The 1999 Soundtrack Revival: 7 Iconic Tracks That Define the Decade
As we look back on the music of the 1990s, it’s easy to get caught up in the grunge and alternative rock that dominated the airwaves. But 1999 was a unique year, marked by a blend of styles and genres that continue to influence music today. In this article, we’ll explore seven iconic tracks that define the decade’s soundtrack revival.
1. Aimee Mann: "Save Me"
The songs of the former ‘Til Tuesday frontwoman Aimee Mann recur throughout Paul Thomas Anderson’s 1999 epic "Magnolia," as if Mann is a kind of benevolent musical narrator looking down from above and threading together the plot’s populous sprawl. This cleverly off-kilter ballad was nominated for the Oscar for best original song but lost to Phil Collins’s schmaltzy "Tarzan" theme "You’ll Be in My Heart" — an injustice, if you ask me.
Listen on Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube
2. Madonna: "Beautiful Stranger"
A good tweet I saw a few weeks ago, on Madonna’s birthday: "Happy birthday Madonna and thank you for putting the greatest song ever inexplicably on the Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me soundtrack." Only slight hyperbole! Here, Madge and her "Ray of Light" collaborator William Orbit elevate what could have been a throwaway soundtrack trifle into a groovy bop that earns its placement on her greatest hits collection.
Listen on Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube
3. Air featuring Gordon Tracks: "Playground Love"
Music plays a crucial role in Sofia Coppola’s cinematic worldview — so much so that I’ve already compiled an Amplifier playlist of her best needle drops. That musical sensibility was already apparent in her 1999 debut film, "The Virgin Suicides," which features a dreamy, ethereal score by the French duo Air. The vocals of this theme come from a mysterious singer credited as Gordon Tracks, which is actually an alter ego of the Phoenix frontman Thomas Mars, Coppola’s future husband.
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4. Suga Bang Bang: "Don’t Test/Wu Stallion"
In his score for Jim Jarmusch’s unconventional hit-man flick "Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai," the Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA perfectly captures the movie’s haunting, elliptical feel. Anchored by a breathy vocal loop, this hypnotic track by the Wu-Tang-affiliated reggae artist Suga Bang Bang envelops Forest Whitaker’s titular character in a mysterious haze.
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5. Imperial Teen: "Yoo Hoo"
Though not much of a hit when it was released in February 1999, the caustic teen comedy "Jawbreaker" has since become a cult classic, perhaps even inspiring certain elements of "Mean Girls." This eerie but infectious tune by the alt-rock band Imperial Teen soundtracks an indelible moment when the main characters do a dramatic walk down their high school hallway — and a subsequent parody scene in the 2001 spoof "Not Another Teen Movie."
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6. The Chicks: "Ready to Run"
The spunky lead single from the Chicks’ 1999 album "Fly" was a natural fit for the rom-com "Runaway Bride," which reunited "Pretty Woman" co-stars Julia Roberts and Richard Gere with the director Garry Marshall.
Listen on Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube
7. Fatboy Slim: "Praise You"
This iconic dance track by Fatboy Slim is often overlooked in discussions of 1999’s soundtrack revival, but its impact on the decade’s music scene cannot be overstated. With its infectious beat and celebratory vibe, "Praise You" became a staple of clubs and raves around the world, solidifying Fatboy Slim’s status as a master of the dance floor.
Listen on Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube
Conclusion
As we look back on the music of the 1990s, it’s clear that 1999 was a pivotal year for the soundtrack revival. From the offbeat charm of Aimee Mann to the dance floor anthems of Fatboy Slim, these seven iconic tracks capture the decade’s eclectic spirit and enduring influence.
FAQs
- What is the soundtrack revival?
The soundtrack revival refers to the resurgence of interest in music from the 1990s, particularly in the late 1990s. This period saw a renewed focus on the soundtracks of films and television shows, which had a significant impact on the music industry. - Why is 1999 a significant year for the soundtrack revival?
1999 was a unique year in the soundtrack revival, marked by a blend of styles and genres that continue to influence music today. The year saw the release of several iconic soundtracks, including "Magnolia," "Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me," and "Runaway Bride," which featured a range of artists and styles. - What are some notable artists from the 1999 soundtrack revival?
Some notable artists from the 1999 soundtrack revival include Aimee Mann, Madonna, Air, Suga Bang Bang, Imperial Teen, The Chicks, and Fatboy Slim. - How can I listen to these iconic tracks?
You can listen to these iconic tracks on various music streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.
