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.
The Harder They Come
Mango (1972)
Selected by Mike Elliott
The more the film The Harder They Come spent time on celebrating Jamaican culture and music, the better it was. Hearing the soundtrack gives you the chance to experience just that without the trappings of American blaxploitation the film ended up falling into.
Its soundtrack is joyous, celebratory, and incalculable in its influence. It was most of the United States' first exposure to the transformative and spiritual power of the best reggae had to offer, and to this day, it does not disappoint. From Jimmy Cliff's stellar tracks to the raw beauty of the two Toots & the Maytals contributions, The Harder They Come is essential listening with or without the film. That's the power of a strong soundtrack.
LISTEN & WATCH: