Showtimes Favourite Holiday Music
Love it or hate it this time of year all too familiar music will fill our ears from Christmas Movies. So what is Showtimes Favourite Holiday Music? We decided to have a look at our top ten pieces of music and songs you will no doubt hear this holiday season. Some you'll love, some you won't. One thing is for sure - when you hear these tunes you know it's a holiday time of year!
10 - Pure Imagination - Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory
This song instantly gives you a nostalgia buzz. Gene Wilder insisted it should be included in the movie - it was in danger of being cut at the production stage. It was a genius move. Since then it has become a symbol of childhood wonder, innocence and - imagination.
9 - The James Bond Main Theme
This classic Monty Norman music embodies 007 the iconic spy. It original intent was for the Bond Theme to be a mere instrumental bridge. The music has gone on to become a timeless classic - instantly recognisable to anybody who's ever switched on a TV set over a holiday weekend.
8 - The Magnificent Seven - Main Theme
Composed by Elmer Bernstein, this Western Classic embodies the spirit of frontier adventure. The bold brass fanfare transports listeners to a time of gunslingers and dusty trails. Funnily enough Bernstein was hesitant to compose the music for what he deemed a 'cheap western'. How wrong can you be?
7 - Mamma Mia from Mamma Mia!
If ever a movie or a soundtrack needed no introduction this is it. Whether you like it or not Mamma Mia! has become a staple for holiday viewing. Whether you marvel at Meryl Streep singing 'The Winner Takes It All' or cringe at Pierce Bosnians best efforts you can't ignore it. It's a 100% gold soundtrack - so we'll go for the title track here.
6 - You've Got A Friend In Me
Randy Newman's classic song from the 1995 animated movie Toy Story is already an all time classic. Nominated for an academy award this song is synonymous with the universal theme of companionship. Toy Story 2,3 and 4 all had their own hit songs - but none matched the original and - for many - the best song - this one.
5 - Overture from 'Lawrence of Arabia'
You almost feel the grandeur and cinematic splendor unfold listening to the Lawrence of Arabia theme. Composed by Maurice Jarre, this hauntingly beautiful score is a testament to the power of music in storytelling. Its majestic orchestration captures the vastness of the desert, creating an immersive experience for listeners. Despite the time constraints of a mere six weeks for composition, Jarre masterfully crafted a timeless piece.
4 - Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
At this point you're singing along without even watching the video aren't you? Yes - every holiday season this one appears - and I bet you watch it every time. The Sherman brothers of Disney fame wrote this one. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang never fails to take us on a delightful and uplifting journey (even if we claim we don't actually like it!!).
3 - Star Wars Main Theme
We are splitting hairs with the top three. Star Wars has infiltrated everywhere these days - so the main Theme is a pretty common piece of music. The legendary John Williams crafted an unforgettable theme that transports us to a galaxy far far away. It's the first of two John Williams themes in the top ten. There could be ten John Williams themes - but we had to give the others a chance too!
2 - Singing In The Rain
Here's one movie that shows up every holiday season. The golden age of MGM produced this gem. This classic tune, immortalized by Gene Kelly's iconic dance sequence, radiates infectious energy. Not many people realise just how sick Gene Kelly was that day when the classic scene was filmed. He was burning up with a fever and a flu believe it or not. It thoroughly deserves it's place close to the summit.
1 - The Raiders March
There has to be a number one. It doesn't mean it's the best piece of music in everyones view - just the piece that you hear and you know it's a holiday weekend. The Indiana Jones movies are staples of our holiday viewing. As the musical overture to Indiana Jones' escapades, this John Williams classic theme captures the spirit of exploration and excitement.
Do you agree? Let us know your favourites in the comments - but make sure you catch some of this music and movies over the holiday period.
