A great theme song can get you into a film right from the beginning. Some soundtracks have even transcended the movies they came from and become cultural icons in their own right. In this article, we’ll share five examples of catchy movie theme songs:
"The Pink Panther"
This legendary smooth jazz theme by Henry Mancini written for the 1963 crime caper won three Grammy awards and hit the Billboard Top 10, and for good reason – it’s ridiculously catchy and you’ll have a hard time getting it out of your head.
"As Time Goes By"
Written by Herman Hupfield in 1931, this classic became famous in 1942 when Sam, played by Dooley Wilson in the film Casablanca, made it the film’s lyrical motif. An interesting bit of trivia is that “You must remember this / A kiss is just a kiss” isn’t the song’s opening – the film cut an entire verse before the chorus.
"My Heart Will Go On"
Celine Dion’s worldwide hit was originally composed as an instrumental by James Horner, but director James Cameron did not want vocals to be added to it. Writer Will Jennings composed lyrics anyways, and when Dion was convinced to do a demo tryout (a rarity for a singer of her stature), one of the most memorable movie songs ever.
"Mrs. Robinson"
Composed by Paul Simon for The Graduate, this was a rare occurrence of a pop star putting together a new song directly influenced by the plotline of a movie. Director Mike Nichols was a huge Simon & Garfunkel fan, paying big bucks for Simon to write three new songs for the movie. He only delivered one, but it was a classic.
"Theme From Shaft"
Isaac Hayes’s soundtrack to 70s classic Shaft is probably more famous than the film itself, replete with shimmering strings, funky drums, and one of the most famous call and response vocal parts of all time.
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