“The Great Gatsby” soundtrack, released on May 6, features phenomenal music from an all-star ensemble that truly complements the glitz and glamour of the film, highlighting the emotion in the movie with its power-packed lyrics.
“Crazy in Love” by Emeli Sandé feat. The Bryan Ferry Orchestra
This unique twist to a popular song is a combination of jazz from the 1920’s and 21st century R&B. The song starts with a drum roll, a clash of the cymbals and then cuts to a trumpet smoothly playing to the tune of Beyoncé’s 2003 hit, “Crazy in Love.” It is accompanied by drums, various woodwinds and a banjo, which create a 20’s feel as an accompaniment to the introduction. Emeli Sandé’s clear, soulful voice ties the song together and enhances the jazzy style with flair. At times, I thought some of the lyrics brought the song out of its jazzy atmosphere because they didn’t match with the time period’s lingo. Even so, the song truly depicts Jay Gatsby’s mental state when it is played in the scene where he prepares to meet Daisy again.
“Young and Beautiful” by Lana Del Rey
Lana Del Rey wrote “Young and Beautiful,” released on April 23, particularly for the film. The beginning is composed of a piano gently playing alongside Del Rey’s ethereal voice. As the song approaches the refrain, a soft percussion joins the ensemble of stringed instruments that begins building up to the lyrics: “Will you still love me when I’m no longer young and beautiful?” For me, these lyrics are the most emotional part and allude to Gatsby’s everlasting love for the elusive Daisy Buchanan. The song creates a sense of timelessness, with its acknowledgement of age and loss of beauty. It’s one of those songs that stays in the listeners’ hearts long after it has stopped playing.
“Over the Love” by Florence + the Machine
Another ballad written specifically for the film, “Over the Love,” released on April 17, is less subtle compared to “Young and Beautiful,” since it directly includes aspects of the book in its lyrics. The beginning is gradual, as it doesn’t build up until later on, but Florence Welch’s passionate voice captivates listeners. At the lyrics “Tore my yellow dress/And cried and cried and cried,” I imagine the scene in the story where Daisy cries in the bathtub over Gatsby just before her wedding with Tom Buchanan. As the rest of the ballad unfolds, more of the story is revealed through the lyrics. Welch sings “Now there’s a green light in my eyes,” which symbolizes the unrealistic ideals Gatsby had for Daisy. I personally thought this was the most powerful song out of the whole soundtrack because it conveys the full emotion of Gatsby’s struggle to find happiness.