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The Greatest Soundtracks: The ’70s

The ’70s was a truly magical decade that saw the peak of the most groovy, energetic genres, with a surge of disco, jazz, funk and rock.

Film scores were also at their peak, having predominantly settled on trendy expertise. Presenting the greatest soundtracks of the ’70s, an on-note decade that gifted mankind with the likes of Superman and The Godfather!

[divider]A Clockwork Orange (1971)[/divider]

The soundtrack for A Clockwork Orange by Wendy Carlos is a terrifying portrayal of the catching, psychological conditioning experienced by a charismatic lead character and his gang that engages in horrific crimes along the lines of rape and murder.

The soundtrack was initially planned based on the novel by Anthony Burgess, audible from how the scattered and evocative soundtrack is able to complement the horrors of the movie so well.

With skilful use of electronic synths (superior to how they are used today), the soundtrack is an eerie capture of ultra violence that will surely make you conjure your own images of terror in your head.

[divider]The Harder They Come (1972)[/divider]

The soundtrack of The Harder They Come is really worth coming to.. this article for. The soundtrack by numerous artists, predominantly Jimmy Cliff, follows a movie depicting Jamaican crime.

Even though the passionate soundtrack was released when reggae had not yet infiltrated the American market, it still got everybody groovin’ to its perfect encapsulation of reggae from Jamaica itself. Featuring an excellent combination of instrumental beds with infectious music and soulful vocals, it will surely leave you singing for the rest of the day.

[divider]The Godfather (1972)[/divider]

The soundtrack for The Godfather by Nino Rota, is one that is apt for the movie both thematically and in terms of audience reception.

The soundtrack delves into the darker side of Neopolitan jazz, as it tells the legendary tale of corruption and bad faith. Be charmed by the clever use of folk instrumentation that allows the undeniable theme in the soundtrack to progress in a manner that is elegant and tragically inspirational, and let the realities of assimilation in our harsh world come rushing to you.

[divider]American Graffiti (1973)[/divider]

The soundtrack for American Graffiti is one that has been argued to have been the best part of the movie.

Featuring numerous songs from artists that topped charts even on their own, the soundtrack is perfect for fans of early and rock n’ roll, with doo-wop and charged, upbeat tracks that follow the summer of a group of friends that are high school graduates.
It also offers an exuberant range of the emotional highs and lows of youth, delivered in a manner that will leave you swooning for the oldies if you’re a music lover.

[divider]The Exorcist (1973)[/divider]
Made by Mike Oldfield for classic horror movie The Exorcist, the soundtrack for will make you claw on your seat.

The soundtrack features the use of some very unique instrumental combinations that range from Mandolins to organs to Spanish guitars, and (the most powerful of them all), tubular bells to form a single, centered piece. As terrifying as the soundtrack is, it is notable how Mike Oldfield ensures that no individual note of the soundtrack can go unnoticed. It is said that he gained influence from psychedelia, and his own experiences with demons.

Even if you don’t want to be scared out of your wits, the soundtrack is definitely worth a listen for the sheer divinity of the emotion and theme that it captures.

[divider]Jaws (1975)[/divider]

The soundtrack of Jaws, by John Williams, is one that is captivating and well able to capture its audience’s imagination, inciting fear of the natural unseen, with bass and deep strings.

The linear notes in the soundtrack give for tense and propulsive emotions that paint an image of the disastrously epic shark, the subject of horror throughout the movie. It’s no wonder the soundtrack was able to play such a key role in the movie’s astounding success.

Epic goodness aside, this is a great soundtrack to play when the kids aren’t listening to you yell at them to get out the pool.

[divider]Superman (1976)[/divider]

Surprise (not really), yet another epic soundtrack by John Williams! The soundtrack for Superman: The Movie is one that will most likely move you to tears as you ascend into flight with the world’s favourite hero, Superman.

The rich soundtrack presents its linear notes in a manner so fluid and luxuriate, and has since become indelibly linked to the phenomenal character that it easily takes the role of having the only possible theme that could truly be a representation of Superman.

What more can I say, this heroic soundtrack will truly leave you in awe.

[divider]The Omen (1976)[/divider]

Jerry Goldsmith’s skill is truly displayed in the harrowing soundtrack of The Omen.

Featuring a skilful combination of the themes of suspense, horror and atmosphere, the soundtrack will keep your mind in a constant state of panic as tension continues to rise with demonic omens that appear in the movie. As much as the soundtrack is an ordeal to be put through, everything about it, from the Latin-chanting choir, to the trembling strings and squealing registers, is evidence of how powerful and polished the soul-shattering soundtrack is.

Prepare to be chilled to the bone with this beautiful, supernatural soundtrack that was made to teach you exactly how terrifying human singing can sound. If you’re hearing voices, don’t worry – they’re all in your head.

[divider]Rocky (1976)[/divider]

Bill Conti’s work on the soundtrack for Rocky truly captures the essence of what makes the movie so compelling and empowering.

Just like the movie, the soundtrack tests boundaries with the use of thematic elements to suit individual scenes in the movie and a bold, successful push into the merging of classic film music with contemporary rock. If you loved the movie, you’ll find that the soundtrack is one that is so captivatingly powerful, and yet personal, such that, it manages to motivate you into commanding your true potential.

This is a must for when you’re going to hit the gym, or engage in anything that requires you to test the boundaries of your body and mind.

[divider]Star Wars (1977)[/divider]

There’s no way you’re going to get through this soundtrack without emotionally confessing your love for it, only to figure that it is so epic, John Williams probably knows that you do.

The revolutionary soundtrack has notes and instruments that are purposeful and terrific in placement, giving way to a perfect soundtrack that accommodates the movie wonderfully – melancholy or charged whenever needed. There’s no better way to make it easy for an audience to form associations with the soundtrack and exact moments in the film.

Whether or not you are a fan of the franchise, the soundtrack will hold a special place in your heart, as it is unmistakably one of the finest portrayals of the battle between good and evil.