Eesh.
That's all I have to say about the selection there was for Best Original Song.
Not every year can be vintage, but these five aren't bad (though I had to make a stretch or two).
“Lord Knows/Fighting Stronger” from CREED
(Ludwig Göransson, Meek Mill)
Takes its rhythms from Conti's iconic “Gonna Fly Now” and infuses them with modern edge, forging a stirring new theme for a scrappy new hero. Its use in the film's final training montage is the most hair-raising musical cue of the year.
“Making Today A Perfect Day” from FROZEN FEVER
(Robert Lopez, Kristen Anderson-Lopez)
Groan to your heart's content, but a song written for a short requires no less effort than a song written for a feature (plus I was desperate!). It's silly and slight, but also by far the catchiest movie music I've heard this year.
“See You Again” from FURIOUS 7
(Wiz Khalifa, Charlie Puth, DJ Frank E, Andrew Cedar)
I can't pretend to be a huge fan of the franchise, but easily its most appealing element is the camaraderie between its ragtag band of racers. This poppy Top-40 earworm memorably taps into that dynamic, while also paying touching tribute to the late Paul Walker.
“I'll See You In My Dreams” from I'LL SEE YOU IN MY DREAMS
(Keegan DeWitt)
This modest little movie is at its most charming when it lingers in bittersweet dramatic beats, and the ukulele-strummed performance of its title song represents the best of them. A sweet, poetic, lovely distillation of tone and theme.
“Cold One” from RICKI AND THE FLASH
(Jenny Lewis, Jonathan Rice)
Coming at the film's most mellow moment, this plaintive acoustic ballad (reprised with more zip for the end credits sequence) opens up a nifty musical window into character and backstory. Credit Streep as well for her understated, tortured vocals.
Other considerations:
“Earned It” from Fifty Shades of Grey
(The Weeknd, Belly, Jason 'DaHeala' Quennville, Stephan Moccio)
“Til It Happens to You” from The Hunting Ground
(Diane Warren, Lady Gaga)
“Flashlight” from Pitch Perfect 2
(Sam Smith, Sia, Christian Guzman, Jason Moore)
“One Candle” from Racing Extinction
(J. Ralph, Sia)
“Feels Like Summer” from Shaun the Sheep Movie
(Tim Wheeler, Nick Hodgson, Ilan Eshkeri)
