A Star Is Born’s soundtrack is nothing, if not meaty. The album has 34 tracks, primarily snippets of songs, dialogues, and interludes. Fans will be transported back into the film with this listening experience.
The new film adaptation of the doomed relationship between two singer-songwriters – one rising, one sliding – is dominating the box office, thanks to its A-list stars, Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper. The soundtrack proves the film is all that. Featuring 19 original songs ranging from rock to country to pop, this collection has something for everyone. Lady Gaga is a known commodity, the uncrowned but universally accepted queen of pop, but Cooper’s musical ability is unexpected. Actors who want to be rock stars are often laughed at, but Cooper is a rare exception. Maybe he underwent weeks of practice and training, or perhaps he’s a natural. Regardless, he’s good.
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This soundtrack includes Gaga’s rendition of Edith Piaf’s “La Vie En Rose,” representing her star turn when Cooper discovers her in a cabaret. There’s also an extended version of the emotional finale, “I’ll Never Love Again,” – for those who want to relive that gut-wrenching scene from the film.
Any film with a music focal point should have as much on the soundtrack as possible, and this one doesn’t disappoint. It includes every song featured in the movie, from the blistering guitar instrumental “Out of Time” to duets like the blues-infused “Alibi,” country-inspired “Music to My Eyes,” and the yacht rocker “I Don’t Know What Love Is.” There’s even dialogue about music, mainly Sam Elliott’s “Twelve Notes” speech.
The film’s success can be attributed to its first breakout hit, “Shallow,” written by Mark Ronson. Cooper sings the first verse solo before becoming a duet with Gaga until she finally takes control of the track. This pattern is heard throughout the soundtrack, songs starting with Cooper’s understated bluesy rock and ending with Gaga doing it as only she can. The combination of Cooper’s and Gaga’s styles captures the essence of the movie, a story of a man and a woman struggling to find their place in life, helping each other find the courage to be their true selves. This powerful message resonates with audiences, and it’s no wonder the film and the soundtrack were successful.
Other standout tracks are the gritty rocker “Black Eyes,” the heartfelt country number “Always Remember Us This Way,” the stomping “Diggin’ My Grave,” the Britney Spears-like “Hair Body Face,” and the emotion-packed “Too Far Gone.”
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Along with Cooper and Gaga, who also co-wrote most of the songs, the soundtrack contains the writing and producing prowess of Lukas Nelson (son of Willie Nelson, Diane Warren, and Gaga collaborator DJ White Shadow.
Expect this collection to clean up during the upcoming awards season.
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