Soundtrack of 2016

While some of the bigger blockbusters of 2016 were disappointing the music behind the movies were anything but. Previous years saw some pretty weak songs in terms of originality but leaving many of the movies this year, one song or another stuck with me.

2016 Soundtrack

"‘Til the Sun Comes Back Around"

Working in a movie theater means having to listen to the same song over and over again as it runs through the credit. Some go in one ear and out the other while others are annoying to no end. But some songs make you excited to go back into the theater and "‘Til the Sun Comes Back Around" by Chris Cornell from 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi is one of those songs.

"X Gonna Give it to You" 

(Explicit)

Deadpool was an irreverent movie that helped to shake up a superhero genre that has begun to get stale due to the endless onslaught of Marvel and DC movies. It’s soundtrack was no different, with plenty of rocking songs to bop your head back and forth to. "X Gonna Give it to You" by DMX perfectly sums up the tone that Deadpool is going for and deserves to be on this list.

"I’m So Humble"

A film criminally underseen, Popstar was a hilarious takedown of musical documentaries while also being culturally relevant. Knowing that this is from The Lonely Island, one would expect great songs to come out of it. And honestly this whole list could be filled with songs from the movie. But "I’m So Humble" by The Lonely Island gives the viewer an instant insight into the mind of the main character Connor.

"The Great Beyond"

 (Explicit)

The trailers and marketing for Sausage Party set it up to be one of the funniest animated movies of all time. While the film didn’t quite live up to the hype, "The Great Beyond" by Christopher Lennertz opens the film in a fantastic fashion, letting you know right off the bat that this is not your typical family, friendly affair.

"I Want to be Like You"

With Disney deciding to go the route of live action remakes, such as The Jungle Book, it means we will get to see some of our favorite childhood songs redone for a new generation. "I Want to be Like You: by Christopher Walken gives you a good bit of nostalgia as you sing along to Walken’s deep soulful voice.

"Extreme Ways"

Although Jason Bourne was a disappointment from a narrative standpoint, I still felt right at home when "Extreme Ways" by Moby blasted out of the speakers in the theater. Hearing the song helps to remind you of better movies and to remain hopeful for the future of the Bourne franchise.

"Heathens"

Suicide Squad was one of the most, if not the most, anticipated movies of 2016. Unfortunately, the movie did not match my levels of excitement. But the soundtrack made up for some of the sadness. "Heathens" by 21 Pilots highlights the antihero feel of the film and has continued to be in my ears since I saw the movie.

"Drive It Like You Stole It"

Sing Street is another movie that has flown under many radars from this past year. But those who saw it now how great many of its songs are. "Drive It Like You Stole It" by John Carney is a great metaphor for the message of the movie, while also being a great beat to rock out to.

"Outlaw State of Mind"

In the same vein as classic Western movies of the past, Hell or High Water has some good country tunes to set the mood. "Outlaw State of Mind" by Chris Stapleton gives off some classic country vibes. While I myself am admittedly not the biggest fan of country music, I still like this song in the context of the movie.

"Can’t Stop the Feeling"

While I did not actually see Trolls this year, I heard this song played on the radio and instantly found myself smiling and enjoying the upbeat nature of the song. "Can’t Stop the Feeling" by Justin Timberlake may not be the most original or meaningful song on this list, but it almost certainly is the most fun.

"How Far I’ll Go"

One of the biggest surpises for me of 2016 was the animated film Moana. A different take on a classic Disney Princess, Moana was an enjoyable ride and the songs helped to bolster it. "How Far I’ll Go" by Auli'i Cravalho is both catchy and powerful, showing the struggles that Moana faces between her wants and her obligations.

"What Have I Become"

Green Room is a tense piece of filmmaking, following a punk rock band trying to survive in a neo-Nazi club. The music adds to the haunting feel of the movie, and I feel like I couldn’t make a list about the music of 2016 without adding something from Green Room. "What Have I Become" by The Ain’t Rights is a heavy metal song that gives you a good idea of what the rest of the music will be like.

"Sabotage"

While the trailer with the song was slammed, the actual scene from Star Trek Beyond with "Sabotage" by The Beastie Boys in the movie was one of its most fun. Taking this classic rock song and putting it into a Science Fiction could have been disastrous (see Assassin’s Creed) but turned out to be one of the best action scenes of the year.

 

"Audition (The Fools Who Dream)"

Trying to pick the best song from La La Land is like trying to pick your favorite child. Rather than making this list, I could have simply told you to listen to the La La Land soundtrack. But "Audition" by Emma Stone takes the cake for me. If someone asks me what the movie is about, I can simply tell them to listen to this song and that’s all the explanation they need.

Comment below with your favorite songs from the movies of this year, just in case I missed any.