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BEST ACTION MOVIE SOUNDTRACKS: THE DEFINITIVE LIST

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    To thoroughly enjoy an action movie, you have to believe in the (sometimes outrageous) narrative that’s playing out, and one of the best ways to get the audience onside is through action movie music.

    Music can trick viewers into believing a character’s stakes are their own; this way, they live the experience of every car chase, every boobytrap and every confrontation the protagonist faces.

    Naturally, the type of music in action movies tends to be rip-roaring, gripping and high-octane.

    We have thousands of music tracks suitable for action movies in our ever-expanding catalogue, no matter where or when your film is set – just look at our Action Playlist.

    To inspire you to embrace music for your action project, we’ve created a list of the best action-movie soundtracks in film history – featuring the likes of The Mummy, Casino Royale and Mulan.

    Best Action Movie Soundtracks

    Enter the Dragon (1973)

    The first action movie soundtrack to make it to our list comes from the early 70s kung-fu classic, Enter the Dragon.

    The flick is led by martial arts legend Bruce Lee and Argentine-American composer Lalo Schifrin – a combination that proves to be a match made in heaven. We love how Schifrin adds oriental elements to the classic action soundtrack to create something fresh, yet familiar.

    Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

    Stephen Spielberg and George Lucas’ Raiders of the Lost Ark is a flick that incorporates every single one of the elements you crave in an action film – including an unforgettable John Williams soundtrack.

    The music that accompanies the Indiana Jones’ adventure is filled with so much character that the music is instantly recognizable – even to someone who hasn’t actually seen the film.

    If that isn’t movie soundtrack gold, we don’t know what is…

    Top Gun (1986)

    Top Gun contains many memorable movie moments, many of which are soundtracked by a stellar selection of pieces by Harold Faltermeyer.

    One of our favourite tracks plays near the end of the film, with the iconic line: ‘You can be my wingman anytime.’ The music that accompanies it sums up the mid-80s zeitgeist – it’s those hazy electric guitars…

    Total Recall (1990)

    Total Recall has got to be one of the most underrated 90s action films in existence – and it doesn't help that the Colin Farrell-led reboot was such a flop.

    But if you know, you know, as this sci-fi action-adventure is bucketloads of fun. One of the prime reasons we have such an affinity for the film is because of its supercharged soundtrack.

    Listen and learn, because that’s how you pull an audience into the action.

    Casino Royale (2006)

    Daniel Craig’s first outing as super spy 007 is magnificent; and one of the key reasons why Casino Royale proved so enjoyable is because of its elite-level soundtrack.

    David Arnold’s selection of action movie songs introduces a new type of Bond – one that’s a little more rugged, a little less silly and embraces powerful females – which is reflected in compositions that are more unpredictable than ever before in the franchise.

    Inception (2010)

    During the four year gap between The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises, Christopher Nolan and Hans Zimmer teamed up to create Inception.

    The German composer supported Nolan’s labyrinthine narrative by creating a soundtrack that constantly reminds the audience to pay close attention.

    How? Masterful use of daunting strings and demanding percussion.

    Bad Boys For Life (2020)

    Bad Boys For Life surprised cinema-goers and critics alike with its refreshing plot, developed characters and expertly crafted soundtrack.

    Improving on the original films, the third film in the franchise embraces its Miami setting by adding some choice urban percussive ingredients to the mix.

    Music For Action Movies

    Now that you’ve worked your way through our list of the best action movie soundtracks, you’re hopefully feeling a little more inspired to ensure music is a top priority when putting together your action film.

    We have music for any kind of film, no matter the genre. Check out our roster of music suitable for a variety of film styles, from historical to horror to rom-com and vintage.

    Need Music for Your Project?

    At Audio Network we create original music, of the highest quality, for broadcasters, brands, creators, agencies and music fans everywhere. Through clear and simple licensing, we can offer you a huge variety of the best quality music across every conceivable mood and genre. Find out how we can connect you with the perfect collaborator today by clicking the button below!

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    This page was last updated on 07/03/2024 and 23/05/2024.

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    WHAT IS INDIE MUSIC

    WHAT IS INDIE MUSIC?

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      What's indie music? What is the history of indie music? What's an indie artist? The Indie genre as a whole can seem pretty ambiguous, as everyone seems to interpret it differently. This is partly because of its multitude of subgenres (something we’ll get into later); and the fact it continues to evolve…

      But we can all agree that there’s often a certain off-kilter edge in the sound, and that it contains sonic elements of the independent spirit of the original artists of the post-punk era. In the DIY punk spirit, artists bypassed the major record labels to release music on their own terms, got creative with their marketing by making their own cover art, launched their own labels and clubs, and generally marked themselves out by their can-do attitude? Why? To get their sound out there without big marketing budgets.

      Nowadays, indie music is a kind of catch-all term for a conglomeration of sounds, looks and attitudes that have splintered off from its original pioneers. Let’s look back to its origins, almost fifty years ago in the late 70s.

      What Is the History of Indie Music?

      So although indie music once came from the originally independent labels, it now overlaps a huge number of genres, from indie-rock to indie-folk to indie-pop, but all share a certain off-kilter sensibility.

      Speaking of indie music, if you’re intrigued by the genre and perhaps have an offbeat project to bring to life with a cool soundtrack, we have hundreds of indie tracks for you to sample, download and use in our catalogue. Start exploring our indie discovery page and our indie playlist once you’ve galloped through the history below.

      Contents:

      • What is indie music genre? Indie music definition
      • The Scene
      • Album Art and other stuff…
      • Great Indie Bands
        • The Buzzcocks
        • Joy Division
        • New Order
        • The Smiths
        • The Fall
        • The Strokes
        • Arctic Monkeys
        • Florence + The Machine
      • New Indie Music
      • Indie music for your next project

      What is Indie Music?

      So, ‘indie’ is short for independent, a term first used to describe artists who recorded and released records themselves, rather than through a label. But the term now stretches far beyond the original definition. These days, many indie music artists are signed to major labels, and the genre is more descriptive an attitude, a sound, or an alternative way of making music (which, confusingly, can often serious commercial successes anyway). Nowadays, indie music is rarely ‘indie’ in the original sense!

      Its roots stretch back to the 70s and the DIY punk ethic. In the 1970s, artists who pushed the boundaries of the accepted pop sound weren’t signed to major record labels, as their maverick approach wasn’t deemed commercial enough.

      Music lovers found this boundary-pushing a refreshing antidote to the contrived pop and rock pushed by big record labels. Today, indie music retains elements of its roots – although the jury’s still out on how to define it!

      Inspired? To discover great new indie music to license for your projects, take a look at our Indie Top 40.

      The Scene

      Pre-social media, bands had to get out and create a following IRL Some music venues have attained legendary status as they were such were an essential part of fledgling indie bands’ success, including:

      The Hacienda

      The Manchester club feted during the Acid House and early Rave era was originally a rock club. Founded by Factory Records and the band New Order in 1982, it hosted early gigs by the likes of The Smiths and Echo And The Bunnymen.

      Later, a host of others including Blur, Placebo and Supergrass gigged there before it finally shuttered in 1997. And perhaps in a wry comment of the increasingly commercialised nature of indie music, the building was demolished in 2002 to make way for… The Haçienda Apartments.

      King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow

      This legendary Glasgow venue is now marked in history as the place Alan McGee first saw Oasis play in 1993, leading the Creation label boss to sign the Manchester band on the spot. Founded in 1990, it has played host to Radiohead, Manic Street Preachers, The Verve, Coldplay, Snow Patrol, Muse, Elbow, The Killers and many more.

      The 100 Club, London

      This basement club opened in 1942 but has only operated under its current name since 1964, Its Punk Festival in September 1976 changed everything: the Sex Pistols, The Clash, Buzzcocks, The Jam, The Stranglers and The Damned all performed. Siouxsie And The Banshees made their live debut at the event with Sid Vicious on drums.

      The 100 Club is one of the few music venues left in the West End and recently IDLES, The Specials, Turin Brakes, Babyshambles and Florence + The Machine have played there.

      What Else Made it Happen?

      Two notable indie record labels were Factory Records and Rough Trade, which were behind the success of iconic bands such as Joy Division and The Smiths. Bands also pushed the boundaries of working with what they had – pushing the capabilities of their instruments, creating memorable vinyl cover art (think Joy Division’s iconic Unknown Pleasures album cover), and building up a following through setting up and promoting their own clubs. This DIY route to music stardom gave independent artists a unique sound (broad though it was), that was un-embellished, relatable and – that now overused word – authentic.

      While we’re on the subject of authentic indie music, if you’re creating a vlog, podcast, TV show, or film, our indie tracks can take your creative project to the next level.

      Indie Music in America

      And we can’t write about indie without a nod to the great music that’s emerged from across the pond. A large number of indie bands and artists crossover into rock, chiefly because of their borderline discordant sound and rebel attitude. Indie rock is customarily loud, energetic and led by a charismatic frontman or woman. Compared to classic US rock, indie sounds a little more homemade and is often lyrically more experimental – think Nirvana, Pixies and Jane’s Addiction.

      All-Time Great Indie Artists and Bands

      The Buzzcocks

      The Bolton-based band are often credited with inventing indie. The band was formed solely to support the Sex Pistols, at a time when you could buy a guitar in Woolworths (the retro, high-street equivalent of Amazon – now sadly defunct). The band’s timely punk-rock sound, gritty, nonchalant aesthetic and independent status (they created their own record label) helped their debut EP, Spiral Scratch, reach the Top 40 in 1977.

      Joy Division

      To die-hard indie fans and music aficionados alike, Joy Division are deities. Their ultra-experimental producer, Martin Hannett, played a key role in their groundbreaking sound. The four-piece band – formed in Salford, Manchester during the post-punk era, split after singer Ian Curtis committed suicide in 1980.

      New Order

      Following the demise of Joy Division, founder members Peter Hook, Bernard Sumner and Stephen Morris were joined by Gillian Gilbert to form New Order. They fused post-punk with electronic and dance music and became the flagship band for Manchester indie label Factory Records. Their 1983 hit, ‘Blue Monday’ became the best-selling 12-inch single of all time.

      The Smiths

      The Smiths were one of the most important indie bands to emerge in the early 80s, formed by singer Morrissey and guitarist Johnny Marr, who bonded over their love of poetry and literature. Their jangly guitar, bass and drum sound was a conscious reaction to the prevalent synth-pop of the time. In 2012, all four Smiths albums – and a compilation album – appeared in Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.

      The Fall

      Cult post-punk band The Fall formed in Manchester in 1976. With their abrasive, guitar-led sound and the caustic lyrics of frontman Mark E Smith, they maintained a fierce, longstanding cult following, despite never really achieving mainstream success. By far the most prolific band of the post-punk movement, they were famously championed by BBC DJ John Peel, who notably commented that they were: ‘always different, always the same…’ The death of their charismatic frontman in 2018 closed a chapter on one of the greatest indie bands ever.

      The Strokes

      One of the leading bands of the early 2000s, indie became the genre du jour thanks to The Strokes. The Grammy-award winning band released their debut album Is This It in 2001. This time around, the indie sound was super-commercial: they won a BRIT for Best International Breakthrough Act in 2002 and an NME award for Best Band in the World – twice.

      Arctic Monkeys

      Even if you’re not the biggest fan of indie music, you can admire the impact of Sheffield’s Arctic Monkeys. Fronted by natural-born performer Alex Turner, they’ve sold 20 million records worldwide and won over 42 awards, including seven BRITs and a Mercury Prize. Their 2006 debut album, Whatever People Say I Am, That’s what I’m Not was the fastest-selling debut album in UK chart history.

      Florence + The Machine

      Florence + The Machine are a contemporary indie brand with a super-charismatic frontwoman, Florence Welch. Formed in London in 2007, three of the band’s four albums reached number one in the UK. Now pretty much a household name, Florence Welch is estimated to be worth $28 million.

      If you’re looking for production music along the lines of the bands above, find the perfect track using our intelligent search bar, filterable by mood/emotion, instrumentation, production genre and musical style.

      New Indie Music

      And the indie music scene is still very much alive, with a raft of recent releases drawing on everything from post-punk to pop and country. Want to hear some contemporary indie? Uproxx’s top 5 Indie albums of 2020 showcases some bangers:

      1. Fiona Apple – Fetch the Bolt Cutters

      2. Waxahatchee – Saint Cloud

      3. Yaeji – What We Drew

      4. Yves Tumor – Gospel for a New Century

      5. Phoebe Bridgers – Punisher

      Indie Music for Your Next Project

      Check out our line-up of great indie bands and artists, from the vibrant beats and colourful lyrics of John Vella, lead singer and guitarist of Sydney group Tenderfoot, to Waiting for Smith, aka singer and songwriter Harry Lloyd, widely hailed as one to watch; with his narrative, imaginative songs he’s been compared to David Bowie, George Ezra and Leonard Cohen. And there are plenty more to discover…

      Want to read more about indie and other music? Head over to our inspiration, expertise and news updates.

      Need Music for Your Project?

      At Audio Network we create original music, of the highest quality, for broadcasters, brands, creators, agencies and music fans everywhere. Through clear and simple licensing, we can offer you a huge variety of the best quality music across every conceivable mood and genre. Find out how we can connect you with the perfect collaborator today by clicking the button below!

      SIGN UP

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      BEST SELLING ARTISTS OF 2021… A ROUND UP

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        The end of the year is fast approaching, so who are the best-selling artists of 2021?

        Who’s broken through and which artists have released new tracks from albums that dropped last year that are still selling by the truckload?

        Here’s our rundown of 2021’s movers and shakers, from disco to rock, power pop to soul, featuring:

        Best Selling Artists of 2021

        • Adele
        • Olivia Rodrigo
        • Ed Sheeran
        • The Weeknd
        • Lil Nas X
        • Dua Lipa
        • David Guetta
        • The Kid Laroi
        • Tom Grennan
        • Ella Henderson
        • Doja Cat
        • Little Mix
        • Joel Corry
        • Glass Animals
        • Drake
        • Taylor Swift
        • Morgan Wallen

        2021's Best Selling Artists

        1. Adele

        Who else but the queen of the break-up ballad could top our end of year list?

        In case you’ve been living under a rock for the past couple of months, Adele’s fourth studio album, 30, dropped on the 19th November.

        She dominated the UK charts with a double No. 1, scoring the highest opening week for an album in 2021 and the biggest first-week sales since Ed Sheeran’s Divide in 2017.

        Want some more amazing stats? As Adele’s three previous albums all reached No. 1, no other female act has had as many albums all go to No. 1 in the UK. 30’s release has also shot previous albums 19, 21 and 25 back into the charts.

        The lead single from the album, ‘Easy on Me’, has become Adele’s longest-running chart topper. Plus, it smashed the record for the number of UK streams in a week, with an astonishing 24 million.

        The previous title holder was ‘7 Rings’ by Ariana Grande, which clocked up 16.9 million listens on its release in January 2019.

        In the US, 30 became the year’s biggest-selling album after just three days on sale. Adele’s recently announced a Las Vegas concert residency, ‘Weekends with Adele’, spanning January-April next year.

        The residency will see her following in the iconic footsteps of Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga, Celine Dion, Britney Spears and Elton John.

        2. Olivia Rodrigo

        US singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo’s debut album, Sour, went straight in at No. 1 on the Official Albums Chart in June, and has clocked up over 320,000 chart sales to date, making it one of the best-selling albums of the year on both sides of the Atlantic.

        The breakout star has three entries in the year-to-date Top 40 singles. Her two chart-toppers, ‘Drivers License’ and ‘Good 4 U’ have well over two million sales between them, and top five hit, ‘Déjà vu’ is in the Top 30.

        According to Spotify’s global stats, ‘Drivers License’ was the most-streamed song globally this year, with more than 1.1 billion streams, and Sour was the most-streamed album.

        3. Ed Sheeran

        It’s no surprise to see perennial chart-topper Ed in the year’s biggest-selling singles artist list, as ‘Bad Habits’ spent a monster 11 weeks at No. 1 over the summer!

        Judging by the video, the previously mild-mannered Ed’s bad habits look to be considerably worse than most people’s, as he and a gang of vampiric pals cause havoc in town after dark.

        4. The Weeknd

        Spending a fortnight at No. 2 in June was The Weeknd’s 80s-inspired, synth-driven ‘Save Your Tears’, whilst ‘Blinding Lights’ has also been a massive seller.

        Both tracks are from the Canadian singer’s fourth studio album, After Hours, which was released last year. ‘Save Your Tears’ has benefitted from a second remix, featuring Ariana Grande, which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

        5. Lil Nas X

        The ‘Old Town Road’ singer and rapper claimed the No. 1 spot for five weeks with ‘Montero (Call Me By Your Name)’.

        Taken from his debut studio album Montero, released in September, the single has been followed by ‘Sun Goes Down’, ‘Industry Baby’ and ‘That’s What I Want’.

        The album’s eclectic guest list includes everyone from Doja Cat to Elton John, Megan Thee Stallion to Miley Cyrus.

        6. Dua Lipa

        Dua Lipa was triumphant at this year’s BRIT awards, picking up both Best Female Solo Artist and Album of the Year.

        Four of the singles from Future Nostalgia went to No. 1, and she’s fast becoming one of the biggest female artists around. The album was released over a year ago and has been boosted by the Moonlight Edition, which came out in February.

        Single ‘Levitating’, featuring DaBaby, peaked at No. 5 on the Official Chart, but comes in at No. 5 in the ‘Most Streamed Songs Globally’ list released by Spotify, and Future Nostalgia rocketed in at No. 2 on the ‘Most Streamed Albums Globally’ for 2021.

        Not only that, but Dua is the most-streamed UK artist globally, beating Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, One Direction and Queen.

        The Biggest Streaming Artist of 2021

        According to Spotify’s stats, between 1st January and 27th November, for a second year in a row, the most-streamed artist is Puerto Rican vocalist Bad Bunny.

        Having notched up 8.3 billion streams in 2020, he went a whole lot further in 2021, with his songs streaming 9.1 billion times.

        The rest of the top 5 are made up of Taylor Swift, Drake, Justin Bieber and BTS. However, if you’re just looking at the most-streamed artist in the UK, it’s Drake, followed by Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Justin Bieber and Juice Wrld.

        Who Else Has Had a Great Year?

        Tom Grennan features on two of the 40 biggest sellers of 2021 - ‘Little Bit of Love’, which peaked at No. 7, and his duet with Ella Henderson, ‘Let’s Go Home Together’.

        The singer-songwriter’s first three singles all hit the Top 10.

        Also doubling up are Joel Corry, with Raye and David Guetta on ‘Bed’, and MNEK on ‘Head & Heart’, together with Doja Cat – ‘Kiss Me More’ and ‘Streets’ both lit up the charts.

        Is anyone more ubiquitous than David Guetta?

        The super-producer appears on no fewer than three of the top 40 bestselling singles of the year, joining forces with everyone from the aforementioned Joel Corry and Raye to Galantis and Little Mix (‘Heartbreak Anthem’) and Becky Hill (‘Remember’).

        Who Are the Big Breakout Artists of 2021?

        Well, Olivia Rodrigo, obviously, but Australian singer and rapper The Kid Laroi is another artist with two singles in the chart.

        His first big hit, ‘Without You’, peaked at No. 2 in February.

        He repeated that chart position with latest single ‘Stay’, with Justin Bieber, both of which appear in the top 20.

        Want to keep ahead of the viral smashes? Look no further than ‘Heat Waves’ by Oxford indie rockers Glass Animals.

        It’s been in the top 100 for most of the year and claims the crown for the biggest song by a group or band.

        The band formed in 2010, and their second album, How to be a Human Being, earned them a spot on the Mercury Prize shortlist in 2017.

        However, it’s the chorus from ‘Heat Waves’, which has been used by hundreds of thousands of TikTokers to soundtrack their videos about missing someone or something, that’s sent them into the stratosphere.

        Who Is the Biggest-Selling Artist in the US in 2021?

        Hits Daily Double were claiming it’ll be Morgan Wallen.

        His record-breaking Dangerous: The Double Album is projected to finish the year ahead of Olivia Rodrigo’s Sour, and was the longest-running No. 1 album of the year (10 consecutive weeks).

        If he does claim the crown, he’ll be the first country artist since Taylor Swift to end the year with the best-selling album of any genre.

        Other big hitters Stateside are, as mentioned, Olivia Rodrigo, plus Taylor Swift and Drake.

        Drake’s sixth studio album, Certified Lover Boy, had the biggest opening week of this year and Rolling Stone’s most-streamed artist chart showed that he held onto the No. 1 slot for 36 weeks, racking up over 242 million streams.

        His top track is ‘Way 2 Sexy’, featuring Future and Young Thug. We take our hats (and probably our shirts off) to anyone taking inspiration from Right Said Fred.

        Taylor Swift has had three number ones so far, with her 2020 studio album Evermore, and 2021 re-recordings of Fearless (Taylor’s Version) and Red (Taylor’s Version). Folklore was also the bestselling album in the US in 2020.

        Want a fun fact? Ms Swift is the first artist in the MRC Data era (going back to 1992) to claim bestselling album of the year an impressive five times.

        Plus, she’s continuing to make headlines; her new version of ‘All Too Well’ has broken the record for the longest track to top the Billboard Hot 100, deposing ‘American Pie’, which has held the title for the past 50 years!

        So, that’s our round-up of the best and biggest-selling artists of 2021!

        For more inside knowledge on everything from the history of rock music to the huge variety of pop genres, and iconic women in hip hop, check out our blog. And for up-to-the-minute playlists and new releases to license, keep an eye on our Discover page.

        Need Music for Your Project?

        At Audio Network we create original music, of the highest quality, for broadcasters, brands, creators, agencies and music fans everywhere. Through clear and simple licensing, we can offer you a huge variety of the best quality music across every conceivable mood and genre. Find out how we can connect you with the perfect collaborator today by clicking the button below!

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        BEST SELLING ALBUMS OF 2020

        BEST SELLING ALBUMS OF 2020: THE WINNER TAKES IT ALL

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          What was your favourite album of 2020? And which sold the most units, or got the most streams? It was a crowded field, for sure – according to OfficialCharts.com, a record-breaking 43 albums topped the chart over the year – that’s not far off one a week.

          And what effect did lockdown have on our music listening and buying habits?

          According to BPI (the UK’s music industry body), consumption rose for a sixth consecutive year. In 2020, 155 million albums were streamed or bought – up 8.2% compared with 2019. There were 139 billion audio streams in the UK in 2020 (up by over a fifth compared with 2019), and nearly 200 artists were streamed over 100 million times. Streaming now accounts for 80.6% of the UK’s music consumption.

          The charts, however, are made up of streams and physical sales. After years of the latter declining, in 2020 they boomed again – in fact, for 28 weeks, physical sales accounted for 50% of chart sales of the number one album. Vinyl sales increased by 11.5%, with almost 4.8 million copies bought. CDs account for 10.3% of the UK’s recorded music consumption, with 16 million sales in 2020.

          And the other effects of the pandemic on music? Obviously, the live music sector was devastated, but BPI flagged that though demand for music fell at the start of the first lockdown, it rebounded and continued to grow throughout the year.

          Let’s take a look back at the 20 bestselling albums of 2020, from Scottish wunderkind Lewis Capaldi, to ‘heritage acts’ such as Queen and Fleetwood Mac, and even posthumous hits, including Juice WRLD’s Legends Never Die and Pop Smoke’s Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon.

          Need great music for your projects? Check out our Top 40 for our clients’ current favourites, or our playlists with our new releases.

          Top 10 Most Sold Albums

          1. Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent , Lewis Capaldi

          Singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi’s debut collection topped the Official Album Charts for a second year in a row. Originally released in May 2019, it was the fastest-selling album of the year (outselling all the top 10 combined in the UK and Ireland). He hit a million sales in September 2020. The album logged four weeks at number 1 last year (following a six-week run in 2019).

          Capaldi’s unbroken 77-week run in the Top 10 is a record for a solo artist. Spotify ranked Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent the most-streamed album of 2020 in the UK.

          2. Fine Line, Harry Styles

          Another album bridging two years’ sales is Harry Styles’ second, Fine Line, released in December 2019. Boosted by huge pop-rock hits ‘Watermelon Sugar’, ‘Falling’, ‘Golden’ and the joyous ‘Treat People with Kindness’, the album notched up 293,000 chart sales in 2020.

          Harry Styles’ album took second place in Spotify’s rankings of the most-streamed albums of 2020, reflecting the fact that pop was the most popular genre of the year – presumably because we yearned for happy music during the pandemic.

          Fine Line was nominated for Album of the Year at the 2020 Brit Awards and Best Pop Vocal Album at the 2021 Grammys, but perhaps its biggest accolade was its spot on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time in 2020.

          The old-skool Hollywood glamour of the ‘Treat People with Kindness’ video, starring Fleabag’s Phoebe Waller-Bridge, has clocked up over 30 million views since it premiered on 1st January 2021, and we can see why. If you can’t nail the dance routine, join in with the clapping.

          3. Future Nostalgia, Dua Lipa

          Dua Lipa takes the crown for the UK’s biggest album released in 2020. Her second album was shortlisted for the Mercury Prize and spent four weeks at the top of the charts. The Guardian hailed its ‘pristine club-pop’ and loved Lipa’s references to Olivia Newton-John, turn-of-the-millennium Madonna, 1980s INXS and Lily Allen, giving it the number 2 slot on its 50 Best Albums of 2020 list and calling her, ‘one of pop’s most exciting major players: she out Gaga’d Gaga and out Kylie’d Kylie’. The artist told Variety, ‘this album is purely about dancing and having fun and being free and being in love.’

          Dua Lipa was nominated for six Grammys (including Album of the Year) and won Best Pop Vocal Album, selling 265,000 copies and topping the charts in 15 countries. According to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), Future Nostalgia was the tenth most successful album of 2020 worldwide, with 3.3 million album-equivalent units sold.

          Check out Dua Lipa’s video for ‘We’re Good’, which has had over 50 million views (stay tuned for the twist at the end…)

          4. When We Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go, Billie Eilish

          The American singer-songwriter’s debut studio album, which she co-wrote with her brother, Finneas O’Connell, was released in March 2019, after her viral hit, ‘Ocean Eyes’, which was released when she was just 13. Its blend of pop, electropop, avant-pop and art pop was apparently inspired by night terrors and lucid dreaming (hence the cover art) and explores dark themes of mental health and addiction – but there’s more to her than horror.

          The album’s immediate success made Eilish the youngest female solo star to chart at number 1 in the UK. She’s the youngest artist to do lots of things: write a Bond theme (‘No Time to Die’) and win Album of the Year at the Grammys (stealing that particular crown from Taylor Swift). She’s even the first artist born in the 21st Century to have an American number one.

          She swept the board at the 2020 Grammys: Best New Artist, Album of the Year, Best Pop Vocal Album and Best Engineered, Non Classical, whilst monster international hit ‘Bad Guy’ won both Record of the Year and Song of the Year. Overall, the album is Spotify’s eighth most streamed ever.

          The blood-spattered video has over a billion views on YouTube, but as Vogue says of its latest cover star: ‘Voice of a generation. Avatar of internet mega-fame. Icon of body positivity. A lot rests on Billie Eilish’s 19-year-old shoulders’. It’s clearly just the beginning.

          5. Heavy is the Head, Stormzy

          Released in December 2019 on the artist’s own #Merky label, Heavy is the Head is Stormzy’s second studio album. Featuring collaborations with everyone from Aitch and Burna Boy to H.E.R., Yebba and Ed Sheeran, the album debuted at number 2 and topped the chart on 10th January 2020.

          NME described it as, ‘a broad-reaching, genre-buckling romp’, while the Observer highlighted that, ‘it is a mark of artistic integrity that Stormzy manages to transcend genre (again), without sacrificing his core griminess, or losing too much in the way of accent, word choice, content or theme.’

          Stormzy claimed the Official Chart Double in January 2020, as ‘Own It’ ft Ed Sheeran & Burna Boy and Heavy Is The Head both hit number 1; something that no other British rapper has ever achieved. It marked the first of four official chart doubles in 2020, as Eminem, Drake and Ariana Grande also hit double top.

          ‘Vossi Bop’ had previously become the Glastonbury headliner’s first chart-topping single in the UK – check out the video, which has had over 115 million views to date, and was one of the best of 2019.

          6. Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon, Pop Smoke

          The UK’s biggest debut album of 2020 was Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon. It debuted in July at number 2, topping the chart 12 weeks later. This made it both the first chart-topping debut of the year, and the first ever posthumous number 1 debut album by a solo artist.

          Bashar Barakah Jackson, aka Pop Smoke, was a US rapper, singer and songwriter, considered by many to be the face of Brooklyn drill. He released his debut mixtape, Meet the Woo, in July 2019, and his first top 10 US hit was Meet the Woo 2, released in February 2020.

          Just two weeks later, Pop Smoke was fatally shot during what was believed to be a botched robbery in LA. 50 Cent exec-produced his posthumous debut studio album, which was released in July 2020. It debuted at number 1 on the Billboard 200, with international top 10 singles including ‘For the Night’ and ‘What You Know Bout Love.’

          7. No.6 Collaborations Project, Ed Sheeran

          The Guardian’s four-star review described Ed Sheeran as an ‘affable everyman dabbling in grime, hip-hop, balladry and Latino love songs as he zooms down the middle of the road to world domination.’

          The songs feature duets with everyone from Cardi B to Camila Cabello, Justin Bieber, Bruno Mars and Skrillex, Stormzy, J Hus and even Eminem, with the result that the album, ‘sounds not unlike a Top 20 rundown or Spotify’s Hot Hits UK playlist,’ according to the Guardian.

          Sheeran’s fourth studio album, released on 12th July 2019, was nominated for a Best Pop Vocal Album Grammy. By the end of 2019, it had sold 1.1 million pure (physical and digital) copies worldwide, ranking seventh bestselling album of the year.

          8. Greatest Hits, Queen

          2020 was a good year for Queen. Their Greatest Hits – the UK’s bestselling album of all time – became only the third album ever to log over 900 weeks on the chart. Yup, that’s over 17 years. And it appropriately achieved the chart milestone 50 years after Queen’s first gig (when the group were known as Smile), at the City Hall in Truro, Cornwall.

          Their live album, Live Around the World, also hit number 1 in October, making 2020 the first year since 1994 to have two live albums at the top of the charts.

          No doubt boosted by Bohemian Rhapsody, the Oscar-winning biopic, featuring ‘Killer Queen’, ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, ‘We Are The Champions’ and ‘We Will Rock You’, Queen’s Greatest Hits initially peaked in second place on the UK album chart before rising to number 1, where it remained for four weeks.

          9. Diamonds, Elton John

          Another greatest hits compilation boosted by a biopic (2019’s Rocket Man), is Elton John’s Diamonds. Spanning 1970-2016, it was originally released in November 2017 to commemorate 50 years of Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin’s professional partnership.

          In August 2020, the BPI certified Diamonds 2x Platinum for sales of 600,000 units, while in the US, it was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of American for sales of one million units. From ‘Your Song’ and ‘Tiny Dancer’ to ‘I’m Still Standing’ and the Disney classics, ‘Can You Feel the Love Tonight’ and ‘Circle of Life’, Diamonds brings all the landmark hits together.

          Elton supports artists as varied as Ed Sheeran (who’s signed to his Rocket music management group) and Dua Lipa (who headlined his annual AIDS Foundation pre-Oscars party this year) and is, by his own admission, obsessed by the charts. ‘I’m Still Standing’ seems an appropriate choice.

          10. 50 Years – Don’t Stop, Fleetwood Mac

          As you might expect, 50 Years – Don’t Stop, the box set by Fleetwood Mac, originally released in November 2018, marked 50 years since the band’s formation. The three CDs span 1967 to 2013. And what a history: as LouderSound.com says, ‘They began as a British blues boom band, complete with obligatory back-alley album cover shot and a repertoire of amped-up R&B numbers, evolved into a proper early-70s rock band, moved towards a more melodic repertoire, and then turned into a multi-platinum rock-pop soap opera, which they remained as pretty much for three decades, before fading gracefully into stadium nostalgia.’

          With plenty of remastered tracks and a few live ones, the hits span everything from ‘Albatross’ to ‘Rhiannon’, ‘Little Lies’ to ‘Go Your Own Way’ and ‘The Chain’ on the first collection to explore their entire career, from their early days to their success as one of the most enduring bands in rock history.

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          BEST STAR WARS SOUNDTRACKS

          THE BEST STAR WARS SOUNDTRACKS RANKED

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            Star Wars is the ultimate film franchise, with unforgettable characters, awe-inspiring set pieces and absolutely epic soundtracks. Naturally, we’re here to explore the latter. Welcome to our article about the best Star Wars music.

            Its soundtracks have been setting standards since 1977 when Star Wars (now known as Star Wars: A New Hope (Episode IV) was released. But which film has the best soundtrack? And what are the best Star Wars songs? Journey with us into a galaxy far, far away to discover the answers.

            Before you make the jump into hyperspace, allow us to introduce ourselves. We, Audio Network, are a premium production music catalogue and we can provide all the music you need for your media projects. Whether you’re making a film, TV show, podcast, advertisement or something else, we’ve got you covered. Start by exploring our playlists page.

            Ranked: The Star Wars Music

            1. Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002)

            Composed by: John Williams

            The second instalment in the prequel trilogy, Attack of the Clones focuses on the adventures of 35-year-old Obi-Wan Kenobi and the teenage Anakin Skywalker as they attempt to stop the evil Sith.

            By no means is the soundtrack to Attack of the Clones bad, it’s just the most forgettable soundtrack in the franchise so far (it doesn’t help that the film is one of the lowest-rated Star Wars films ever created).

            Having said that, there’s one song that we hold close to our heart and that’s ‘Across the Stars’. Also known as the ‘Love Theme’, it captures the chemistry between Anakin and Queen Amidala of Naboo, Padmé.

            ‘Across the Stars’

            2. Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)

            Composer: John Powell and John Williams

            This film focuses on a young Han Solo, treating audiences to the story of the rugged rebel pre-New Hope.Solo. It’s s a unique entry in the Star Wars universe; humorous and grounded, it swaps sci-fi vibes for a space Western feel.

            The film may be light years away from the Skywalker Saga, but the soundtrack will be familiar to fans. Composed by English composer John Powell in collaboration with John Williams, the two created a collection of scene-stealing songs that add an extra element of excitement to the film. Unarguably, the best song is ‘Enfys Nest Theme’, which plays during the standout train sequence.

            ‘Enfys Nest Theme’

            3. Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (Episode VI) (1983)

            Composer: John Williams

            Return of the Jedi was the highly anticipated final chapter of the original Star Wars trilogy that centred on Luke Skywalker and the rebel battle against the Galactic Empire. As you may or may not know (actually, come on, you must know), he does this while coming to terms with the revelation that the villainous Darth Vader is his father.

            As you can imagine, Return of the Jedi is paired with an emotionally stirring soundtrack. The album is filled with poignant compositions that are now considered classics – of course, this includes the impassioned ‘Luke and Leia’ track.

            ‘Luke and Leia’

            4. Star Wars: The Last Jedi (Episode VIII) (2017)

            Composer: John Williams

            Rian Johnson’s Star Wars – Episode VIII: The Last Jedi was a breath of fresh air: it modernised the franchise in all the right ways and was a hit with avid fans and casual filmgoers alike. It follows the journey of a range of old and new characters (including Rey, Finn, Poe, Luke Skywalker and General Leia Organa) as they rebel against the nefarious First Order.

            Following on from his work on The Force Awakens, John Williams took things in a new direction with this second instalment of the sequel trilogy. The most rousing track, ‘Holdo’s Sacrifice’, plays during what is arguably the film’s most intense scene.

            ‘Holdo’s Sacrifice’

            5. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (Episode IX) (2019)

            Composer: John Williams

            The final chapter of the Skywalker Saga, which follows Rey’s journey to finding herself, defeating Kylo Ren and guiding the rebels to victory – is not to everyone’s liking. In fact, it’s the lowest-rated Star Wars film ever. But one thing that everyone can agree on is that the soundtrack is impressive.

            Just like the film, the soundtrack is filled with big moments. There’s ‘Anthem of Evil’, a haunting piece with a ghostly lead vocal; ‘Destiny of a Jedi’, a multilayered study of the complex relationship between a Jedi and the force; the brilliantly nostalgic-sounding ‘The Old Death Star’; and our favourite, ‘Finale’, which succinctly wraps up the Skywalker Saga.

            ‘Finale’

            Your Time to Shine

            Hoping to create the next big Hollywood film franchise? Increase your chances of winning an Oscar by having high-quality production music on your side.

            Our ever-expanding catalogue is brimming with thousands of tracks which you can discover by exploring our film style categories. From adventure to animation to vintage to detective, we have you covered, no matter what genre you’re working with.

            Need Music for Your Project?

            At Audio Network we create original music, of the highest quality, for broadcasters, brands, creators, agencies and music fans everywhere. Through clear and simple licensing, we can offer you a huge variety of the best quality music across every conceivable mood and genre. Find out how we can connect you with the perfect collaborator today by clicking the button below!

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            MOVIE SOUNDTRACKS

            TOP 10 BEST SELLING MOVIE SOUNDTRACKS OF ALL TIME

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              What are the most played songs in movies and the best selling movie soundtrack? From Grease Lightning to the Circle of Life, many of the world’s most famous songs originate from films, so it’s not surprising that some of the most profitable albums in history are movie soundtracks.

              Here, we take you on a musical trip as we round up the bestselling movie soundtracks of all time. We’ll journey across a range of film genres and highlight some of our production genre playlists (in case you’re working on a creative project that we can help out with). Ready to enjoy the ride? Great. Let’s get stuck in!

              The Best Selling Movie Soundtracks

              • The Bodyguard (1992)
              • Saturday Night Fever (1977)
              • Dirty Dancing (1987)
              • Titanic (1997)
              • Grease (1978)
              • Aashiqui (1990)
              • Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995)
              • Purple Rain (1984)
              • Flashdance (1983)
              • Bombay (1995)
              • The Lion King (1994)

              Best Selling Movie Soundtracks 10-5

              10. The Lion King (1994)

              Copies Sold: 15 million

              Which Disney movie has the bestselling soundtrack? The Lion King, of course. Inspired by the bible and Shakespeare, The Lion King is Disney’s animated masterpiece. From start to finish the film is emotional, exciting and entertaining.

              And the same goes for its soundtrack. The Lion King is composed by the legendary Hans Zimmer and also features songs by Elton John and Tim Rice, including ‘Hakuna Matata’ and ‘Can You Feel the Love Tonight’. All of these songs feature Southern African musical elements that help tie the soundtrack to the landscape depicted in the film.

              9. Bombay (1995)

              Copies Sold: 15 million

              The ninth best-selling soundtrack of all time is from Tamil Cinema classic Bombay. The romantic drama film is set in the early 90s and focuses on an inter-religious family coming to terms with the growing tensions between the Hindu and Muslim communities in Bombay (now known as Mumbai).

              The Bombay soundtrack was produced by multifaceted talent AR Rahman; the lyrics to the original Tamil version of the film were written by Vairamuthu and Vaali; the lyrics for the Hindi and Telugu versions of the film were written by Veturi Sundararama Murthy and Mehboob. The collection of songs they created continue to inspire South Asian cinema.

              The most powerful song is ‘Tu Hi Re’ which amplifies the complexities of forbidden love. You can listen to it above.

              8. Flashdance (1983)

              Copies Sold: 20 million

              Flashdance is one of the most memorable dance flicks in film history, and the soundtrack is just as unforgettable. Funnily, the film wasn’t projected to do as well as it did, so the soundtrack was stocked in limited qualities; after a few days, it sold out.

              It’s filled with the vigour of 80s adolescence, especially in Michael Sembello’s ‘Maniac’, Shandi’s ‘He's A Dream’, and standout track, Cara’s ‘Flashdance...What a Feeling’. Feeling nostalgic? Relive your youth by watching the memorable final dance scene, above.

              7. Purple Rain (1984)

              Copies Sold: 20 million

              Prince’s film Purple Rain has arguably equal billing with its dynamic soundtrack, which also doubled as his sixth studio album. The music drives the narrative of the rock musical in ways that are so impressive it won the Oscar for Best Original Score.

              Alongside the groundbreaking power ballad ‘Purple Rain’, the soundtrack features some of the most significant hits in Prince’s discography – including ‘When Doves Cry’, ‘Let’s Go Crazy’ and ‘I Would Die 4 U’. Seriously impressive.

              6. Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995)

              Copies Sold: 20 million

              If you include pirate copies, it is estimated that the soundtrack to Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge – a Hindi-language romance film directed by Aditya Chopra – has sold around 100 million units. But for the purpose of this article, we will stick with the official number of 20 million copies – which is still super impressive.

              The narrative focuses on two Indian Londoners who fall in love on a European trip, but the music is unmistakably Indian. Every song on the soundtrack is big, bright and colourful, and perfectly captures the thrill of young love.

              5. Aashiqui (1990)

              Copies Sold: 20 million

              You may not have heard of the Indian romantic musical Aashiqui but you probably have heard tracks from the Aashiqui soundtrack.

              Composed by creative duo Nadeem–Shravan, one reason the Aashiqui is the bestselling Bollywood soundtrack of all time is because it’s just as key to the storytelling as the visuals. And what’s the story? It focuses on an aspiring singer whose girlfriend becomes a successful model.

              Our favourite song on the Aashiqui soundtrack is ‘Jaan-E-Jigar Jaaneman’, an intrinsically South Asian song that’s immensely hypnotic. Watch and listen above.

              Top 5 Bestselling Movie Soundtracks

              4. Grease (1978)

              Copies Sold: 28 million

              Which film has the best soundtrack? Well, it’s got to be Grease because there’s something for everyone.

              Fan of an emotive ballad? Stick on ‘Hopelessly Devoted to You’. Feeling catty? Put ‘Look at Me, I’m Sandra ’ on repeat. Want to duet with your lover? Ask Alexa (or Siri, or Google) to play the number 1 hit, ‘You’re the One That I Want’. If only contemporary albums were so dynamic…

              What you might not know is that most of the songs on the Grease album originate from the original 1971 rock ’n’ roll musical by Jim Jacobs and Warren. This includes ‘Greased Lightning’, ‘We Go Together’ and our favourite, ‘Beauty School Dropout’ (one of our favourite guilty pleasures).

              3. Titanic (1997)

              Copies Sold: 30 million

              The Titanic was a sinking ship, but James Cameron’s epic blockbuster certainly wasn’t, as the 90s film continues to attract audiences to this day. In fact, the film has proven so popular since its release, it ranks third in the highest-grossing films of all time (currently sitting around $2.195 billion) and its soundtrack ranks fourth in the bestselling soundtracks of all time.

              And while James Horner’s orchestral compositions are nothing short of sublime, we bet our bottom dollar that most of the 30 million sales are thanks to Celine Dion’s magnificent, award-winning vocals. ‘My Heart Will Go On’ won the Academy Award for Best Original Song and also picked up four awards at the 1999 Grammys, and we totally understand why.

              3. Dirty Dancing (1987)

              Copies Sold: 32 million

              The bestselling movie soundtrack in the UK ever is Dirty Dancing. But it wasn’t just the Brits that were enthralled by Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey’s chemistry, it was the whole world.

              The soundtrack brims with iconic hits, including ‘Be My Baby’ by The Ronettes, ‘Do You Love Me’ by The Contours and ‘Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow’ by The Shirelles. But, the standout hit from the motion picture is one that was new to audiences at the time; it’s now credited as the theme tune for Dirty Dancing. It goes without saying we’re referring to Bill Medley and Jennifer Warner’s ‘(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life’.

              2. Saturday Night Fever (1977)

              Copies Sold: 40 million

              Saturday Night Fever is a quintessential 70s disco movie featuring the second best-selling soundtrack in film history. Fun fact: the album stayed at the top of the charts for 24 straight weeks back in 1978. Cool, right?

              The film focuses on a young Italian-American man (played by John Travolta) and his passion for disco dancing, and features a soundtrack that is aptly filled with disco anthems – many of which come from funky British band the Bee Gees. We’re talking songs such as ‘Stayin’ Alive’, ‘Night Fever’ and ‘More than a Woman’. Interestingly, the band didn’t even get involved in the film until post production; while filming his scenes, John Travolta was actually dancing to the likes of Boz Scaggs and Stevie Wonder…!

              1. The Bodyguard (1992)

              Copies Sold: 45 million

              What is the best-selling movie soundtrack of all time? It’s The Bodyguard soundtrack. Obviously.

              The film, which grossed $411 million, features a soundtrack that’s sold over 45 million copies – a testament to the unparalleled star power of the late Whitney Houston.

              Produced by Houston and Clive Davis, the soundtrack features some of the singer's most memorable hits, including ‘I Have Nothing’, ‘Run to You’ and, of course, her world-renowned rendition of Dolly Parton’s ‘I Will Always Love You’. Just thinking about it is inspiring us to run a bath, light a few candles and play it on repeat.

              The Soundtrack to Your Next Project

              So, there you have it: the best movie soundtracks of all time. We really hope you enjoyed these wonderful movie soundtracks!

              What do they have in common? They all make an impact – whether that’s to encourage the audience to get up and dance or make them uncontrollably teary.

              Want to create your own impactful soundtrack for an upcoming project? Say no more. Here at Audio Network we’ve got music of all types for every mood and emotion.

              Need Music for Your Project?

              At Audio Network we create original music, of the highest quality, for broadcasters, brands, creators, agencies and music fans everywhere. Through clear and simple licensing, we can offer you a huge variety of the best quality music across every conceivable mood and genre. Find out how we can connect you with the perfect collaborator today by clicking the button below!

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              This page was updated 07/03/2024 and 24/05/2024.

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              AUDIO NETWORK VINYL

              THE BEST CLASSICAL MUSIC SOUNDTRACKS

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                Classical music has expressed every human emotion for hundreds of years. Whether it’s the immense power of Wagner’s ‘Ride of the Valkryries’; Mozart’s supreme tearjerker, ‘Lacrimosa’; Holst’s epic ‘Jupiter’, or Puccini’s liltingly beautiful ‘O Mio Babbino Caro’, directors consistently use classical music in movies because it’s virtually guaranteed to seduce your audience. Classic movies music can really be special.

                Whether it’s a delicate chamber ensemble, a full-throated aria, or a sheer wall of orchestral sound, one of the reasons classical music is used so widely in films is because there’s as huge a variety of musical styles to choose from as there are movie genres. Classical music is perfect for everything from romance to action, mystery and suspense to comedy.

                So we’ve compiled a list of our favourites. See how many you recognise from hearing them in a film!

                Best Classical Music in Movies

                Giacomo Puccini’s ‘Nessun Dorma’ from Turandot (1926)
                Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation (2015)

                The opening sequence of Christopher Nolan’s Tenet was set in an opera house, but for our money Tom Cruise’s set piece to Puccini’s Turandot steals the crown for bringing classical music and action together.

                As an assassination scene unfolds in the opera house, the dark spaces, lofty walkways and hidden viewpoints backstage create the perfect set-up; wild-card Ilsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson) is one of three assassins toting a lethal weapon – and major props to the baddie who handily assembles one from an alto flute.

                Ilsa brings a score with her to choreograph her killer shot to the crescendo molto at the end of ‘Nessun Dorma’ so she definitely wins the prize for doing her musical analysis homework.

                The fight sequences are also exquisitely timed with the music’s tension and dramatic high points. Thrilling stuff.

                Scenes from Giuseppe Verdi’s La Traviata (1853)
                Pretty Woman (1990)

                For another excellent use of opera in a movie, look no further than Pretty Woman. Edward (Richard Gere) gives Vivian (Julia Roberts) a serious taste of the high life by flying her to the opera.

                His choice might be a bit of an in-joke (the plot tells of the tragic love between the courtesan Violetta and her suitor Alfredo), but it works; by the time the curtain falls, Vivian is totally overcome with emotion, confessing joyfully to a fellow audience member that, ‘It was so good, I almost peed my pants!’

                Luckily for the lovers, they do actually get their happy ever after, rather than our heroine dying of consumption.

                Pietro Mascagni’s Intermezzo from Cavalleria Rusticana (1890)
                Raging Bull (1980)

                Raging Bull is one of the best sporting movies of all time, with an incredible soundtrack to match.

                To bring the story of Jake LaMotta’s meteoric rise (and tragic fall) to life, director Martin Scorsese mainly chose music from the 40s, 50s and 60s. which is one reason why his use of the ‘Intermezzo’ from Cavalleria Rusticana is such a stand-out emotional punch (sorry) in the film.

                Samuel Barber’s ‘Adagio’ from String Quartet Op 11 (1936)
                Platoon (1987)

                Platoon brought Samuel Barber’s ‘Adagio for Strings’ to a mainstream audience. Directed by Oliver Stone as part of a trilogy of films about the Vietnam War (alongside Born on the Fourth of July and Heaven & Earth), it was nominated for eight Academy Awards and won four.

                When it was first performed in 1938, a contemporary critic rightly observed it was ‘full of pathos and cathartic passion’ that ‘rarely leaves a dry eye,’ which explains why it was such a perfect choice for the scene in which, Sgt Elias (played by Willem Dafoe) is gunned down by the Viet Kong as his fellow soldiers escape on a helicopter.

                Looking for a similar-sounding classical track? Try Jody Jenkins’ ‘Adagio for Strings’

                Richard Wagner’s ‘Ride of the Valkyries’ from The Valkyrie (1870)
                Apocalypse Now (1979)

                Classical music in a film is rarely more iconic than Francis Ford Coppola’s helicopter attack sequence, accompanied by Wagner’s ‘Ride of the Valkyries’ in Apocalypse Now.

                It’s cleverly used both as diegetic (music in the scene that the characters hear) and non-diegetic (it doesn’t come directly from the story unfolding onscreen).

                Awe-inspiring and terrifying, it’s rightly become part of cinematic history.

                Excerpts from Sergei Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No 2 In C Minor (1901)
                Brief Encounter (1945)

                Romance, simmering passion and a very English stiff upper lip – director David Lean’s black-and-white classic has it all. And the true – if unrequited – love is all expertly soundtracked by Rachmaninov’s haunting Second Piano Concerto throughout.

                In a poll of Classic FM listeners, the piece was voted the nation’s favourite piece of classical music, surely boosted by its presence in this iconic film, which was also voted the best movie romance of all time in a Guardian poll of 2010.

                Various Composers
                Fantasia (1940)

                And let’s not forget animation when it comes to classical music in films. The Disney classic Fantasia features a ‘music first’ approach in setting a series of tableaus to classical pieces.

                Fairies, fish, flowers, mushrooms and leaves dance their way through Tchaikovsky’s ‘Nutcracker Suite’; dinosaurs amble across the screen during Stravinsky’s ‘The Rite of Spring’; flamboyant hippos and ostriches dance to Ponchielli’s ‘Dance of the Hours’, and of course, Mickey Mouse steals the show as ‘The Sorcerer’s Apprentice’ (Dukas) – with hair-raising results.

                Other notable cartoons containing classical music include The Cat Concerto, a 1946 Tom and Jerry short which uses Liszt’s ‘Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2’ to brilliant comedic effect; Bugs Bunny meets Wagner in What’s Opera, Doc? with ‘The Ride of the Valkyries’ making its second appearance in our round-up.

                And Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf was also into an Oscar-winning short film in 2006.

                And to prove once again that classical music can just as outstanding in comedy as well as drama, you need only to look to The Simpsons.

                In one episode, Springfield’s Frank Gehry-designed concert hall’s inaugural concert features the Springfield Orchestra playing Beethoven’s Fifth to a deeply unimpressed audience.

                Pity poor Marge – the only Philip Glass fan in town – surrounded by such philistines…

                Classical Movie Songs

                Giacomo Puccini’s ‘O Mio Babbino Caro’ from Gianni Schicchi
                A Room With a View (1985)

                Merchant Ivory’s adaptation of EM Forster’s novel of passion and repression in the Edwardian era made a star of Helena Bonham Carter, as well as featuring a pantheon of the contemporary British acting scene.

                The passionate kiss in the Italian field between Lucy Honeychurch and George Emerson (‘I have a theory that there is something in the Italian landscape which inclines even the most stolid nature to romance’ – well, quite) features Puccini’s ‘Chi il Bel Sogno Di Doretta’ from La Rondine, but the song that everyone remembers is undoubtedly ‘O Mio Babbino Caro’ sung by Kiri Te Kanawa.

                Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s ‘Sull’aria’ from The Marriage of Figaro (1786)
                The Shawshank Redemption (1995)

                The turning point in The Shawshank Redemption is when the hero, Andy Dufresne, locks himself in the warden’s office and blasts this stunning duet through the speakers to the whole prison, transfixing the inmates. Fellow prisoner Red’s monologue is a gorgeous articulation of how transporting opera can be:

                ‘To this day, I have no idea what those two Italian ladies were singing about… I tell you those voices soared higher and farther than anybody in a grey place dares to dream. It was like some beautiful bird flapped into our drab little cage and made these walls dissolve away. For the briefest moment every last man in Shawshank felt free.’

                From this point on, the narrative is all about clinging to – and acting on – a sense of hope. And by the end of the film, some of the characters are richly rewarded for it.

                Umberto Giordano’s ‘La Mamma Morta’ from Andrea Chenier
                Philadelphia (1993)

                One of the pivotal scenes in Philadelphia is Andrew Beckett’s explanation of the life-affirming effect of ‘La Mamma Morta’, his favourite aria.

                Tom Hanks won an Oscar for Best Actor for his portrayal of a lawyer dying of AIDS who is forced to defend himself against his employer. It was also, notably, the first Hollywood film to tackle the issue of AIDS.

                Movies About Classical Music

                Classical music isn’t only used on soundtracks to convey emotion and action. If you want to learn more about the lives of composers and performers, there are some great films out there, so you’re in for a treat.

                Amadeus (1984)

                This acclaimed – and highly fictionalised – life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart features everything from The Marriage of Figaro to Don Giovanni and, of course, his monumental Requiem.

                Plus, as we’re seeing Mozart through the viewpoint of his jealous rival, the composer Antonio Salieri, we also get some amazing musicology lessons thrown into the mix.

                Listen to Salieri’s description of his first encounter with Mozart, soundtracked by the flawless third movement of the Serenade for Winds, (K361), a deft and deeply moving monologue on the power of music.

                Immortal Beloved (1994)

                The New York Times praised the Beethoven biopic Immortal Beloved for its ‘hugely effective use of Beethoven’s most thrilling, tumultuous music.’

                The soundtrack, by the London Symphony Orchestra, features world-famous soloists including Murray Perahia, Yo-Yo Ma, Bryn Terfel and Emanuel Ax. The plot centres on the mystery of the ‘immortal beloved’ to whom Beethoven addressed a famous letter, which continues to perplex biographers to this day.

                Gary Oldman brilliantly portrays the complex, conflicted Beethoven and his battle against deafness and demons.

                The Pianist (2002)

                Based on the autobiography of Wladyslaw Szpilman, a Polish Jew who survived the Holocaust, Roman Polanski’s The Pianist won Oscars for Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay, as well as Best Actor for Adrien Brody.

                The film also won BAFTAs for Best Film and Best Direction. The music won the Cesar Award for Best Music Written for a Film and was nominated for the BAFTA Award for Best Film Music (it lost out to The Hours).

                The soundtrack features pieces by Chopin, played by Polish pianist Janusz Olejniczak (as well as Bach and Beethoven).

                Mahler (1974)

                Director Ken Russell had quite a career run from biopics of classical musicians, from Elgar to Delius, Liszt and Tchaikovsky.

                His unconventional biopic of Mahler, starring Robert Powell and Georgina Hale, features a series of surrealist flashbacks of the composer’s life as he is on a train journey.

                He reminisces about jealousy, ambition and dreams and recalls his fear that his wife would abandon him for another man. Warning: the trailer is seriously trippy.

                Hilary and Jackie (1998)

                Based on the memoirs of Hilary du Pré, sister of the world-renowned cellist, the film portrays Jacqueline du Pré’s meteoric rise to fame, her marriage to conductor Daniel Barenboim, and her untimely death from MS.

                The sisters are both musicians – Hilary (Rachel Griffiths) is a successful flautist who realises that she’ll have to play (ahem) second fiddle to her charismatic sibling, played by Emily Watson.

                The Guardian praised the film for its portrayal and depiction of genius: ‘Griffiths opens up the whole package of complicity, indulgence and vicariousness that goes with it.’ It includes pieces by Elgar, Haydn, Bach, Brahms, Handel, Schumann, Beethoven and Dvořák.

                Want to Use Classical Music in Your Film?

                We hope you enjoyed reading about some of the best music soundtracks!

                If you’re looking for music for films, classical is a great option. But you’ll need to know a bit about music licensing and copyright. Whilst the original composition might be out of copyright, the recording you want may not be – which is where we come in. Our fantastic Classical Collection has everything you need, from lyrical chamber orchestra pieces to grand, majestic full symphony orchestras, and it’s super-easy to license.

                DISCOVER THE CLASSICAL COLLECTION

                Need Music for Your Project?

                At Audio Network we create original music, of the highest quality, for broadcasters, brands, creators, agencies and music fans everywhere. Through clear and simple licensing, we can offer you a huge variety of the best quality music across every conceivable mood and genre. Find out how we can connect you with the perfect collaborator today by clicking the button below!

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                This page was last updated on 07/03/2024.

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                AUDIO NETWORK VINYL

                THE BEST HIP HOP MOVIE SOUNDTRACKS

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                  Hip hop is a wide-ranging genre that covers the entire spectrum of human emotions, making it perfect for what we like to call ‘roller coaster narratives’ in film.

                  From the soundtracks to Romeo Must Die to Space Jam, we’re taking a moment to celebrate the very best hip hop movie soundtracks and hail some of the finest singers, rappers and producers in the game.

                  Speaking of hip hop, we’ve got an entire Discover hub dedicated to hip hop and R&B. Here you can enjoy a selection of albums, playlists and artists in the hip hop genre that could be perfect for your project, so check it out once you’ve read our round-up!

                  Best Hip Hop Movie Soundtracks

                  Space Jam (1996)

                  Box Office: $250.2 million

                  Music Producers: Rashad Smith, James Newton Howard, R Kelly and others

                  Best Songs: ‘That’s The Way I Like It’; ‘All of My Days’; ‘Hit ’Em High (The Monstars’ Anthem)’

                  Say what you want about Space Jam (personally, we’re a fan), but some features are undeniably extraordinary – namely, the seamless layering of animation over live action and the super-compelling soundtrack. Naturally, we’re particularly taken with the latter.

                  As a film soundtrack it’s a total slam dunk, with all the fierce energy of the mid-90s pre-millennial hip hop scene, featuring classic songs from the likes of Salt-N-Pepa, Seal, Spin Doctors and Busta Rhymes. It gives the soundtrack for the forthcoming sequel a lot to live up to.

                  Men in Black (1997)

                  Box Office: $589.4 million

                  Music Producers: The Ummah, Poke & Tone, De La Soul and others

                  Best Songs: ‘Men in Black’; ‘I’m Feeling You’; ‘We Just Wanna Party With You’

                  Featuring songs from the likes of Nas, The Roots, Ginuwine, Snoop Dogg and A Tribe Called Quest, the Men in the Black soundtrack is simply magnificent. And we’re not the only ones who think so, as the album went straight to the top of the album charts for two consecutive weeks when it dropped in the late 90s.

                  In the spirit of the film, every song is powerful and spirited. Truth be told, some of the songs are so damn catchy (especially Smith’s ‘Men in Black’), we almost wish we had our own neuralyzer (that’s sci-fi speak for a memory eraser).

                  He Got Game (1998)

                  Box Office: $22.4 million

                  Music Producers: Bomb Squad, Abnes Dubose, Jack Dangers and others

                  Best Songs: ‘He Got Game’; ‘Resurrection’; ‘Unstoppable’

                  The He Got Game soundtrack is not just a collection of great songs from the film – it’s also Public Enemy’s sixth studio album. The American hip hop collective reunited to bring Spike Lee’s film to life, and the album features some of the best Public Enemy songs ever – our favourite being the title track, with its gospel choir backing vocals, unconventional sample (from Buffalo Springfield’s ‘For What It’s Worth’) and thought-provoking lyrics. What more could you want?

                  Romeo Must Die (2000)

                  Box Office: $91 million

                  Music Producers: Aaliyah, Barry Hankerson, Jomo Hankerson, Timbaland and others

                  Best Songs: ‘Try Again’; ‘Perfect Man’; ‘I Don’t Wanna’; ‘Come Back in One Piece’

                  Granted, Romeo Must Die might not be your favourite flick ever (it’s certainly not ours), but you’ve got to appreciate its august soundtrack — it’s literally the sound of the new millennium. And it’s impossible to talk about it without paying respects to the late Aaliyah. The R&B star was executive producer as well as performing four of the songs on the soundtrack – the most famous being Try Again – alongside the likes of Ginuwine, Destiny’s Child and The Comrads. We miss you, our queen.

                  8 Mile (2002)

                  Box Office: $242.9 million

                  Music Producers: Eminem and others

                  Best Songs: ‘Lose Yourself’; ‘8 Miles And Runnin’; ‘U Wanna Be Me’; ‘Time of My Life’

                  What is the hardest-hitting rap song? Some would say it’s Eminem’s Academy Award-winning track Lose Yourself, which, as you probably already know, was created for the 2002 flick 8 Mile, a semi-autobiographical film that follows B-Rabbit – loosely based on Eminem – as he aims to make it big as a rapper. If you love your hip hop this soundtrack is a total treat, with songs from 50 Cent, Nas and Jay-Z.

                  Shark Tale (2004)

                  Box Office: $367.3 million

                  Music Producers: Hans Zimmer, Timbaland, Missy Elliott and others

                  Best Songs: ‘Car Wash’; ‘Baby Got Back’; ‘You Can’t Touch This’

                  Shark Tale is one of Dreamworks biggest hits, which makes us wonder why they never greenlit a sequel. Perhaps because they knew they could never recreate the original’s tour de force soundtrack, which features everyone from Bob Marley to Sean Paul to Will Smith and Ludacris. And the jewel in the crown, needless to say, is the ‘Car Wash’ cover by Missy Elliott and Christina Aguilera, whichm in our humble opinion, is a total banger.

                  Step Up 2: The Streets (2008)

                  Box Office: $150.8 million

                  Music Producers: T-Pain, Timbaland, Missy Elliott and others

                  Best Songs: ‘Low’; ‘Shake Your Pom Pom’; ‘Hypnotized’

                  Ah, Step Up 2: The Streets — a film that defines the Naughties. The main characters Andie (Briana Evigan) and Chase (Robert Hoffman) form a dance crew and fall in love, to a blistering soundtrack from the likes of Flo Rida, T-Pain and Missy Elliott. These tracks form a superb playlist in a film that often feels like one long music video – especially during the scene that involves the lovebirds dancing in the rain.

                  The Great Gatsby (2013)

                  Box Office: $353.6 million

                  Music Producers: Jay-Z and Baz Luhrmann

                  Best Songs: ‘No Church in the Wild’; ‘Bang Bang’; ‘$100 Bill’

                  Who’s the best rapper of all time? We’d argue it’s Shawn Carter (aka Jay-Z). And we’ll never forget how the Jigga man lent his audio wizardry to one of our favourite films of all time, Baz Lurhman’s The Great Gatsby. Jay whipped out his contact book and got a whole host of big-name stars on board, including Q-Tip, Will.I.Am and André 3000. He even got his wife involved. But the standout track from the album came originally from Jay-Z’s album with Kanye West. Entitled ‘No Church in the Wild’, the song, featuring Frank Ocean on vocals, works brilliantly with the film’s 1920s setting.

                  Black Panther (2018)

                  Box Office: $1.344 billion

                  Music Producers: Kendrick Lamar and others

                  Best Songs: ‘All the Stars’; ‘Paramedic!’; ‘Pray for Me’

                  Marvel Studios’ Black Panther is one of the most groundbreaking superhero motion pictures ever created – aptly, the soundtracks are nothing short of brilliant. We say soundtracks as there are actually not one but two Black Panther soundtracks in existence: Ludwig Göransson’s cinematic score incorporated elements of traditional music from South and West Africa, while Kendrick Lamar curated a star-studded hip hop contribution. FYI, both received Oscar nominations, and Göransson ended up winning.

                  Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)

                  Box Office: $375.5 million

                  Music Producers: DJ Khalil, Infamous, Louis Bell and others

                  Best Songs: ‘Sunflower’; ‘Familia’; ‘Way Up’; ‘Hide’

                  Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse was one of the biggest surprises of the 2010s – it offered a fresh animation technique, never-before-seen-on-the-big-screen Spider-Man and a totally infectious score and soundtrack. You already know where we’re going with this.

                  The album concept was prompted by the question: What would Miles Morales, a 13-year old mixed-race teenager in Brooklyn, listen to? The question led to the creation of some of the hottest hip hop tracks of the century, some of which are inspired by the young superhero’s Latin-American heritage.

                  Audio Network’s Hip Hop Collection

                  Now that we’ve covered the best hip hop movie soundtracks, it’s about time we reminded you of our hip hop collection.

                  Over in our hip hop music playlist, we’ve got a vast array of catchy beats for you to make the most of in your next production – whether that’s a film, a podcast, a TV series or an advertisement.

                  COLLECTION: HIP HOP BEATS

                  Need Music for Your Project?

                  At Audio Network we create original music, of the highest quality, for broadcasters, brands, creators, agencies and music fans everywhere. Through clear and simple licensing, we can offer you a huge variety of the best quality music across every conceivable mood and genre. Find out how we can connect you with the perfect collaborator today by clicking the button below!

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                  MADDEN SOUNDTRACKS

                  MADDEN SOUNDTRACKS: THE BEST SONGS

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                    Madden NFL is essentially the American Football version of FIFA. And just like FIFA, the video game series – named after the legendary coach and sportscaster, John Madden – is famed for its exhilarating, immersive soundtracks.

                    Below, we explore every Madden soundtrack from 2003 to 2023, and highlight our favourite track from each one. Along the way, we’ll also call out similar production music playlists from our extensive catalogue of background music tracks. Who knows, one of them could be perfect for your next project – whether that’s a video game, a sports project, TV show, film, or something else. Let’s kick off with Madden 03.

                    Madden Soundtracks 2003 – 2023

                    Madden Soundtracks 2003

                    ‘The Anthem’ – Good Charlotte

                    In 2002, American pop-punk band Good Charlotte released their album The Young and The Hopeless.

                    One of the standout hits was the ultimate noughties rock track, ‘The Anthem’ – the chanting, electric guitars and high-octane drums all come together to capture the sound of teenage rebellion. By using it in their Madden 03 soundtrack, EA went straight to the hearts of their target market.

                    Check out our High Energy Pop Punk Playlist.

                    Madden Soundtrack 2004

                    ‘Rock You (Remix)’ – The Roots

                    World-renowned hip hop band The Roots appeared on the Madden soundtrack when their song Rock You was remixed for the 2004 version of the game. Taken from their 2002 Phrenology album, Rock You is a fast-paced rap that keeps a consistent flow and features a repetitive, singalong chorus.

                    The remix references the game (with a very meta shoutout to EA Sports in the first verse) and the rock vibe is amped up with electric guitars. How we wish they’d commissioned exclusive remixes for their later Madden games (if anyone from EA is reading, yes, that is a hint).

                    Madden Soundtrack 2005

                    ‘American Idiot’ – Green Day

                    Back in the mid-00s, Green Day climbed (back) up to the pinnacle of the industry with the release of their seventh studio album, American Idiot.

                    The titular track, released in August 2004, swiftly became a huge hit thanks to its grungy sound, surprising lyrics and utter catchiness. And it wasn’t just ideal for a Madden soundtrack; it was also nominated for a Grammy.

                    Madden Soundtrack 2006

                    ‘Dance Dance’ – Fall Out Boy

                    When Madden 06 was released in Autumn 2005, many sports fans were obsessing over alternative rock – which explains why Fall Out Boy secured a place on this EA soundtrack.

                    The band’s ‘Dance Dance’ is an upbeat song about a cheating girlfriend. Surprisingly sparky and dynamic, it’s one of EA’s most unique choices for their sports game soundtracks and for this reason, it’s one of our favourites from a Madden video game.

                    Madden Soundtrack 2007

                    ‘Is it Any Wonder?’ – Keane

                    British alt-rock band Keane made a name for themselves when they released their debut studio album Hopes and Fears in 2004 – which consisted largely of melancholy rock ballads. But in 2006, the group switched up their sound to something a little rockier.

                    From the band’s second studio album, the song ‘Is it Any Wonder?’ sounds entirely different to the Keane sound that preceded it. The electric guitar at the start of the track is redolent of 80s rock bands such as Aerosmith and Guns N’ Roses – miles away from their previous hits. But it’s the new-found grittiness that put Keane on the track list of Madden 07, forever associating their revamped sound with tactics, tackles and tremendous energy.

                    Madden Soundtrack 2008

                    ‘Release’ – Timbaland ft Justin Timberlake

                    When we think of Madden soundtracks, we think of upbeat rock, R&B and hip hop, all of which have been a staple part of the series’ soundtracks since Madden 08, which starred the likes of Timbaland, Swizz Beatz and Pitbull.

                    By far our favourite song on this playlist is Release by Timbaland featuring Justin Timberlake. Released as part of Timbaland’s second solo studio album, the collaborative song sounds like it was specially made for the game: it captures the attention of the player, keeps them focused and, last but not least, makes them hungry for more.

                    Madden Soundtrack 2009

                    ‘We Made It’ – Busta Rhymes ft Linkin Park

                    In the 2000s, two genres dominated the music scene – hip hop and alternative rock. Appropriately, towards the end of the decade the two collided, as artists began to collaborate and create a brand-new, hybrid sound.

                    One of our favourite rapper x alt-rock songs is ‘We Made It’ by Busta Rhymes featuring Linkin Park. ‘We Made It’ made it (pun intended, thanks) to the Madden 09 soundtrack because of its uplifting spirit, memorable lyrics and totally timely sound.

                    Madden Soundtrack 2010

                    ‘Can’t C Me’ – 2Pac

                    To build a successful future, sometimes you just have to look back, which is exactly what EA did with the soundtrack for Madden 10.

                    2 Pac’s ‘Can’t C Me’ – originally released in 1996 on the rapper’s All Eyez on Me album – is undeniably the best track on the Madden 10 soundtrack. The song’s street-inspired beat and well-paced rhythm helps gamers escape into EA’s sports-centric world and makes us seriously nostalgic for the nineties.

                    Madden Soundtrack 2011

                    ‘We Ready (ft Bubba Sparxxx)’ – Archive Eversole

                    The throwback vibe continued the following year with ‘We Ready’ by Archie Eversole featuring Bubba Sparxxx on the Madden 11 soundtrack.

                    In case you’re not familiar with Eversole, he’s a German-born, Atlanta-based rapper best known for his 2002 hip-hop record Ride Wit Me Dirty South Style. As for the song, well, it’s exactly what you’d expect from an early 00s rap track, with a kooky sample (‘Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye’ by Steam), catchy lyrics and an addictive rhythm.

                    Madden Soundtrack 2012

                    ‘Pass Out’ – Tinie Tempah

                    As Brits, we were surprised to learn that national sensation Tinie Tempah’s number one hit ‘Pass Out’ made it to the States, never mind onto the Madden 12 soundtrack. Having said that, we can see why it works for the game.

                    The British rapper’s debut single marked a new age of British rap – one that was just as accessible as pop, and just as good on the radio as in the clubs. Evidently it worked well for video games too.

                    Madden Soundtrack 2013

                    ‘Crazy Train’ – Ozzy Osbourne

                    For Madden 13, EA returned to the game’s rock music roots by featuring tracks from the likes of Kiss, Blur and Ozzy Osbourne on the soundtrack. Osbourne’s track Crazy Train was the standout song on the playlist.

                    Originally released in 1980, Crazy Train is the quintessential Ozzy Osbourne track – fun, fiery and literally and figuratively electric. When we heard it during gameplay back in 2014, it instantly brought smiles to our faces.

                    Madden Soundtrack 2014 (NFL 25)

                    ‘Boom Boom Pow’ – Black Eyed Peas

                    EA released Madden NFL 25 to celebrate the game’s 25th anniversary in the 2013/2014 season. Appropriately, they pulled out all the stops for the soundtrack.

                    Our favourite? It’s got to be the irresistible ‘Boom Boom Pow’ by the Black Eyed Peas. Not only is it an absolute banger, it’s also great for helping players stay awake during the early hours of the morning as they hone their virtual football skills. An absolute winner.

                    Madden Soundtrack 2015

                    ‘Spend It (Remix)’ – 2 Chainz ft T.I.

                    The Georgia hip hop scene came through in the early 10s when College Park-born 2 Chainz and Atlanta-born T.I. teamed up for ‘Spend It (Remix)’. Though the song wasn’t fully appreciated when it was first released back in 2011, EA gave it another lease of life by sticking it on their Madden 15 soundtrack.

                    It works perfectly for the American Football game as it gives the gaming experience a little extra edge; one that we sometimes feel is missing from EA Sport’s other offerings such as FIFA (yes, that’s another hint).

                    Madden Soundtrack 2016

                    ‘Can’t Feel My Face’ – The Weeknd

                    Everyone is familiar with ‘Can’t Feel My Face’, the hit that rocketed Canadian artist The Weeknd (aka Abel Tesfaye) into the mainstream, but why was it chosen for the Madden 16 soundtrack? Well, we think there are a few good reasons...

                    Firstly, its atmospheric synth opening instantly pulls the listener into Tesfaye’s world and the world of Madden 16. The slightly retro vocal delivery – heavily inspired by the 80s – sounds familiar, both to those who are acquainted with the song and those who aren’t. Finally, the funky beat works harmoniously with the game’s high-tech interface to create an enticing experience for both young and old gamers.

                    Madden Soundtrack 2017

                    ‘Come Down’ – Anderson .Paak

                    We really love music, so it’s a rare event when Madden NFL features an artist we’ve never heard of before. But back in 2016, we were introduced to the super-talented Anderson .Paak through the game, for which we’re eternally grateful.

                    The Anderson .Paak song that appeared on the Madden 17 soundtrack, ‘Come Down’, made us instant fans of the Californian rapper. The groovily contagious beat, layered under the artist’s idiosyncratic vocals, makes for an uplifting hit that instantly puts players a good mood.

                    Madden Soundtrack 2018

                    ‘Rollin (ft Future and Khalid)’ – Calvin Harris

                    Finally, we get the chance to voice our opinion on Calvin Harris’s Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1 album, so here it is: IT’S SEVERELY UNDERRATED. Fortunately, the people at EA know the score and put ‘Rollin’ on their Madden 18 soundtrack.

                    The song layers a funk-inspired beat under the transportive voices of rapper Future and singer Khalid to create a song that serves up infectious summertime energy. Needless to say, this energy perfectly fits the Madden 18 experience.

                    Madden Soundtrack 2019

                    ‘If You Know You Know’ – Pusha T

                    In 2018, Kanye West produced no less than five albums through his label, G.O.O.D. Music: his own, one with himself and Kid Cudi; and one each for Teyana Taylor, Nas and Pusha T. In our humble opinion, the best song from all five albums is Pusha T’s ‘If You Know You Know.’

                    EA picked up the East Coast rapper’s song for the Madden 19 soundtrack because the immersive beat keeps the listener in the zone. Plus, the builds mirror the American Football experience, growing more exciting by the second. It’s also brimming with unexpected moments.

                    Madden Soundtrack 2020

                    ‘Back Up (ft Wiz Khalifa)’ – Don Toliver

                    We associate powerful hip hop tracks with Madden games, and the soundtracks offer an amazing platform for rising talent. EA featured ‘Back Up (ft Wiz Khalifa) by upcoming rapper Don Toliver on the Madden 20 soundtrack, which doubtless had a little to do with his subsequent success.

                    Toliver’s unique tone, Khalifa’s too-cool-for-school vibe, and the brass and bass-led production make for a song that captures the big band spirit of NFL games. Just listen, and you’ll know why we love it.

                    Madden Soundtrack 2021

                    ‘Powered Up’ – EarthGang

                    ICYMI, EarthGang are all the rage. Johnny Venus and Doctur Dot, the American hip hop duo, are novel and quirky, and ‘Powered Up’ is one of the best songs they’ve released so far.

                    The track has Madden all over it, with its peppy beat, motivational lyrics (who doesn’t want to power up their game?) and anthem-like backing vocals to really help get your head in the game. For these reasons and more, it’s our favourite track on the Madden 21 soundtrack.

                    Madden Soundtrack 2022

                    The Madden soundtrack for 2022 featured an extraordinary list of over 50 songs. Plus, it was the first time EA Games had released an EA Sports Madden NFL soundtrack album; they worked with Interscope, ‘one of the most forward-thinking, risk-taking hip hop labels in the industry’ according to Steve Schnur, President of EA Music.

                    Each artist featured on the soundtrack was chosen because of their love of both football and Madden. Our pick? Swae Lee, who released his new song with Jack Harlow, ‘Ball is Life’, on the Madden NFL 22 soundtrack.

                    Madden Soundtrack 2023

                    This year’s game isn’t quite as dense as last year’s when it comes to the soundtrack. But the 39-strong list still includes hard hitters such as Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg ft. Nas, Drake and Tyler, the Creator. And, as Steve Schnur says, ‘Over the past decades, Madden NFL has become a platform for fans to discover new music, launching new stars’. This year’s newbies include LA rapper Malachiii, Japanese DJ Nigo and female MC Doechii.

                    EA Games says that 2023’s soundtrack ‘delivers a starting lineup of MVP artists, all-star collaborations, gifted rookies and gritty exclusives that will hit everything all season long.’ Three-time Grammy winner and writer/producer/rapper Hit-Boy has created 33 exclusive beats for the game’s cinematics. He also collaborated with Grammy nominee Cordae on the bespoke track ‘Checkmate’, which will debut in Madden NFL 23 around NFL Kickoff.

                    Hard-hitting tracks by Killer Mike and Bas will be available only in-game. Check out the full soundtrack release on August 19th.

                    Soundtrack Your Video Game

                    If you’re a gamer, you’ll understand how vital music is to the whole experience. Looking to produce your own video game? Take a look at our ever-growing selection of production music tracks to help your players immerse themselves in the world you’ve created.

                    To start exploring our expansive music catalogue, head over to our mood/emotion and genre playlists, including the best sports tracks. Or check out our in-depth look at all things games, music, film, TV and ads on The Edit – including the best ever sports movies and their soundtracks.

                    Top 10 Best Selling Movie Soundtracks of All Time

                    The Best Hans Zimmer Soundtracks of All Time

                    Need Music for Your Project?

                    At Audio Network we create original music, of the highest quality, for broadcasters, brands, creators, agencies and music fans everywhere. Through clear and simple licensing, we can offer you a huge variety of the best quality music across every conceivable mood and genre. Find out how we can connect you with the perfect collaborator today by clicking the button below!

                    SIGN UP

                    This page was updated 27/06/2024.

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                    THE HISTORY OF ROCK MUSIC

                    HISTORY OF ROCK MUSIC

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                      Welcome to our expert article all about the history of rock music and origins of rock and roll. How has rock music changed over time you ask? Keep on reading to find out everything you need to know about the history of rock music.

                      We love rock ’n’ roll: well, it’s hard not to, with its sexy, totally exhilarating back story, and the way it continues to evolve and remain relevant.

                      Almost 80 years after it burst on to the scene in the United States, the jury’s still out on who actually invented it. The truth is, rock ’n’ roll is a mash-up of genres that aligned at the perfect time, just as people emerged from the trauma of the Second World War craving a complete break from the recent past, and with money to spend.

                      Join us on a journey through the different ages of rock ’n’roll and along the way, check out the great rock music in our catalogue on our Discover page.

                      The History of Rock ’n’ Roll

                      What is Rock Music?

                      A melding of such as rhythm and blues, jazz, boogie-woogie, blues, gospel and rockabilly, coupled with raunchy lyrics and punchy performance styles, rock ’n’roll is a truly American genre with a rich and complex history, marked by musical experimentation and an anti-establishment attitude.

                      Rock ’n’ Roll: The Early Years

                      During the late 1940s to early 1950s elements of the major genres of the time aligned – sparked largely by black musicians – to include raunchier lyrics and performance styles. The term rock ’n’ roll supposedly derived from an African-American slang for sex, and the musical term stuck.

                      Rock ’n’ roll catered, first and foremost, to teenagers. It came to the fore in a combination of postwar permissiveness and new spending power, especially among white suburban youngsters – it’s no coincidence that the word ‘teenager’ also came into popular use around this time. Rock ’n’roll’s immortal alignment with sex and drugs were all part of this heady mix.

                      The Fifties

                      The influential Cleveland-based DJ Alan Freed became an evangelist for rock ’n’roll, and along with DJs in Memphis and Nashville, played a huge role in popularising the genre. Suburban American teens had never heard anything like it, and with its raw energy and sexualised lyrics, it was soon being blamed for the erosion of traditional values. Naturally, it spread like wildfire and by the end of the 1950s, anyone who was anyone was listening to it.

                      Artists such as Chuck Berry, Little Richard and Fats Domino made undeniably contagious music that was perfect for dancing, with its stomping 4/4 beats and simple, memorable chord structures. And Elvis Presley, who was deeply influenced by black music and became an early musical sex symbol, was immortalised as ‘the King of Rock ‘n’Roll.’

                      Find out more about rock ‘n’ roll’s black roots in our timeline video below. Interested in rock ‘n’ roll music for an upcoming project? Make sure you check out our 1950s rock ‘n’ roll playlist.

                      The Sixties

                      During the 1960s, rock ’n’ roll split into two disparate genres: pop and rock music. Pop was the bubbly offshoot designed for mass appeal, while rock retained more of the gritty essence of the original.

                      Over in the UK, skiffle bands (a unique subculture with a DIY ethos, inspired by American folk, jazz and blues) had been looking enviously across the pond for years. New bands such as The Beatles were formed in Liverpool while The Rolling Stones, heavily influenced by blues and R&B, emerged in London.

                      During the Swinging Sixties and the Summer of Love, rock music took cues from the hallucinogenic drug scene. The Beatles released their trippy Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, while Pink Floyd dropped their ultra-experimental studio album, Ummagumma.

                      The end of the decade also marked a major coming-of-age for the genre when Jimi Hendrix, a former soldier, created one of the defining cultural moments of the decade with an incendiary performance of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ in protest against the Vietnam War.

                      The Seventies

                      By the 1970s even more rock subgenres split from its original roots: soft rock, heavy metal, hard rock and more. The psychedelic, trippy sounds of the early 60s gave way to darker, heavier sounds with the holy trinity of British bands, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple and Black Sabbath. Once they too went mainstream, rebellious subcultures began to pop up on a global scale.

                      Glam rock also developed in the UK in the early 70s, marked by outré clothes, makeup and hairstyles, and artists such as the ever-inventive David Bowie and other ‘arty’ offshoots such as Roxy Music.

                      Queen released their game-changing ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ in 1975, with an ultra-experimental music video that kick-started the MTV age.

                      By the mid-1970s, punk picked up the DIY ethic where the skiffle bands had left off, inspired by the widely misquoted mantra that ‘if you can play three chords, you can form a band.’ The Sex Pistols brought punk to the masses by swearing on the BBC – remember, this was back when hearing the word ‘f**k’ on TV was enough to prompt questions in Parliament. Other notable UK punk bands were The Clash, The Slits and The Damned. In the states The Ramones, The Stoodges (whose lead singer, Iggy Pop, was dubbed the ‘Godfather of Punk’) led the charge, while Patti Smith fused punk rock with poetry.

                      Interested in punk? Why not check out our punk production music playlist.

                      The Eighties

                      In the 1980s, rock music became increasingly commercialised. Stadium Rock, spearheaded in the previous decade by the likes of Led Zeppelin, set the tone with driving drums, screaming guitar solos and testosterone-fuelled lyrics. The iconic hard rock band Guns N’ Roses released Appetite For Destruction, which became the best-selling debut album of all time.

                      Bands such as The Police and Blondie absorbed even more influences, such as reggae, avantgarde, and hip hop into the rock ’n’ roll sound.

                      As hard, pop and classic rock charted, heavy metal and alternative rock splintered off, with metal and alternative musicians such as Ozzy Osbourne and Metallica also finding mainstream success by the end of the decade.

                      The Nineties

                      Grunge, which emerged at the start of the 90s in Seattle, was a guitar-led, feedback-heavy hybrid of heavy metal, hard rock and alternative rock. Bands such as Nirvana, Pearl Jam and The Smashing Pumpkins produced heartfelt, angst-ridden songs with choruses that demanded to be chanted – loudly.

                      Grunge made a major musical impact in the UK, and although there were notably no home-grown bands, the grunge look heavily influenced British fashion, and the ‘waif’ look swiftly shot a teenage Kate Moss to global superstardom.

                      In Britain, by the mid-90s, a brighter, more pop-driven answer to the US grunge scene and UK ‘shoegazer’ bands crossed over in a fusion genre dubbed Britpop. Bands such as Oasis, Blur, Pulp, Suede and Elastica created the sound of ‘Cool Britannia’ that resonated with fans around the world.

                      The Noughties

                      Since the 90s, things have splintered even further, with fans embracing pop-rock (Blink 182 and Fall Out Boy), garage rock (The Killers and Franz Ferdinand), emo rock (Paramore and My Chemical Romance). At the same time there’s been a strong nostalgic throwback to classic rock.Rock Music for Creative Projects

                      Now that you’re familiar with rock music’s history, we hope you’re inspired to incorporate rock music into your next creative project. Whether you’re working on a vlog, podcast, film, TV show or advertisement, we’ve got a high-quality rock background music track for you, so take a look at our rock playlist.

                      Types of Rock Music

                      Soft Rock/Light Rock

                      Soft rock (also known as light rock) has positive, empowering and heartfelt lyrics, smooth structures and harmonious vocals. Soft rock songs (which are often power ballads) are ideal for daytime radio shows, as they have an easy listening, mass appeal.

                      Hard Rock

                      Hard rock features aggressive, disruptive vocals with heavy drums and strings. It's the kind of music that fans in skull T-shirts and bandanas have a penchant for: think AC/DC, Aerosmith and Van Halen.

                      Metal Rock

                      Metal rock dials hard rock up another notch. It’s always loud and features harsh-sounding vocals and distorted rhythms. Lyrically, it tends to focus on melancholy, disconsolate narratives.

                      Blues Rock

                      As we mentioned earlier, rock ‘n’ roll was largely inspired by R&B. The blues rock subgenre of the mid-60s is therefore deeply connected to the genre’s origin, with distinctive sounds that may come from anything from a vocalist to a blues instrument like a piano or harmonica.

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                      This page was last updated 07/03/2024 and 24/05/2024.

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