Ranking All The Songs from The Great Gatsby Soundtrack
The film adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby was released in 2013 to critical and commercial acclaim. The Baz Luhrmann-directed film starred Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan, Tobey Maguire, and Joel Edgerton. The film’s soundtrack was equally praised, with several of the songs becoming pop hits. Here is a ranking of all the songs from The Great Gatsby soundtrack.
14. Kill and Run by Sia (2013)
Sia’s “Kill and Run” is the final song on the Great Gatsby soundtrack. It is a haunting ballad that features Sia’s signature ethereal vocals. The lyrics are cryptic and open to interpretation, but they seem to be about a relationship that has ended in tragedy. Kill and Run is a fitting end to the film and its soundtrack, as it leaves the listener with a sense of loss and nostalgia.
13. Into the Past by Nero (2013)
Nero’s “Into the Past” is one of the more forgettable tracks on The Great Gatsby soundtrack. It’s not a bad song, but it doesn’t add anything to the film. It’s just sort of there. The song is included on the film’s deluxe edition soundtrack.
12. Love Is Blindness by Jack White (2011)
Jack White’s cover of U2’s “Love Is Blindness” is one of the more unique tracks on The Great Gatsby soundtrack. While most of the songs on the album are from the 1920s, this song is a more modern take on love and relationships. The lyrics to “Love Is Blindness” are about how love can make us blind to the reality of a situation. We can be so in love with someone that we can’t see their flaws. This can lead to heartbreak and pain, but we continue to search for love despite knowing the risks.
11. Hearts a Mess by Gotye (2006)
This song is used in the film during a party scene. It’s a pretty appropriate choice, as it has a sort of old-timey feel to it. The lyrics don’t have anything to do with the film, but they’re not too out of place. The track is used in the movie to good effect and is a decent enough song.
10. Together by The xx (2013)
The xx’s “Together” is the tenth track on The Great Gatsby soundtrack. The song is a haunting, delicate ballad that reflects the film’s themes of love and loss. The song’s ethereal quality perfectly captures the film’s mood, and its lyrics echo the film’s central message that “the past can never be forgotten, but must be forgiven.”
9. Crazy in Love by Emeli Sandé with The Bryan Ferry Orchestra (2013)
This is a cover of the classic Beyoncé song, and it has a more old-fashioned feel to it. Emeli Sandé’s voice is beautiful, as always, and it fits in perfectly with the film’s 1920s setting. The Bryan Ferry Orchestra does a great job recreating that classic jazz sound.
8. Where the Wind Blows by Coco O. (2013)
Coco O.’s “Where the Wind Blows” is a haunting, ethereal track perfect for The Great Gatsby soundtrack. It’s one of the few songs on the album that feels truly modern, and it fits in perfectly with the film’s 1920s setting. The song is used to significant effect in the film’s opening credits, setting the tone for the entire movie. It’s a beautiful, atmospheric track that perfectly captures the mood of The Great Gatsby.
7. Over the Love by Florence + the Machine (2013)
This song perfectly encapsulates the feeling of love and loss at the heart of The Great Gatsby. It is sad and beautiful, with Florence Welch’s ethereal vocals floating over a haunting piano melody. The lyrics capture the yearning and regrets of a love that was not meant to be, making it one of the most emotionally powerful songs on the soundtrack.
6. Love Is the Drug by Bryan Ferry (1975)
Love Is Roxy Music has initially performed the Drug in 1975, and it was written by band member Bryan Ferry. The song became one of the band’s biggest hits, reaching number 2 on the UK Singles Chart. The Great Gatsby version of the song is performed by Bryan Ferry himself, and it features on the soundtrack album. The music is used in the film during a party scene, and it perfectly captures the decadent atmosphere of the Roaring Twenties.
5. Young and Beautiful by Lana Del Rey (2013)
This haunting ballad plays during one of the film’s most pivotal and romantic scenes. Gatsby (played by Leonardo DiCaprio) finally reunites with his long-lost love Daisy (Carey Mulligan). Lana Del Rey’s sultry voice and the song’s melancholy melody perfectly capture Gatsby’s longing and nostalgia for Daisy and their lost youth.
4. A Little Party Never Killed Nobody by Fergie, Q-Tip, and GoonRock (2013)
A Little Party Never Killed Nobody by Fergie, Q-Tip and GoonRock is a song from the 2013 historical romantic drama film The Great Gatsby. The song was released as a single on May 1, 2013. The song peaked at number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
3. Bang Bang by will.i.am (2013)
This song is from the perspective of Gatsby, as he is throwing his lavish parties and living in the moment. The lyrics talk about how Gatsby will “live it up” and enjoy himself while he can. The song has a very modern sound, which fits the film’s theme.
2. Back to Black by Beyoncé x André 3000 (2013)
“Back to Black” is a song recorded by American singer Beyoncé for The Great Gatsby: Music from Baz Luhrmann’s Film (2013). It was written by Beyoncé, André 3000, and Jeffrey Bhasker and produced by the latter two. The song was released on April 23, 2013, as one of the two lead singles from the soundtrack. Musically, “Back to Black” is a mid-tempo R&B ballad containing jazz and blues elements. The song’s lyrics describe a break-up from the perspective of a woman who has been scorned.
1. $100 Bill by Jay Z (2013)
This song was released on Jay-Z’s 2013 album Magna Carta… Holy Grail. It is a perfect fit for the opulent lifestyle that Gatsby lives. The lyrics talk about Gatsby’s love of money and his worldly ways.
Conclusion
The Great Gatsby soundtrack is full of great songs that perfectly capture the film’s mood. The soundtrack has something for everyone, from the haunting ballads to the up-tempo party tracks. The Jay Z and Lana Del Rey songs are particularly standout tracks.
