Earlier in the week, Anna Pancaldi, an independent artist from the UK, was a guest on our Soundcore Stories podcast. As well as sitting down for an interview, we invited Anna to share her top 10 best movie soundtracks of all time. We’re not sure how she managed to whittle the list down to just 10, but here’s Anna with her picks:
Hi everyone,
Well, how lovely to make your acquaintance, virtually!
I’m a singer/songwriter/topliner living in London Town! I write and perform all the music for my artist project, but more recently I have been thrilled to compose in other areas within the music industry such as: dance toplining, music for TV/sync, studio session work, and composing with and for other artists.
Having my music placed in TV shows has been a highlight and a thrill. It’s not something I set out to achieve when starting out in music, but it’s something that has been fulfilling and an unexpected joy!
Composing for TV sits within its own entity, for sure. But what I found I love about composing in this area is that it is structured, specific, and there’s a definite knowingness of what people want from the music. In comparison, composing for my artist’s profile is incredibly personal and one can be endlessly self-deprecating, which means it can take a lot longer to reach a point of peace, excitement, and approval when it comes to releasing the music.
To me, a great soundtrack is one that moves you with the melody and the varying motifs that are often used throughout; pieces of music that become soundtracks are inextricably linked to nostalgia and become etched in your mind.
- The Mission – The iconic track ‘Falls’, which is filled with emotion and feeling, pulls you along with its beauty and always takes me somewhere beautiful.
- Hook – The booming horns and use of strings throughout create such a magic that so perfectly match the film and all its action and subtext.
- Braveheart – That unforgettable melodic motif that rings out with such ease.
- The Shape of Water – Its delicate soundtrack took a starring role in this film where words were few.
- Jurassic Park – This has to be in there, its valiant melodies stand tall and are so beautiful. So many of these soundtracks are attached to my childhood so they ring strongly in my mind and memory.
- Lord of the Rings – A family favorite in the Pancaldi family household, it makes me cry each time I hear a few of the songs on this soundtrack, especially ‘The Breaking of the Fellowship.’ Unforgettably haunting.
- West Side Story – For its bold, frenetic and strong melodies, also paired with stunning, soft melodies to accompany.
- The Perfect Storm – I adored this melody the first time I watched the movie, and it’s another that is never far from bringing a tear to my eye. Even without the context of the story and song title, ‘Coming Home from the Sea’, has a coming home sort of feeling that reminds me of many happy ‘coming homes’ and the feeling of not seeing family and friends for long periods of time and longing to be with them.
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Pocahontas – I had to squeeze a Disney film in here, and to be honest, I could have filled this list with my favorites
Its pulsing beats and the main songs, ‘Just Around the Riverbend’ and ‘Colors of the Wind’, have my heart!
- Out of Africa – This moving soundtrack reminds me of living in South Africa and the heartache of having to move back to the UK as a teenager. What a very stunning soundtrack indeed.
Thank you to Anna for her Top 10 list! So what do you think? Which movie soundtracks would you add to the list? Share your favorites in the comments 
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- I didn’t know him.
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