Songs specifically made for visual media—including movies, television programs, and video games—provide a very challenging opportunity for songwriters. Not only must the song effectively complement visual storytelling—matching the narrative’s tone and emotional themes—but it also must be able to stand independently and be a great song in its own right. Composer John Williams has a career that spans over 60 years in film and television. He is one of the most recognizable and prolific composers in history and has won five Academy Awards, four Golden Globe Awards, seven British Academy Film Awards, and 24 Grammy Awards. Some of his most famous works include the soundtracks to Star Wars, Jaws, Superman, Indiana Jones, and Harry Potter.
One of the most successful and beloved songs written for visual media is “Hedwig’s Theme”, the main theme from the Harry Potter film series. The song, composed by John Williams, is a haunting and beautiful melody that perfectly captures the magical and whimsical world of Harry Potter. It has been used in all eight films in the series, and it has become one of the most recognizable and iconic pieces of music in film history.
Another standout example is the song “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley, which was featured in the 1992 film “Honeymoon in Vegas”. The song, which was originally released in 1961, perfectly captures the film’s romantic and heartwarming tone. It has since become one of the most popular and beloved songs in Presley’s catalog.
The Best Song Written for Visual Media
The best song written for visual media is one that perfectly captures the emotion and atmosphere of the scene it accompanies. It should be memorable, moving, and perfectly complement the visuals on screen. Some of the best examples of songs written for visual media include:
- “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen in the film Shrek
- “I Will Always Love You” by Dolly Parton in the film The Bodyguard
- “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion in the film Titanic
- “Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen in the film Philadelphia
- “Lose Yourself” by Eminem in the film 8 Mile
These songs are all iconic in their own right, and they perfectly capture the emotions of the scenes they accompany. They are also all incredibly well-written and performed, and they have stood the test of time.
People Also Ask
What are some of the other best songs written for visual media?
There are many other great songs written for visual media, including:
- “The Way You Make Me Feel” by Michael Jackson in the film Moonwalker
- “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey in the film Rock of Ages
- “Ave Maria” by Beyoncé in the film The Fighting Temptations
- “The Power of Love” by Celine Dion in the film City of Angels
- “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley in the film Blue Hawaii
What makes a good song for visual media?
A good song for visual media should be:
- Memorable
- Moving
- Perfectly complement the visuals on screen
- Well-written and performed
- Able to stand the test of time
