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.
Standing in the Shadows of Motown
Hip-O (2002)
Selected by Jesse Ducker
The Funk Brothers were the unheralded “house bank” for Motown Records during its prime, and the Standing In the Shadows documentary was designed to give them recognition that had eluded them during their heyday. The film lifts the curtain on their lives, featuring lots of interview footage as well as excerpts from a concert where surviving members of the collective perform some of their signature hits.
Much of the soundtrack is made up of these live performances, with singers like Gerald Levert, Chaka Khan, Meshell Ndegeocello, Joan Osborne, and Ben Harper each working hard to honor these overlooked titans. But we’re also treated to a few instrumental versions of Motown hits that made the Funk Brothers such a musical force. Hearing the late James Jamerson’s dynamic one-finger bass-playing technique in isolation on the Four Tops’ “Bernadette” will make you marvel at his genius.
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