15 Epic Songs That Appear on Movie Soundtracks

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15 Epic Songs That Appear on Movie Soundtracks features music courtesy of Common / John Legend, Lady Gaga, Post Malone, Tina Turner & Whitney Houston.

For this playlist, we’re taking it to the movies! That’s right, the focal point of 15 Epic Songs That Appear on Movie Soundtracks are soundtrack songs. The good news is many of the songs that appear on this musical compendium are standalone highlights from the movies and soundtracks they hail from. Even at a robust 15 songs, there were many, many more highlights that could’ve been featured here. 15 Epic Songs That Appear on Movie Soundtracks features music courtesy of Common / John Legend, Lady Gaga, Post Malone, Tina Turner, and Whitney Houston among others. So, without further ado, LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION on 15 Epic Songs That Appear on Movie Soundtracks!

1. Whitney Houston, “Exhale (Shoop Shoop)”

💿 Waiting to Exhale (Original Soundtrack Album) • 🏷 Arista • 🗓 1995

“For every win / Someone must fail / But there comes a point when / When we exhale.”  Iconic R&B and pop singer Whitney Houston had an extraordinary run with soundtracks in the 1990s. One of three key soundtracks she was part of included Waiting to Exhale (1995). The key song is the no. 1 Billboard Hot 100 hit, “Exhale (Shoop Shoop)”, written by the one and only Babyface.  This is Babyface contributing top-notch songwriting and Houston at her best. “Exhale (Shoop Shoop)” is a quintessential 90s classic.  It perfectly captures the adult contemporary R&B vibes of the time.  Houston sings incredibly, delivering an emotional, expressive performance.  Why does this exhalation need to happen? Heartbreak, of course – it’s a beast! The three verses are incredible (“When you got friends to wish you well / You’ll find a point when / You will exhale”), but it’s that sing-along chorus, with all those “shoops,” that steals the show.  Houston, of course, makes it sound effortless.      

“Shoop, shoop, shoop  

Shoop be doop shoop shoop  

Shoop be doop shoop shoop (shoo shoo shoo huh) …”      

If you had a black soundtrack in the 1990s, you know you’d betta call Whitney Houston – she unleashed straight-up magic.  It’s not surprising that “Exhale (Shoop Shoop)” was a surefire gem that would ultimately win a Grammy.

Appears in 🔻:  

2. Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper, “Shallow”

💿  A Star is Born (Soundtrack) • 🏷 Interscope • 📅 2018  

The 2018 remake of A Star is Born yield brilliant acting performances by starring Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper. Furthermore, a sensational soundtrack materialized with most of the songs performed by Lady Gaga. The song that stood out the most was a duet between her and Cooper, “Shallow.” This original was written by Lady Gaga, Mark Ronson, Andrew Wyatt, and Anthony Rossomando. “Shallow” features acoustic guitar accompaniment initially, giving off a folk-pop, country vibe.   Cooper, who sings the first verse, showcases a beautiful singing voice: “Tell me somethin’ girl / Are you happy in this modern world? / Or do you need more? / Is there somethin’ else you’re searching for?” Gaga arrives in the second verse, with more instrumentation, including piano, bass. Eventually, she showcases her incredibly powerful pipes, cranking things up near the end.

“Tell me something boy 

Aren’t you tired tryin’ to fill that void? 

Or do you need more? 

Ain’t it hard keepin’ it so hardcore?”

Both Cooper/Gaga eventually sing together, showcasing great vocal chemistry. An enjoyable record, one that grew on me with successive listens, “Shallow” reached no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, was certified multiplatinum by the RIAA, and won two Grammys (Best Pop Duo/Group Performance and Best Song Written for Visual Media) and the Academy Award for Best Original Song.

3. Billy Porter & Luke Evans, “Always Be My Man”

🎵 “Always Be My Man” • 🏷 Island / Republic / Universal Music Operations Limited • 🗓 2023

The incredibly talented Billy Porter collaborates with Luke Evans – fellow actor, singer, and member of the LGBTQ+ 🏳️‍🌈 community – on “Always Be My Man”. This touching duet appears from the motion picture, Our Son, which both actors star in. The first voice heard on “Always Be My Man” is Porter, with his distinct, raspy instrument. Evans contrasts, with his smoother instrument. After Evans’ turn, Porter initiates the vocal power-up section, unsurprising given the robustness and gospel-influence of his pipes. Evans, likewise, rises to the occasion, matching his on-screen hubby’s power. Grammy winner Robert Glasper produces this heartwarming, romantic, and thoughtful record, written by Porter, Connor Reeves, and Joseph Peter Michael Killington. Besides the standard rhythm section (keys, guitar, bass, and drums), strings add elegance to the mix, arranged beautifully by Derrick Hodge. All told, “Always Be My Man” is sweet. Furthermore, it’s rare to hear two men sing a duet about mutual love, even in 2024 with as much as the LGBTQ+ catalog has expanded. This song is a winner in my book. Kudos Mr. Porter and Mr. Evans!

Appears in 🔻:

Bops That Pop: January 2024

4. Carolina Gaitán, Mauro Castillo, Adassa, Rhenzy Feliz, Diane Guerrero & Stephanie Beatriz, “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” 

💿 Encanto • 🏷 Walt Disney • 📅 2021 

“We don’t talk about Bruno, no, no, no / We don’t talk about Bruno.” Encanto became ubiquitous QUICKLY.  In 2022, the soundtrack ascended to the penthouse.  Do you know what else ascended alongside the soundtrack? That would be its best song, “We Don’t Talk About Bruno,” which spent five weeks at no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” features six performers: Carolina Gaitán, Mauro Castillo, Adassa, Rhenzy Feliz, Diane Guerrero, and Stephanie Beatriz. All play an important role in making this song a masterpiece. Give ample credit to the composer extraordinaire, Lin-Manuel Miranda. So, why don’t we talk about Bruno exactly? Well, Bruno Madrigal is estranged from the Madrigal family because of his fortune-telling abilities, which often end up badly for the family. Famously, Pepa – assisted by Félix – is angry because:

“It was my wedding day (It was our wedding day) 

We were getting ready 

And there wasn’t a cloud in the sky (No clouds allowed in the sky) 

Bruno walks in with a mischievous grin (Thunder) 

You telling this story, or am I? (I’m sorry, mi vida, go on) 

Bruno says, ‘It looks like rain’ (Why did he tell us?) 

In doing so, he floods my brain (Abuela, get the umbrellas) 

Married in a hurricane (What a joyous day, but anyway).”  

My, my, my! Besides clever songwriting making “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” so entertaining, the music is awesome too.  The spirit of Colombia 🇨🇴 is written all over this one, and I’m so happy that the United States received a slice of it!    

Appears in 🔻:

15 Compelling Songs About WE (2022)

5. John Legend, “Don’t Need to Sleep”

🎵 “Don’t Need To Sleep” • 🏷 John Legend Music, Inc. / Republic / UMG Recordings, Inc. • 🗓 2023  

“I won’t let ‘em write my story / No, oh-oh-oh.” John Legend won’t let anyone put words in his mouth or prohibit him from speaking up for himself.  The powerful lyrics hail from “Don’t Need to Sleep”, which appears in the Angelina Jolie/Legend executive produced film, We Dare to Dream. Legend penned this thoughtful record alongside Justin Tranter and Warren “Oak” Felder.  Oak also produces, alongside Alex Niceforo and Keith Sorrells. Initially, “Don’t Need to Sleep” is a bit mysterious.  Regardless, the lyrics are rock solid from the jump, with Legend testifying, “I’ve been lower than low down / Only way is up right now / I can see a new dawning.” In the second verse, he makes it clear he is writing his own stories, previously singing, “I won’t let ‘em feed me lines.” The biggest moment is the chorus, where he asserts, “I don’t need to sleep to dream.” That is a thought-provoking idea, something that makes the listener reflect upon.  As “Don’t Need to Sleep” progresses, it grows grander with Legend letting loose with those distinct, soulful pipes. All in all, “Don’t Need to Sleep” is respectable through and through. 

6. Billie Eilish, “What Was I Made For?” 

💿 Barbie The Album • 🏷 Atlantic / Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc. • 📅 2023

“I used to float, now I just fall down / I used to know, but I’m not sure now / What I was made for / What was I made for?” When Billie Eilish and FINNEAS release music, it hits different, doesn’t it? Most of the songs from 💿 Barbie The Album are brief, energetic, groovy, and upbeat.  In the case of Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?” tempo slackens, the duration increases, and the tone is much more reflective.  As always, Eilish and FINNEAS concoct magic in the studio, penning this ballad. Producing alongside FINNEAS is Andrew Wyatt and Mark Ronson. “What Was I Made For?” is beautiful.  It commences as a piano ballad. As the record progresses, there’s additional instrumentation that fills things out (the beauty of the synthesizer).  The melody is stunning, amplified more by radiant vocals by Billie Eilish.  Eilish sounds particularly strong in her upper register showcasing her versatility.  Besides her superb vocal performance, the vocal production is also a selling point. From a songwriting perspective, “What Was I Made For?” is well-penned. It’s sad, mind you, but highly successful (“When did it end? All the enjoyment/ I’m sad again, don’t tell my boyfriend / It’s not what he’s made for / What was I made for?”).    

Appears in 🔻: 

Awesome Songs: July 2023  
51 Best Songs of 2023

7. Post Malone & Swae Lee, “Sunflower”

💿 Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse • 🏷 Republic • 📅 2018   

Melodic rapper/singers Post Malone and Swae Lee joined forces on “Sunflower”, a single/highlight from the soundtrack Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018). Brief, “Sunflower” just crosses the two-and-a-half-minute mark. Among the selling points is the lush, rhythmic production.  Naturally, Swae Lee is made for this cut, with his chill persona and his melodic abilities.  Following a brief intro, he delivers a smooth first verse, as well as a memorable chorus. 

“Then you’re left in the dust unless I stuck by ya 
You’re a sunflower, I think your love would be too much 
Or you’ll be left in the dust, unless I stuck by ya 
You’re the sunflower, you’re the sunflower.” 

Post Malone is also quite melodic, though lacks the same finesse as Lee.  Regardless, the contrast is appealing, and furthermore, he has some nice vocal harmonies going on. All told, this no. 1 Billboard Hot 100 hit slaps.

Appears in 🔻:

13 Amazing Songs About Flowers (2019)

8. Tina Turner, “We Don’t Need Another Hero (Thunderdome)”

💿 Simply the Best • 🏷 Parlophone • 🗓 1991    

“Out of the ruins / Out from the wreckage / Can’t make the same mistake this time.” For sure, Tina Turner, for sure! By the time “We Don’t Need Another Hero (Thunderdome)” arrived, Turner had firmly secured her makeover as a pop/rock artist in her solo career.  Private Dancer had arrived in 1984, a year ahead of the Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome soundtrack.  Notably, Turner was an actor in the movie (Aunty Entity) in addition to singing on the soundtrack. Of course, the song trumps everything else on the soundtrack, earning Turner a no. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. 

“We Don’t Need Another Hero (Thunderdome)” was written by Graham Lyle and Terry Britten.  The backdrop is energetic, with ample rhythm, an impressive groove, and colorful instrumental cues (keys, guitars, bass, saxophone solo by Tim Cappello). From start to finish, Tina Turner delivers her signature tone.  She is a bit more poised during portions of the verses, picking up steam on the gargantuan, anthemic chorus in all its glory.   

“We don’t need another hero   

We don’t need to know the way home   

All we want is life beyond   

Thunderdome.”

Another memorable moment precedes the chorus, as Turner sings, in both verses, “And I wonder when we are ever gonna change / Living under the fear, until nothing else remains.” Also, shout out the totally turned up bridge – WOO! Adding to the distinct, memorable nature of “We Don’t Need Another Hero (Thunderdome)” is when a truly spirited Turner invites the children to sing.  The timbre of children’s voices just adds something extra special to so many songs, with “We Don’t Need Another Hero (Thunderdome)” being no exception.

Appears in 🔻:    

9. Common & John Legend, “Glory” 

🎵 “Glory” • 🏷 ARTium / Def Jam / UMG Recordings / Getting Out Our Dreams / Columbia / Sony • 📅 2014

“One day, when the glory comes / It will be ours, it will be ours,” John Legend sings in the chorus of the spirited, uplifting Academy-award-winning song, “Glory”. He and Common have a truly special record which appeared in the 2014 Academy Award-nominated film, Selma. Notably, “Glory” also charted on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at no. 49 in 2015. Focusing on the content of the song, Legend continues singing with incredible resolve in the chorus, “One day, when the war is won / We will be sure, we will be sure / Oh glory.  

Beyond Legend’s incredibly soulful pipes during the chorus, and later, the bridge, Common nails it during the verses with potent, prudent rhymes.  His flow is amazing, and his wordplay is incredibly savvy.  In the first verse, he spits, “Freedom is like religion to us / Justice is juxtapositionin’ us / Justice for all just ain’t specific enough / One son died, his spirit is revisiting us…” Woo! The inspiration continues in the second verse, with Common proclaiming, “Selma is now for every man, woman, and child / Even Jesus got his crown in front of a crowd,” and “No one can win the war individually / It takes the wisdom of the elders and young people’s energy / Welcome to the story we call victory / The comin’ of the Lord, my eyes have seen the glory.”   

The poetic nature of the lyrics, as well as the sincerity, is tremendous!  Highlighting Legend once again,  vocally, he slaughters, spoiling us with his masterful falsetto. Not only does he pierce with his grit, but he also hypnotizes us with his subtleties and nuance.  The bridge that is where his bread is buttered:   

“Now the war is not over, victory isn’t won 

And we’ll fight on to the finish, then when it’s all done 

We’ll cry glory, oh glory.”  

Appears in 🔻:  

10. Megan Thee Stallion, “Out Alpha The Alpha”

💿 Dicks: The Musical • 🏷 A24 Music • 🗓 2023

“These men are fuckin’ dinosaurs about to be destroyed / And I’m the asteroid.” Megan Thee Stallion thrives on attitude and being unapologetic. On “Out Alpha The Alpha”, she brings the heat, putting these men in their place. “Out Alpha The Alpha” graces the soundtrack for the film, Dicks: The Musical, where Thee Stallion plays Gloria Masters. “Out Alpha The Alpha” features interesting production work (Marius de Vries). It has that musical vibe, hence, not being the typical backdrop associated with the rapper (horns, sung background vocals). Megan gives a fun, tongue-in-cheek performance. The playful, unapologetic lyrics that she raps represent the spirit of her character and the film. The ‘chorus’ is catchy, with several variations. At one point, Thee Stallion asserts, with the help of the chorus of the musical:

“(Out-alpha the alpha) Out-alpha the alpha 

(Outfox the fox) Outfox the fox 

(Outsmart all these dummies) Outsmart all the dummies 

(Out-fuck all these cocks) Out-fuck all these cocks.” 

It’s worth noting, the second verse of “Out Alpha” is truer to Megan, with faster, more NSFW rhymes.  The bridge separates itself from the verses.  Still, all sections of “Out Alpha The Alpha” find the Grammy winner in her element being tough and giving no fucks. All told, this highlight from Dicks: The Musical is intriguing by all means.  

11. Jennifer Hudson, “Here I Am (Singing My Way Home)” 

💿 RESPECT (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) • 🏷 Epic • 📅 2021

In 2021, Jennifer Hudson played the late, great Aretha Franklin in the biopic, RESPECT. The anointed, robust-voiced diva not only blesses us with her acting chops, but also, her singing on the RESPECT (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack).  In addition to covering Franklin, she shines on a brand-new original, penned in the style of Franklin, “Here I Am (Singing My Way Home)”. “Here I Am (Singing My Way Home)” was written by Carole King, Jamie Hartman, and Hudson. Will.i.am and Johnny Goldstein produce the gospel-infused, neo-/retro-soul record.  With thoughtful lyrics and an old-school backdrop, Hudson has elite material to work with.  You know what she possesses that elite? That voice, and as you’d expected, she sounds angelic, nuanced, and soulful.  It begins with a dramatic, free intro, something that Aretha was known for and comes directly from black church/gospel music.  Soon enough, “Here I Am” settles in with more flow, and J Hud delivers the goods. Upping the ante are backing choral vocals – gotta love a supporting gospel choir! “Here I Am (Singing My Way Home)” has the spirit of Aretha written all over it. Hudson SLAYS. 

Appears in 🔻:  

12. Helen Reddy, “Candle on the Water”

💿 Pete’s Dragon • 🏷 Disney • 📅 1977 

“I’ll be your candle on the water / My love for you will always burn.” Disney is known for many, many classic songs.  Among the most beautiful and most memorable is “Candle on the Water” from the 1977 film, Pete’s Dragon.  The late, great Helen Reddy (1941 – 2020), who portrays Nora in the film, sings this dedicated ballad, stunningly.  The situation is, in the context of the film, isn’t great for Nora (her fiancé, Paul, is lost at sea), but she expresses love and support, encouraging, “But the clouds are lifting / Don’t give up, you have somewhere to turn.”  

Reddy – well – Nora, is undoubtedly a candle, telling Paul, “My soul is there beside you / Let this candle guide you / Soon you’ll see a golden stream of light.” What truly stands out about the songwriting  is the messaging – the faith that Nora shows.  The pen of Joel Hirschhorn and Al Kasha is magnificent, particularly in the bridge section.  “A cold and friendless tide has found you / Don’t let the stormy darkness pull you down,” she sings in encouraging, hopeful, and resolute fashion.  She continues, “I’ll paint a ray of hope around you / Circling in the air / Lighted by a prayer 🙏.” Good stuff! “Candle on the Water” makes you think about who your candle on the water is.  Is it that special somebody in your life, or, is it a higher power, like God? Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song, the Hirschhorn/Kasha gem lost to another dedicated, inspired gem, “You Light Up My Life”.  

Appears in 🔻:  

13. Michael Bolton, “Go the Distance”

💿 Hercules • 🏷 Disney • 📅 1997

“I have often dreamed, of a far-off place / Where a hero’s welcome, would be waiting for me.” Ah, there’s just something about those Disney songs – particularly the Disney Renaissance songs – that hit different! “Go the Distance” is one of many awesome songs that grace the Hercules soundtrack.  Arguably, “Go the Distance” is the song to beat, though, “Zero to Hero” might have something to say about that.  What stands out about this song is the perseverance despite adversity. Essentially, Hercules exhibits escapism, but also sort of speaks into existence what’s happening. 

“I’ll be there someday, I can go the distance 

I will find my way if I can be strong 

I know every mile, will be worth my while 

When I go the distance, I’ll be right where I belong.”

Michael Bolton performs the end-title version of the classic, showing off his incredibly powerful and soulful pipes.  He sings with great authenticity, selling both the melody and the message superbly. One key difference from the end-title version compared to the film version performed by Roger Bart is the bridge, which is idiomatic of the adult contemporary pop/rock of the time: “But to look beyond the glory is the hardest part / For a hero’s strength is measured by his heart.”  All told, “Go the Distance” is a gorgeous soundtrack/pop record that inspires, shows perseverance, and uplifts. 

Appears in 🔻:

Michael Bolton, Go the Distance: Music Lifts 🎶 🏋 No. 19 (2022)

14. Rihanna, “Lift Me Up” 

💿 Blank Panther: Wakanda Forever – Music From and Inspired By • 🏷 Def Jam • 🗓 2022

“Lift me up / Hold me down / Keep me close / Safe and sound.” Grammy-winning R&B/pop artist Rihanna (Robyn Fenty) returned in 2022 with “Lift Me Up”, the promo single from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – Music From and Inspired By. Fenty pays tribute to the late actor Chadwick Boseman who starred in the lead role of the original Black Panther.  Vocally, Rihanna sounds utterly sublime.  Her lower register has a bite and an edge that is stunning.  Her upper register, including some falsetto moments is also impressive.  The backdrop by Ludwig Goransson is warm and feels like a proper memorial and tribute, much like the simple but thoughtful lyrics: “When you depart, keep me safe / Safe and sound.” “Lift Me Up” marks a strong return for Rihanna.  

Appears in 🔻:   

11 Songs U Need 2 Listen UP 🆙 2 (2022)  
Awesome Songs: November 2022  
50 Best Songs of 2022

15. Whitney Houston, “I Will Always Love You”   

💿 The Bodyguard – Original Soundtrack Album • 🏷 Arista • 📅 1992  

“If I should stay / I would only be in your way / So I’ll go, but I know / I’ll think of you every step of the way.” Sorry to every other R&B artist who released music in 1992.  Why? Well, the best R&B song of that year belongs to one woman and one woman only. Pretty amazing how Whitney Houston totally transformed “I Will Always Love You,” a country song written by Dolly Parton isn’t it?  There’s not much commentary needed for this record – it speaks for itself.  This is the greatest of Whitney Houston’s many, many hits.  At her best, who could out-perform her?  The best moment is the modulation (key change), where from then on, Houston goes to a completely different level. No matter who sings this masterpiece in the future, there will only ever be one definitive, truly iconic version.

Appears in 🔻:  

15 Epic Songs That Appear on Movie Soundtracks (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; A24 Music, Arista, Atlantic, Def Jam, Disney, Epic, Island, John Legend Music Inc., Parlophone, Republic, UMG Recordings Inc., Universal Music Operations Limited, Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc.; Jeff Jacobs from Pixabay]

15 Epic Songs That Appear on Movie Soundtracks | Playlist 🎧

Published by the musical hype on February 7, 2024February 7, 2024