A soundtrack is actually the music track from a film or TV show. There are three types:
1. Musical
2. Film scores
3. Albums made up of pop songs.
In this case I'll focus on soundtracks that are albums made up of pop songs < not "pappy crap" ::Jack Black voice::
They could be rock, folk, blues... well the following is what I like anyway.
Pulp Fiction - the scene where Uma Thurman turns on the reel to reel player and the warm sound of analogue captures you with "Girl, You'll be a Woman Soon" (actually a cover performed by Urge Overkill). Your heart is moving during this scene, knowing from foreshadowing she's going to get herself into trouble with what she found in Travolta's pocket.
Almost Famous - the band is on the bus, trouble has been had, there's probably a rift, and "Tiny Dancer" comes on with everyone eventually joining in. It's powerful, it tugs emotion, and the music is perfect.
Forrest Gump - this was a film that had the rare combination of both a fantastic film score (by Alan Silvestri) and the album soundtrack of pop songs. "Rebel Rouser" comes on as Forrest starts running to escape his classmates as they chased him... Run Forrest, Run!
I think for me the soundtrack is something of beauty. No matter if the movie is a drama, comedy, action...what matters is the feeling that wells up inside us. You're watching a scene and a song helps to touch your humanity somehow.
Moonlight Mile - considered a romantic drama, it's kind of an odd story. That being said, it's a phenomenal soundtrack. Jake Gyllenhaal is in the car with Dustin Hoffman and Susan Sarandon (the parent's of his now dead fiance'). What comes on while driving and is turned up? Sly and the Family Stone's "I want to take you Higher."
The Crow - which came from a comic book series created by James O'Barr actually introduced me to Rage Against the Machine with "Darkness." Still to this day one of my favorite Rage songs. It's gritty and the movie came out during a time in my life when I was coming into my own. My musical tastes started out much heavier than my mellower tastes now.
Here's some mentions that must be mentioned:
Mean Streets - when are the Rolling Stones and Scorsese a good combination? Anytime!
Boogie Nights - Mark Wahlberg captured at least most peoples' attention for this movie. "Sister Christian" by Night Ranger.
Resevoir Dogs - "Stuck in the Middle with You" is haunting as Mr. Blonde turns his attention to the cop.
Rushmore - Bill Murray brought it, in this adolescent urges and awkward grace movie and appropriately "Ooh La La" by The Faces appropriately closes out the list.
Special thanks to Michael for making sure I didn't forget some of these!
What Soundtracks move you? Why? Which songs?
~bbryon
