Ranking the Songs From the 'Romeo + Juliet' Soundtrack From Most to Least Emotionally Devastating
Baz Baz Luhrmann's modern take on Romeo and Juliet came out 20 years go this month. The cinematography was dazzling (sadly the last of Luhrmann's movies we can say that about), Claire Danes and Leonardo DiCaprio were peak relationship #goals, and we sobbed listened to the soundtrack over and over again. Here, a completely subjective ranking of the soundtrack from most to least emotionally devastating.
"#1 Crush" by Garbage
Um, hello, it's even in the name. This song has all the church-bell clarity and dark fitfulness of having a teenage crush/first love, and Romeo and Juliet's was no regular romance. Plus, Shirley Manson is the best and no one could ever argue with that.
"Lovefool" by The Cardigans
Still know all the words by heart. I had no idea voices as perfectly lilting as Nina Persson's even existed. Perfect melody, perfect words, perfect concept.
"Talk Show Host" by Radiohead
Anyone who is building up a picture of baby me is probably getting a pretty good likeness by now. For a teen trying to stand up against the world, this song was a vital part of the arsenal. It had attitude, but was delivered in such a DGAF way that it turned me into a puddle. But a good puddle.
"Everybody's Free" by Quindon Tarver
This is the song your personal angel sings to you at your worst moments, but it's also so transcendent that you know that maybe they have a bunch of other people to look after (maybe everyone in the world?) and that's OK. (Leah would also like to note: a) He also covered "When Doves Cry" later on in the movie, for more sobs, and b) if you were wondering, Quindon Tarver has a YouTube channel and he recorded a new version of "Everybody's Free" in 2008. Still got it.)
"Young Hearts Run Free" by Kym Mazelle
Know it back to front—whether because of blanket radio coverage during my teens or sheer shackle-breaking greatness, this song has a permanent place in the soundtrack of my life, let alone this movie.
"Kissing You" by Des'ree
Do not get mad, but I couldn't stand this song when I was a teen. Warbling and unabashed mushiness were not my favorite things. FWIW, Leah campaigned for this song to be #1, noting that it "taps directly into my 14-year-old self and makes me feel alllll of the feelings. I don't know if I can continue working today now that I've listened to this."
"You And Me Song" by The Wannadies
BA-ba-BA-ba-BA-ba...I am no longer carefree and vibrant, but "You and Me" reminds me that, once upon a time, I was.
"Local God" by Everclear
I like this young-stallion ditty, made to soundtrack prowling around town with the guys (something I never did, shout out to my library-bound youth). Everclear has a lovely simplicity to its rock sound, and "Local God" has swagger—but it's pre-"I've Really Lived" feeling, and that's why it's heartbreaking. Pure adolescent goofing around.
"Little Star" by Stina Nordenstam
The opening phrase of this song, "Wait or stay," is drawn out bewilderingly beautifully in Stina Nordenstam's tentative voice—and is so electric to me, even though it's so soft and plaintive. I love it.
"Whatever (I Had A Dream)" by Butthole Surfers
Fun, sludgey, existential Nick Cave-lite terror from the Butthole Surfers.
"Pretty Piece of Flesh" by One Inch Punch
Fat bloops were my least favorite thing about '90s music, sorry.
"To You I Bestow" by Mundy
Oh, my bad. Raspy-voiced rock music was my least favorite '90s music.
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