The 2022 Movie Soundtracks You Need to Hear

It should come as no surprise to those who are both movie enthusiasts and music lovers that the soundtracks for 2022’s films are among the best of the year. Not only do they feature a diverse range of talented musicians and composers, but they also offer a wide range of musical styles. Not only that, they also perfectly accompany the films they are featured in and give recent years’ soundtracks a run for their money. These soundtracks are breaking new ground with their flawless compositions, unique versions of classic songs, and powerful original songs. Here are the 2022 Movie Soundtracks You Need to Hear.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

Danny Elfman, known for his work in macabre music, joined forces with director Sam Raimi – known for his work on the Evil Dead films and the original Spider-Man trilogy – to compose the music for the Marvel Cinematic Universe film “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.” For the soundtrack, Elfman has blended the sounds of the action-adventure genre with those of the occult horror genre to create a collection of tracks that can best be described as “otherworldly.”

TÁR

A film about a prestigious orchestra and its conductor is bound to have exceptional music, and Todd Field’s TÁR is no exception. The film features an enthralling blend of original score and classic symphony pieces that are closely tied to the story. The Oscar-winning composer Hildur Guðnadóttir, known for her unforgettable Joker score, is responsible for the film’s music. The music is a central element of the film and mirrors the personal journey of the main character, Lydia Tár. Since much of the film takes place in orchestra rehearsals, the music in those scenes has a distinct tone compared to the score used throughout the rest of the film. The film prominently features the classical piece “Symphony No. 5 in C-Sharp Minor” by Gustav Mahler as a crucial plot device, heard throughout the runtime. Guðnadóttir has done a remarkable job not only composing the pieces that exist in TÁR’s world but also creating an alluring yet disenchanting score that defines the film.

The Batman

“The Batman” is a film that does everything perfectly, from the atmospheric Wayne Manor to the retro-futuristic Batmobile, the dynamic relationship between Selina and Bruce, and the eerie and mysterious music that perfectly captures the tone of the comics. The American composer Michael Giacchino, known for his work on films from Pixar, Marvel, Star Trek, and Jurassic World, is responsible for creating the music.

The Northman

The Northman is a film directed by Robert Eggers which presents the Vikings as powerful, mystical, and ambitious group. The film’s soundtrack produced by Robin Carolan and Sebastian Gainsborough does a great job of capturing this essence. The music is dark and violent, and it effectively draws the viewer deeper into the world of the Vikings, immersing them in the culture and history of these warriors. The combination of Eggers’ direction and the soundtrack creates a powerful and authentic cinematic experience, making the viewer feel as if they are part of the story.

Ambulance

Lorne Balfe is widely considered to be one of the best composers for action film soundtracks. Recently, he collaborated with Michael Bay for a third time to create the soundtrack for the blockbuster “Ambulance,” which stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, and Eliza González. As is typical of Balfe’s work, he has created a powerful, heroic soundtrack that is sure to be heard in amusement parks for years to come.

The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent

“The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent,” which features Nicolas Cage playing a fictional version of himself, received positive reviews from both film critics and Cage fans when it was released in April. The film, which has a surreal premise, also boasts a sensational soundtrack created by Mark Isham, the composer behind the music for 90s films such as “Of Mice and Men” and “Blade.” Even if the premise of the film doesn’t interest you, the soundtrack is sure to draw you in.

Everything Everywhere All At Once

Son Lux’s 49-song soundtrack for the film “Everything Everywhere All At Once” directed by Dan Kwan and Daniel Scheinert is an excellent match for the film’s absurdist themes and visuals. The American experimental band effectively weaves the diverse elements of the multiverse story into their music in a way that is accessible to listeners. This is a remarkable achievement.

The Banshees of Inisherin

Carter Burwell is a highly respected film composer known for his work on The Banshees of Inisherin. His score for the film perfectly captures the dreary atmosphere of Ireland, the grimness of the characters, and the lighthearted sense of humor. He has a strong understanding of the director Martin McDonagh’s vision and tone, as they have collaborated multiple times before. Burwell uses delicate instruments like the celeste, harp, and flute to create a childlike, fairytale-like atmosphere that mirrors the immaturity of the characters Pádraic and Colm. The gentle delicacy of the score, which is highlighted by its use of these instruments, sets the melancholy mood of the film.

Pinocchio

French film composer Alexandre Desplat is highly accomplished and has a reputation for his collaborations with Wes Anderson. His ability to create nostalgia through music made him a perfect match for Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio. To fit with the movie’s lore, Desplat composed the film’s score using only wooden instruments, which gave the score a feeling of being alive. The playful tones expected from a children’s movie are present, as are the mythically somber notes expected from a del Toro film. Desplat’s music, combined with del Toro’s visuals, successfully captures the loss of innocence and childlike wonder in Pinocchio.

Babylon

Jazz music is a recurring theme in Damien Chazelle’s films, and his latest film, Babylon, is no exception. Academy award-winning composer Justin Hurwitz, a frequent collaborator of Chazelle, created a lively 42-track original score for the film. The film is set in the 1920s and features big-band jazz as the foundation, with elements of dance and rock music incorporated to reflect the sexually-charged and lavish nature of the film. The score also incorporates elements of ragtime piano, carnival accordion, sultry saxophone, and blaring trumpets to transport the viewer back to the golden age of Hollywood.

Also Read: The Role of Music in Film and Its Importance in Storytelling