Music has a unique power to take us back in time and stir up memories of times gone by. Recently, soundtracks from the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s that have come to be associated with cherished nostalgia films were posted online. These soundtracks act as a time capsule, transporting us back to the sights, sounds, and feelings of the period while also enhancing the visual experience.
1. Stand By Me (1986)
The Stand By Me music perfectly conveys the spirit of adventure and youthful companionship in the 1950s. The music transports listeners to a realm of coming-of-age reminiscence. It captures the purity and bittersweetness of youth with songs like “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King, “Lollipop” by The Chordettes, and “Great Balls of Fire” by Jerry Lee Lewis.
2. American Graffiti (1973)
The American Graffiti soundtrack honors the sounds of the early 1960s by including well-known songs that helped define the time. The soundtrack takes listeners back to a time of hot rods, drive-ins, and the beginning of rock ‘n’ roll with songs like “Johnny B. Goode” by Chuck Berry, “Surfin’ Safari” by The Beach Boys, and “Rock Around the Clock” by Bill Haley & His Comets.
3. Mannequin (1987)
The music from Mannequin perfectly encapsulates the joyous, optimistic vibe of the 1980s. The film’s fanciful romance and joyful spirit are nicely complemented by songs like “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” by Starship, “In My Wildest Dreams” by Belinda Carlisle, and “Do You Dream About Me?” by Alisha.
4. The Wiz (1978)
The soundtrack to The Wiz presents a heartfelt retelling of the famous tale of The Wizard of Oz. The music gives the movie a dynamic blend of Motown, gospel, and R&B influences with songs including “Home” by Diana Ross, “Brand New Day” by Diana Ross, and “Ease On Down the Road” by Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.
5. Shaft (1971)
Isaac Hayes’ score for the movie Shaft quickly rose to classic status in the early 1970s. The soundtrack, which includes the well-known Theme from Shaft and soulful songs like “Soulsville” and “Do Your Thing,” brilliantly encapsulates the essence of the blaxploitation subgenre by giving it the smooth and funky sound that was characteristic of the time.
6. Maximum Overdrive (1986)
The 80s rock and pop elements are embraced on the Maximum Overdrive soundtrack. The music for this Stephen King-directed cult favorite, which includes songs like “Who Made Who” by AC/DC, “Truckin'” by the Grateful Dead, and “Rock You Like a Hurricane” by Scorpions, enhances the passion and violence of the movie.
7. Harold and Maude (1971)
The Cat Stevens’ music wonderfully complements the whimsical and outlandish tone of Harold and Maude‘s folk-inspired melodies and moving lyrics of Stevens’ songs, such as “Don’t Be Shy,” “If You Want to Sing Out,” “Sing Out,” and “Trouble,” perfectly reflect the unique love tale of the movie.
8. House Party (1990)
The House Party soundtrack perfectly depicts the optimistic spirit of the hip-hop and R&B movement in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The soundtrack creates the party atmosphere and highlights the clear sounds that characterized the time with songs like “Why You Get Funky on Me” by Today, “Ain’t My Type of Hype” by Full Force, and “Bust a Move” by Young MC.
9. American Pop (1981)
The American Pop soundtrack transports listeners on a musical tour across numerous decades of American popular music. The soundtrack highlights the development of music and its cultural influence on American society with songs including “Night Moves” by Bob Seger, “Somebody to Love” by Jefferson Airplane, and “Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is a Season)” by The Byrds.
10. The Blues Brothers (1980)
Universal Pictures.
The rhythm and blues genre is honored on The Blues Brothers’ soundtrack. The soundtrack, which includes well-known songs like “Soul Man” by The Blues Brothers, “Sweet Home Chicago” by The Blues Brothers, and “Think” by Aretha Franklin, demonstrates the cast’s and guest musicians’ extraordinary talent while delivering a deep and memorable musical experience.
11. The Big Chill (1983)
The nostalgic collection of songs from the 1960s and 1970s that make up The Big Chill soundtrack effectively encapsulates the movie’s mood. The soundtrack transports listeners to the timeless classics that defined an era with songs including “My Girl” by The Temptations, “The Tracks Of My Tears” by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, and “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” by Marvin Gaye.
12. Saturday Night Fever (1977)
The Saturday Night Fever soundtrack became a cultural phenomenon and is now linked to the late 1970s disco. The music, jam-packed with upbeat songs by the Bee Gees, including “You Should Be Dancing,” “Night Fever,” and “Stayin’ Alive,” perfectly captures the exuberant disco atmosphere of the 1970s.
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Source: Reddit