Sometimes without you even realising it, soundtracks create atmosphere, build tension and trigger emotive responses. 2014 had some undeniably amazing soundtracks, but films like Mad Max and Inside Out challenge that standard and surpass in the music department. Here are the top 8 soundtracks of 2015 so far.
Inside Out: Another masterwork from compositional genius, Michael Giacchino. Already raking in credit from the Jurassic World soundtrack earlier this year, Giacchino toned down the dramatics for Inside Out, instead crafting a soundtrack that reflects the literal spectrum of emotion this film revolves around with finesse and depth. See it without crying, we dare you.
Montage of Heck: Hailed as "the most intimate rock-doc of all time", Brett Morgan's Kurt Cobain film features a wide range of Nirvana and non-Nirvana tracks from throughout Cobain's music career. Featuring a few rare alternative takes and demos, the film is worth seeing for those exclusives alone.
Mad Max: Fury Road: Written for the most part by Dutch composer Junkie XL, Fury Road has been hailed as a modern masterpiece for its stark and dry atmosphere - an atmosphere that is accentuated by anamazing soundtrack. XL had previously worked on The Dark Knight series and Man of Steel, so expect to see his name held in the same regard as Hans Zimmer very soon.
Welcome to Los Santos: Not a film soundtrack, fine, but this additional compilation for Grand Theft Auto 5 is too great to not include. Curated by The Alchemist, this awesome mix features Killer Mike, Earl Sweatshirt, Future Islands, Wavves and Little Dragon.
The Diary of a Teenage Girl: Despite it's limited release, this graphic novel turned film is a charming and progressive coming of age story that is soon to turn cult, the soundtrack is being released on vinyl for goodness sake. Featuring spots from T.Rex, The Stooges, Television and Nico - old but gold.
While We're Young: The latest comedy-drama from Wes Anderson collaborator Noah Baumbach starring Ben Stiller and Naomi Watts. On the music side, the biggest star is LCD Soundsystem's James Murphy who composed and curated the soundtrack. With a few Murphy originals, a David Bowie cover and songs from Tribe Called Quest, Paul McCartney and Lionel Richie - the whole soundtrack is gold.
Minions: Love them or hate them, the new Minions film is adorable fun. With a soundtrack chock-full of 60s gems from The Who, Rolling Stones, The Kinks and The Turtles, there's something for the parents and the kids.
Insurgent: The second part of the destructive Divergent film/book series, what the film may lack in tact, it makes up for with a star-studded cast of musicians behind it's soundtrack. Featuring collaborations from M83/Haim as well as Woodkid/Lykki Li and tracks by Royal Blood, Imagine Dragons and Anna Calvi - what more could you want?