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.
Higher Learning
Epic Soundtrax (1995)
Selected by Justin Chadwick
Filmed on the campus of my alma mater (UCLA), the late John Singleton’s third feature film examines the cultural pluralism that can be found at large universities just like the one located in Westwood, while delving into the darker sides of college students’ newfound freedom, isolation and vulnerability.
No wonder, then, that its soundtrack is as eclectic as they come, with stellar contributions from ‘90s soul stalwarts (Meshell Ndegeocello, Raphael Saadiq, Zhané), hip-hop heroes (co-star Ice Cube, OutKast), alternative critical darlings (Tori Amos, Liz Phair, Rage Against the Machine) and acid jazz/funk pioneers the Brand New Heavies, who bless the affair with the galvanizing theme song. It’s a hodge-podge of styles, for sure, but it works remarkably well and makes for a provocative listen overall.
LISTEN & WATCH:
