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.
Shaft
Enterprise (1971)
Selected by Terry Nelson
Admit it, there have been times in your life when you’re walking down the street and suddenly the “Theme from Shaft” is playing in your head. Iconic songs have a way of doing that to you. Isaac Hayes’ Shaft soundtrack plays out just like a movie: a triumphant first track which takes you by the hand and leads you through a 15-track series of sweeping emotions. The mostly instrumental album is cleverly orchestrated by Hayes with the music being played by The Bar-Kays.
Unlike most successful soundtracks, Shaft is in no way a radio-friendly adventure. What you do gather from it is the reaffirmation of Hayes’ gift as a composer. Having come a long way from co-writing “Soul Man,” Shaft solidified his reputation as one of the greats.
LISTEN & WATCH: