Does A Movie Really Need A Soundtrack? Which Element Makes A Movie Better?

(Title image by DALL-E 3)

Hi WA Friends!

Soundtracks are super important for movies, but which part is the best?

Those who know me realize that I'm super interested in music and movies. I have over sixty guitars and a custom-built Dolby Atmos and DTS-X certified home theater with thousands of movies on disk.

I listen to and play music throughout the day. Most nights, I watch a movie with my wife, and luckily, our tastes in cinema match up pretty well. What a way to semi-retire, right? I can't wait to fully retire in 2025! Lol 😎

Anyway, each part of a soundtrack adds something unique. So, let's look at some of the soundtracks and sounds in movies to see what makes them great.

Original Score

An original score is like the heartbeat of a movie. It sets the mood, builds tension, and guides the emotions of the story. Famous composers like John Williams, Hans Zimmer, and Ennio Morricone have made unforgettable scores that are as iconic as the movies themselves. Think about the powerful music in Star Wars, the dramatic sounds in Inception, or the haunting theme in The Good, The Bad and The Ugly. These scores are made specifically for each movie, making the scenes more powerful and memorable.

An original score can turn a good movie into a great one. The music is made to fit each scene perfectly, helping the story flow and making it more exciting and emotional.

Vocal Songs

Vocal songs have lyrics and add a personal touch to a movie's soundtrack. Unlike an original score, which is purely instrumental, vocal songs use words to tell a story or express emotions directly. Whether it’s a sad ballad or an upbeat pop tune, these songs add a lot to the movie's message. Think about My Heart Will Go On from Titanic - it became the movie's anthem, adding feelings of love and longing. Or Shallow from A Star is Born - it helped tell the story and became a hit on its own.

A vocal song can make a scene even more powerful by adding words that speak directly to the audience. The mix of lyrics and music can capture emotions that visuals alone can’t fully express, giving us something to sing along to long after we’ve watched the movie.

Classic Hits

Classic hits are like old friends - they make you feel something familiar right away. Directors like Quentin Tarantino and James Gunn are great at adding popular songs into their movies. Remember how Hooked on a Feeling made Guardians of the Galaxy so fun? Or how Stuck in the Middle with You added a memorable touch to Reservoir Dogs? These songs are more than just background music - they become part of the story.

A well-chosen song can make a scene unforgettable. Whether it's rock, pop, or soul, these songs add personality and make the audience feel more connected. They bring a sense of nostalgia and make scenes more relatable.

Ambient Sounds

Ambient sounds are the quiet heroes of movie soundtracks. They make the setting feel real, like we’re actually in the movie. Sounds like wind in the trees or city traffic make the movie world come alive. Directors use these noises to build tension, make us feel uneasy, or help us feel relaxed.

Horror movies are especially good at using ambient sounds. A creaking door or the wind blowing can make us scared even before anything actually happens. These sounds are key for setting the right mood - keeping us on edge or helping us feel at ease.

Tell Me What You Think

I personally love movies with music from famous songs, but ambient sounds really shine through the Atmos speakers of my home theater, adding an element of hyper-realism. Two movies that immediately come to mind with great music soundtracks are Battleship and Armageddon!

So, which soundtrack element do you think makes a movie better?

• Original Score
• Vocal Songs
• Classic Hits
• Ambient Sounds
• Other

Let me know in the comments, AND ...

Keep On Rockin' It! 🤘

(Pin by DALL-E 3)

Frank 🎸

~ 70% Human-written content.