Ranking All the Songs from the Eat, Pray, Love Soundtrack

Eat, Pray, Love is a film that came out in 2010, starring Julia Roberts. The film is based on a true story, following Liz Gilbert as she goes through a divorce and then a journey of self-discovery. The film takes place in Italy, India, and Bali. The soundtrack for the film was equally as lovely as the locations. It was very well-received, with a mix of popular songs from established artists and some lesser-known tracks. If you need a pick-me-up or are feeling extra romantic, look no further than this movie’s musical accompaniment. Every song from the Eat, Pray, Love soundtrack is a definitive ranking, from worst to best.

16. Boyz (song) by M.I.A. (2007)

 

Boyz is the third single from M.I.A.’s album Kala. The song is a commentary on how the media portrays men of color and their struggles. It samples “Sweat” by Inner Circle.

15. Dreams by Fleetwood Mac (1977)

 

Dreams are the second track on side three of Fleetwood Mac’s best-selling album Rumours. It was written by Stevie Nicks and was inspired by her relationship with Mick Fleetwood. The song is a classic example of the band’s signature sound, which combines rock, pop, and country elements. The lyrics are straightforward, with Nicks singing about the power of dreams.

14. Attraversiamo by Dario Marianelli (2010)

 

“Attraversiamo” is one of the more upbeat tracks from the soundtrack, and it’s a perfect accompaniment to the film’s montage of Elizabeth Gilbert (played by Julia Roberts) exploring Italy. While the song is in Italian, the lyrics are pretty simple and easy to follow.

13. Better Days by Eddie Vedder (2010)

 

Vedder’s contribution to the Eat, Pray, Love soundtrack is a folk song with a bit of an edge to it. The lyrics look for hope and feeling lost, making it a perfect fit for the film.

12. S Wonderful by João Gilberto (1977)

 

This song appears in the scene where Liz (Julia Roberts) is having dinner with her friends in Rome. It’s a beautiful, classic bossa nova track that perfectly sets the mood for a romantic night out in the city.

11. Got to Give It Up, Part 1 by Marvin Gaye (1977)

 

This was the first single off of Gaye’s tenth studio album, and it became his biggest hit yet. It stayed atop the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks and earned Gaye a Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance. The song is an ode to giving up smoking and features Gaye’s trademark falsetto. While a female vocalist sings the film’s version, the original is still a classic. It’s a fun, upbeat tune that will get your feet moving.

10. Wave by João Gilberto (1977)

 

This song might be better known as the theme from The Thomas Crown Affair, but it originally appeared on João Gilberto’s 1977 album Amoroso. It’s a beautifully understated bossa nova track, and it’s ebb and flows perfectly capture the film’s overall mood.

9. Samba da Bênção by Bebel Gilberto (2000)

 

This song appears during the scene where Liz is in Brazil, and first meets Paulo. It’s a perfect example of bossa nova, a Brazilian music genre known for being relaxing and having a smooth, mellow sound. Bebel Gilberto is one of the most famous bossa nova singers out there, and this song is an excellent introduction to her work.

8. Harvest Moon by Neil Young (1992)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2MtEsrcTTs

 

One of the more modern songs on the soundtrack, this Neil Young classic fits in perfectly with the themes of finding oneself and starting anew. It’s a hopeful tune that will have you feeling like anything is possible.

7. The Long Road by Eddie Vedder and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan (2010)

 

This song is a collaboration between two amazing artists that couldn’t be more different. Eddie Vedder is best known as the frontman of Pearl Jam, one of the most successful and influential rock bands of all time. Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan was a Pakistani singer and musician who specialized in Qawwali, a form of Sufi devotional music.

6. Kaliyugavaradana by U. Srinivas (1994)

 

This Carnatic song is performed by U. Srinivas, who is considered one of the greatest exponents of the electric mandolin. The song is based on Raga Bageshree and is set to Adi Tala. It is a beautiful and peaceful piece that helps bring some calm to the chaos of daily life.

5. Heart of Gold by Neil Young (1972)

 

This song is playing when Elizabeth Gilbert (played by Julia Roberts) is in Bali, Indonesia, and finally starting to feel at home. She has made friends with a group of women and is beginning to enjoy her life there. The lyrics reflect her feeling of contentment and happiness.

4. Der Hölle Rache kocht in meinem Herzen by Wiener Philharmoniker (2010)

 

This song is an aria from The Magic Flute, but it’s used in Eat, Pray, Love to significant effect. It’s one of the most beautiful pieces of music in the film, and it perfectly embodies Elizabeth Gilbert’s (Julia Roberts) journey of self-discovery.

3. Thank You by Sly & the Family Stone (1970)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOa5UOHdwnc

 

The third song on the Eat, Pray, Love soundtrack is “Thank You” by Sly & the Family Stone. This 1970 track is a funky, soulful tune that perfectly captures the film’s spirit. It’s a feel-good song that will make you want to get up and dance, and it’s sure to put a smile on your face.

2. Last Tango In Paris by Gato Barbieri (1972)

 

Last Tango in Paris is a 1972 erotic drama film directed by Bernardo Bertolucci, starring Marlon Brando, Maria Schneider, and Jean-Pierre Léaud. The film’s raw portrayal of sexual violence and emotional turmoil led to international controversy and drew various degrees of censorship worldwide.

1. Flight Attendant by Josh Rouse (2003)

 

This song is from Josh Rouse’s 2003 album, Dressed Up Like Nebraska, but it was used in the film Eat Pray Love and appears on the soundtrack. It’s a beautiful, dreamy song that perfectly captures the longing and nostalgia that can come with travel.