'Holding Out For a Hero' by Bonnie Tyler (Shrek 2)
While every song on this soundtrack is a great choice, this song is the best. The Fairy Godmother’s performance of this song adds to the drama at the climax of the movie. The song heightens the intensity and urgency of Shrek’s battle to enter the castle. It’s also a clever choice as Fiona doesn’t know yet that she truly does “need a hero” as her fate is sealed with Prince Charming unless Shrek reaches her in time. Perfect song for the context and a phenomenal addition to the Fairy Godmother’s aura.
'Being Alive' and 'You Could Drive a Person Crazy' by Stephen Sondheim (Marriage Story)
This is technically two songs but they connect in such a smart way that both must be mentioned. Both of these songs are taken from the musical Company which is the tale of main character Bobby working to understand his love life as he observes his friends’ relationships. It’s an interesting pair with a movie about divorce. In the movie Charlie sings 'Being Alive' towards the end of the film, just like Bobby in the musical. While in the musical Bobby seems to now have a deeper understanding of love with a hopeful mindset to pursue love, Charlie sings this song with the realization that he once had love but took the value of love for granted. Adam Driver’s performance almost feels like a regrettable sigh that must be released. Meanwhile, Nicole sings 'You Could Drive a Person Crazy', sung by Bobby’s lovers that he ditched in the middle of the musical. It’s quite fitting, as Nicole moves on from Charlie who didn’t appreciate her love. Scarlett Johansson’s performance strongly contrasts Adam Driver’s as she joyfully celebrates with her family. Please watch Marriage Story and Company. The two together are life-changing.
'Black Sheep' by Metric (Scott Pilgrim vs The World)
This song works great with the overly dramatic style of this movie. The powerful strums pair amazingly with the different cuts to the characters realising their intertwined romantic past, perfectly capturing one of those “oh shoot” moments everyone’s had at some point in their life.
'What Am I Made For?' by Billie Eilish (Barbie)
An iconic song for an iconic movie. This song had me in tears in the theater and beyond. I think it encapsulates what it feels like to be a woman and the tribulations that come with it. The movie and the song really gave space for women to reflect on that and I think this song continues to push that discussion forward.
Any Trent Reznor and Atticus Finch scores (particularly The Social Network and Challengers)
No one does a film score quite like Reznor and Finch. These two scores do a fantastic job of creating tension in their films and keeping you on the edge of your seat. I don’t want to say these scores make the movie because obviously, the other elements of these movies are also great, but I do think that these scores build a perfect energy to fit the plot and drama. They also are great to listen to while you do work.