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.
New Jersey Drive
Tommy Boy (1995)
Selected by Jesse Ducker
The film New Jersey Drive, a solid but unremarkable depiction of Newark, NJ-based car theft culture, has been lost to the ages, largely forgotten by our collective memory. In contrast, the two-volume, 110 minute soundtrack was mammoth in its ambition and scope. Though best known for making R&B group Total superstars with their biggest hit “Can’t You See,” it features a whole lot of dope music from a litany of mid-’90s rap, soul, and dancehall artists from all areas of the country.
The strongest entries are the hip-hop tracks, some of which are related to the film’s theme, like Lords Of the Underground’s “Burn Rubber,” Organized Konfusion & O.C.’s “You Won’t Go Far,” and OutKast’s “Benz or Beamer.” Some of it is dope hip-hop from Jersey based-artists, like Redman’s “Where Am I?” and Keith Murray’s “East Left.” It even makes room for a few old school classics, like Maze’s “Before I Let Go” and Biz Markie’s “Nobody Beats the Biz.” New Jersey Drive promises something for everyone and delivers.
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