Editor’s Note: The Albumism staff has selected what we believe to be the 100 Greatest Soundtracks of All Time, representing a varied cross-section of films and musical genres. Click “Next Soundtrack” below to explore each soundtrack in the list or for easier navigation, view the full introduction & soundtrack index here.
Great Expectations
Atlantic (1998)
Selected by Justin Chadwick
Arguably a prime example of a soundtrack that possesses more redeeming qualities than the film from which it springs, the songs that guided the 1998 modernization of the classic Dickens novel offer an inviting snapshot of late ‘90s alt-rock’s more subdued side. Obvious standouts include Tori Amos’ “Siren,” Duncan Sheik’s “Wishful Thinking,” Poe’s “Happy,” and the late Chris Cornell’s “Sunshower,” his second solo single ever released, following the instant classic “Seasons” from Singles (1992).
But the supreme highlight may very well be the lush “Life in Mono” by the ephemeral UK duo Mono, whose underappreciated debut (and somewhat incredulously, only) album Formica Blues had made landfall in the UK a handful of months prior to the soundtrack’s release.
LISTEN & WATCH: