The Billboard Music Awards highlighted five films which they believed contained the top soundtracks.
The nominees were:
Top Soundtrack:
Empire: Original Soundtrack from Season 1
Fifty Shades of Grey
Furious 7
Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Mix Vol. 1
Pitch Perfect 2
The winner was Pitch Perfect 2. Though it has a highly catchy, rhythmic score, there are many films which could have contended for this list. Some of which may be better picks for the award than those listed. Though the Billboard Music Awards are about discussing what is trending and what is most listened to, it is mildly outdated. For example, Guardian of the Galaxy, though it has an excellently groovy 80’s soundtrack, the film came out in 2014, and the list needs to be current (i.e. films from 2015 and onward).
Nonetheless, here are five debatable choices for this year’s Top Soundtrack at the Billboard Music Awards, though they may not be considered mainstream, obvious picks.
The Hunting Ground
Not only did Lady Gaga’s “Til It Happens to You” get nominated deservedly so for a Grammy for Best Song Written for Visual Media, the entire film has an albeit short but beautiful score worth noting. It is gritty and honest, truly pulling at the heartstrings for such an emotional film, also featuring a song by First Aid Kit entitled “Stay Gold.” Listen to the Grammy nominated track here:
Me, Earl, and the Dying Girl
The score for this film is tear-jerk worthy. It is simply gorgeous with delicate instrumentation, a mixture of lovely string and atmosphere lulls. Listen to the final tracks of the film here:
Crimson Peak
This intense Del Toro film does not skimp when it comes to a hauntingly appropriate soundtrack. The orchestration is emotionally evocative and the piano accompaniment is ethereal yet unsettling in all the right ways. Take a listen to Fernando Velazquez’s work here:
Brooklyn
Michael Brook writes an amazing atmospheric accompaniment to Brooklyn, with great woodwinds and music that just seeps into the listener’s ears innocently without being too overtly loud. The score is subtle and lush. Take a listen to the opening titles here:
Joy
The critically acclaimed Joy is praised so for a reason, not just because it is a wonderful film, but because the score has such a genuine aura. It is accessible, personable, and intimate. Give a listen to Jennifer Lawrence and Edgar Ramirez sing for the film here:
