Just a week before the release of Baz Lurhmann’s latest film adaptation, The Great Gatsby, the movie soundtrack has been released. The soundtrack was executive-produced by Jay-Z and features a myriad talent, from hip-hop artists to pop stars to everything in between.
Like Luhrmann’s other soundtracks, this one again manages to
be completely original and modern while still capturing the old-time essence of
the film. The original book, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, includes names of
pertinent songs and lyrics from the age of Jazz. We know what the story sounded
like to Fitzgerald because of the numerous readers and scholars who have
compiled soundtracks over the years.
This new soundtrack captures the essence, the feel, of the
story without simply reusing the same old material. Luhrmann completely remixes
songs with new rhythms, boldly taking familiar material into unfamiliar
territory. It’s a practice that earns him both love and hate.
The new soundtrack features notable artists like Florence +
the Machine, The xx, Gotye, Lana Del Rey, Jack White, Beyonce, Jay-Z, Q-Tip,
Andre 3000, will.i.am, Goonrock and many more. The musical selection is diverse
but cohesive in the way it is presented, giving an uplifting feeling to the
entire album.
That’s appropriate, considering Jay Gatsby’s iconic quote:
“My life have got to be like this,” he said, pointing up toward the sky. “It’s
got to keep going up.”
Luhrmann’s previous music/film adventures include Moulin Rouge, Romeo + Juliet, Strictly
Ballroom, and Australia. NPR has
a “First Listen” available for the Great
Gatsby soundtrack, which
you can visit by clicking here. The album has a little bit of something for
everyone, with ballads, rap, R & B, Jazz remixes and much more.
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