bouncy rhythm and flute-esque sound creates instant imagery of jolly hobbits gardening or sat smoking on some pipe-weed. Whilst The Breaking of the Fellowship, like Titanic Suite, it is a larger track consisting of the films best score segments across the film. The 8 minute track has multiple songs from the first film: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001). It is amazing and just as triumphant as the film. It is no surprise that Howard Shore won the Academy Award for Best original Score. Finally, The Return of the King lasts just over 10 minutes and does the same thing with multiple tracks but from the final instalment of the story - The Return of the King (2003).
Overall the music for The Lord of the Rings is nothing short of extraordinary and will always remain one of the most recognisable and best across cinema history.
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Flying (1982) by John Williams | E.T: The Extra-Terrestrial
I bet you were wondering when Mr John Williams was going to show up. Well we have the first of many to come!
Flying is a magical track which simply takes you away along the journey across the moon. The fast and sharp wispy flutters make me think of the wind as Elliot speeds up on his bike. It is just cinema in music, John Williams manages to create that.
I mean everyone knows it already but the guy's a genius!
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Hedwig's Theme (2001), Leaving Hogwarts (2001) and Buckbeaks Flight (2004) by John Williams | Harry Potter Franchise
I don't really know how to begin discussing why I love the Harry Potter score, it's Harry Potter! It is another iconic original score from Williams which people of all ages can name. Although he stopped composing the films after the third movie, the score remains very good. But by coincidence my favourite three across the franchise are by him.
The first two tracks are from the first movie - The Philospher's Stone (2001). Hedwig's Theme begins delicate and builds into an epic whirlwind of magic and wizardry. Whilst Leaving Hogwarts tears out your heart emotionally, possibly one of my favourite original tracks for a movie ever, it builds and builds and leaves every Potterhead weeping.
The last track comes from my favourite Harry Potter film - The Prisoner of Azkaban (2004). Things start to twist darker and the story becomes even more interesting. Buckbeaks Flight is just as elevating as the others, but somehow, Williams manages to make us feel like we are truly flying, similar to the ET track previously discussed.
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Main Theme (1975) by John Williams | Jaws
A sinister track which became the theme of the shark and stopped people swimming in the sea for years to come.
For the first half of the movie the camera acts as the eye of the shark, we see its vision. We end up knowing this through its signature anthem which plays as it approaches its victims. The music stays quiet as 'the monster' (as Spielberg has portrayed the shark) lurks beneath. As the shark attacks it heightens to its peak and then suddenly drops as it begins to swim away.
John Williams creates yet ANOTHER iconic cinema score which has hints of Bernard Herrmann's slasher theme from Psycho amongst it.
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Burning Homestead (1977), Princess Leia's Theme (1977) and Han Solo and the Princess (1980) by John Williams | Star Wars Franchise
The soundtrack to so many people's childhoods.
My three favourite tracks across the star wars original trilogy. Although musical score holds multiple functions, within Star Wars one of it's most important roles is to speak the nature of the force through sound. Burning Homestead for example sparks suspicion of the force and the power of it but soon seeps into hope.
Leia's Theme might as well be called Carrie's Theme, because she was and will forever be the galaxy's princess. Whilst the romantic Han Solo and the Princess' love theme is one no true Star Wars fan forgets.
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The Planet Krypton (1978) by John Williams | Superman
The final John Williams instalment, the superhero anthem.
This heroic track proves the legendary status of John Williams, a composer who manages to pull of an iconic soundtrack several times. Something a composer dedicates their career to in order to achieve at least once.
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Time (2010) by Hans Zimmer | Inception
The final track to appear on the list is from Nolan's mind boggling Inception.
This track is storytelling, it creates a sense of importance with time and builds making every second count. It's an emotional piece which remains a favourite for many movie enthusiasts.
Hans Zimmer is an excellent composer who is also well known for films such as True Romance (1993), Gladiator (2000), Interstellar (2014) and Dunkirk (2017).
Click the video below to listen:
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