With 2017 heralding great film releases, it has also given us great soundtracks and scores. Here we look back at some of the best film soundtracks released in 2017.
Fifty Shades Darker
The sequel to “Fifty Shades of Grey” provided a one of the most contemporary offerings when we were looking into the film soundtracks of the last year. Here are some notable tracks:
Corinne Bailey Rae – “The Scientist”: Rae covers Coldplay’s 2002 single “The Scientist” but gives it a bit of twist by adding a cello which adds to the passionate and tense atmosphere between Christian and Ana.
Halsey – “Not Afraid Anymore”: Halsey is known for her unique yet relatable lyrics and none more so than “Not Afraid Anymore”. The slow opening that builds into a pulsing chorus practically electrifies with longing.
Frances – “What is Love?”: Lyrics filled with both sweetness and regret, this melodic ballad begins as a slow tune that falls and rises with equal measure before asking the final question “What is Love?”. This song is perfect for describing Christian and Ana’s tumultuous relationship which is not a traditional ‘loved up’ relationship.
Taylor Swift and Zayn Malik – “I Don’t Wanna Live Forever”: Just like Ellie Goulding’s “Love Me Like You Do”, Zayn and Taylor’s collaboration went straight to the top of the charts. This track showed a more sultry and effervescent side to both Malik and Swift. The song mirrors the fight and embrace of the characters’ relationship.
Wonder Woman
Hans Zimmer’s “Is She With You?’’ scored Wonder Woman’s debut in 2016’s “Batman Vs. Superman”. It quickly became the most popular score of the film and the theme was reflected by Rupert Gregson-Williams in the female hero’s debut solo film.
Rupert Gregson-Williams – “No Man’s Land”: This plays as Wonder Woman takes her first step into No Man’s Land from the trenches and begins deflecting bullets with her armour and shield. This scene wouldn’t have been nearly as dramatic and atmospheric without the music.
Rupert Gregson-Williams -“Wonder Womans Wrath”: Perhaps one one of the most striking songs in the soundtrack. It backs an important scene between Diana and General Ludendorff. Alongside Zimmer’s original score, a menacing and electronic chorus comes into play to represent the true evil of Ludendorff’s actions.
John Wick: Chapter 2
With the same rip-roaring, bullet ricocheting action as the first film, Tyler Bates and Joel J. Richards step it up further with this incredibly atmospheric and blood pumping soundtrack.
Apashe and Panther – “Battle Royale”: Much like Marvel’s Iron Fist, the trailer producers for John Wick decided to feature another Apashe song that infuses dance, classical and hip-hop.
Nostalghia, Tyler Bates and Joel J. Richard – “Plastic Heart”: Perhaps one of the best songs on the soundtrack, Plastic Heart echoes Wick’s deadly skills with lyrics such as “You look for me inside the dark, I am the ocean you are the shark, you hunt me like your last goodbye”.
Spiderman: Homecoming
Spiderman combines light and airy compositions with a dark and urgent score to reflect Peter Parker’s dangerous situation with the films prime villain, Vulture.
Ramones – “Blitzkrieg Bop”: Played at the start and end of the film, Blitzkrieg Bop is the perfect song to represent the fun-punk nature of Peter’s school days.
Marshall Bowen III – “Pop Vulture” – With deep and commanding trombone and drum sounds, the emphasis on the urgency and danger of Peter’s predicament with Vulture is greatly enhanced by Bowen’s score.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2
Filled with 70’s and 80’s classics such as Fleetwood Mac and Cat Stevens. This soundtrack is full of upbeat, lightning tunes that give the film its unique vibe in the MCU.
Cat Stevens – “Father and Son”: Father and Son compliments the films emotional ending more than expected. This is quite surprising given the funky and upbeat vibes of the rest of the soundtrack.
Parliament – “Flash Light”: Played during the end credits, this funky track perfectly compliments the film. It also entertains the audience while they wait for Marvel’s infamous end credits scene.
Other noteworthy film soundtracks
An honourable mention must also go to “The Fate of the Furious” soundtrack. It’s full of thumping bass tracks like Bassnectar’s “Speakerbox” and contemporary rap artists like Young Thug and Wiz Khalifa. The F8 soundtrack joins its predecessors in tone and celebrates the action packed roster by complimenting the characters risky and at times, spectacular ventures. Another mention must also go to “Supermarine” composed by the legendary Hans Zimmer for the war film “Dunkirk”. “Supermarine” is composed of relentless, urgent and thrilling sounds with just the right amount of clock ticking as The Dark Knight. Truly an insistent and memorable score.
2017 has proved itself to be an incredible year for film soundtracks. We’re certainly looking forward to what 2018 will bring!