Al's Top Rated Soundtracks and Scores: R&B, Funk, Soul, Blaxploitation
Below is a list of my favorite R&B/Funk/Soul/Blaxploitation soundtracks and scores of all time. I researched each film very heavily, and included songs that appeared in the films that did not appear on the official licensed soundtrack releases. I listed all of my favorite songs from each film, from favorite to least favorite. I've been researching soundtracks for several years, and I'd have to say this is a pretty comprehensive list for researchers. Enjoy!
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- DirectorQuentin TarantinoStarsPam GrierSamuel L. JacksonRobert ForsterA flight attendant with a criminal past gets nabbed by the ATF for smuggling. Under pressure to become an informant against the illegal arms dealer she works for, she must find a way to secure her future without getting killed.Favorites: Bobby Womack "Across 110th Street" (1973), Brothers Johnson "Strawberry Letter 23" (1977), Bill Withers "Who Is He (And What Is He to You?)" (1972), Randy Crawford "Street Life" (1981), The Meters "Cissy Strut" (1969), Roy Ayers "Aragon" (1973), Bloodstone "Natural High" (1973), Minnie Riperton "Inside My Love" (1979), The Delfonics "Didn't I Blow Your Mind This Time" (1970), Foxy Brown "(Holy Matrimony) Letter to the Firm" (1996), Pam Grier "Long Time Woman" (1971), Johnny Cash "Tennessee Stud" (1959), Roy Ayers "Escape" (1973), Roy Ayers "Exotic Dance" (1973), The Guess Who "Undun" (1969)
- DirectorJohn BadhamStarsJohn TravoltaKaren Lynn GorneyBarry MillerAnxious about his future after high school, a 19-year-old Italian-American from Brooklyn tries to escape the harsh reality of his bleak family life by dominating the dance floor at the local disco.Favorites: The Bee Gees "Staying Alive" (1977), The Bee Gees "Night Fever" (1977), The Bee Gees "More Than a Woman" (1977), The Bee Gees "You Should Be Dancing" (1977), Yvonne Elliman "If I Can't Have You" (1977), David Shire "Manhattan Skyline" (1977), David Shire "Salsation" (1977), The Trammps "Disco Inferno" (1976), Kool & The Gang "Open Sesame" (1976), MFSB "K-Jee" (1975), KC & The Sunshine Band "Boogie Shoes" (1975), The Bee Gees "How Deep Is Your Love" (1977), Ralph MacDonald "Calypso Breakdown" (1976), Walter Murphy "A Fifth Of Beethoven" (1975)
- DirectorGordon Parks Jr.StarsRon O'NealCarl LeeSheila FrazierThe daily routine of cocaine dealer Priest who wants to score one more super deal and retire.Favorites: Curtis Mayfield "Little Child Runnin' Wild" (1972), Curtis Mayfield "Pusherman" (1972), Curtis Mayfield "Freddy's Dead" (1972), Curtis Mayfield "Superfly" (1972), Curtis Mayfield "No Thing On Me (Cocaine Song)" (1972), Curtis Mayfield "Give Me Your Love (Love Song)" (1972), Curtis Mayfield "Eddie You Should Know Better" (1972), Curtis Mayfield "Junkie Chase (Instrumental)"
- DirectorGordon ParksStarsRichard RoundtreeMoses GunnCharles CioffiA crime lord hires black private eye, John Shaft, to find and retrieve his kidnapped daughter.Favorites: Isaac Hayes "Do Your Thing" (1971), Isaac Hayes "No Name Bar" (1971), Isaac Hayes "Theme from Shaft" (1971), Isaac Hayes "Walk from Regio's" (1971), Isaac Hayes "Bumpy's Blues" (1971), Isaac Hayes "Early Sunday Morning" (1972), Isaac Hayes "Ellie's Love Theme" (1971), Isaac Hayes "Soulsville" (1971)
- DirectorMichael CampusStarsMax JulienDon GordonRichard PryorGoldie returns from five years at the state pen and winds up King of the pimping game. Trouble comes in the form of two corrupt white cops and a crime lord who wants him to return to the small time.Favorites: Willie Hutch "Brother's Gonna Work It Out" (1973), Willie Hutch "Mack's Stroll/The Getaway (Chase Scene)" (1973), Willie Hutch "I Choose You" (1973), Willie Hutch "Theme of the Mack" (1973), Willie Hutch "Mack Man (Got to Get Over)" (1973), Willie Hutch "Slick" (1973), Willie Hutch "Vampin" (1973), Willie Hutch "Mother's Theme (Mama)" (1973)
- DirectorSig ShoreStarsHarvey KeitelEd NelsonCynthia BostickRecord executives want a highly-regarded record producer to focus on a white pop act whom they feel has the sound America wants. To keep his creative integrity, Buckmaster carefully begins to fight the system that has made him the respected producer he has become.Favorites: Earth, Wind & Fire "Shining Star" (1975), Earth, Wind & Fire "That's the Way of the World" (1975), Earth, Wind & Fire "Yearnin' Learnin'" (1975), Earth, Wind & Fire "Happy Feelin'" (1975), Earth, Wind & Fire "Reasons" (1975), Earth, Wind & Fire "Africano" (1975), Earth, Wind & Fire "All About Love (First Impression)" (1975), Earth, Wind & Fire "See the Light" (1975)
- DirectorMichael SchultzStarsRichard PryorFranklyn AjayeSully BoyarA comedic take on the daily life of car-wash employees, chronicling their hopes, fears, joys, dreams, and tribulations, and meeting some eccentric customers along the way.Favorites: Rose Royce "Sunrise" (1976), Rose Royce "Yo Yo" (1976), Rose Royce "Righteous Rhythm" (1976), Rose Royce "Water" (1976), Rose Royce "Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is" (1976), Rose Royce "Keep On Keepin' On" (1976), Rose Royce "Car Wash" (1976), Rose Royce feat. The Pointer Sisters "You Gotta Believe" (1976), Rose Royce "I Wanna Get Next to You" (1976)
- DirectorIvan DixonStarsRobert HooksPaul WinfieldRalph WaiteA neighborhood "problem solver" is framed for murder by a couple of local crime bosses trying to get him out of the way.Favorites: Marvin Gaye "'T' Plays It Cool" (1972), Marvin Gaye "Trouble Man" (1972), Marvin Gaye "'T' Stands for Trouble" (1972), Marvin Gaye "Main Theme from Trouble Man" (3:52) (1972), Marvin Gaye "Don't Mess with Mister 'T'" (1972), Marvin Gaye "Life Is a Gamble" (1972)
- DirectorJonathan KaplanStarsIsaac HayesYaphet KottoAlan WeeksWhile tracking a strong-armed pimp who has skipped bail, a bounty hunter discovers a contract has been put out on him and must go on the run.Isaac Hayes "Pursuit Of The Pimpmobile" (1974), Isaac Hayes "Main Title 'Truck Turner'" (1974), Isaac Hayes "Hospital Shootout" (1974), Isaac Hayes "Breakthrough" (1974), Isaac Hayes "The Insurance Company" (1974), Isaac Hayes "Blue's Crib" (1974)
- DirectorReginald HudlinStarsClarence AvantHank AaronGwen AdolphFollows the life of Clarence Avant, the ultimate, uncensored mentor and behind-the-scenes rainmaker in music, film, TV and politics.Favorites: Bill Withers "Ain't No Sunshine" (1971), Marvin Gaye "Save The Children" (1971), The S.O.S Band "Take Your Time (Do It Right)" (1980), The S.O.S. Band "Just Be Good To Me" (1983), Bill Withers "Who Is He (And What Is He to You?)" (1972), Bill Withers "Use Me" (1972), Curtis Mayfield "Get Down" (1971), Isaac Hayes "No Name Bar" (1971), Dennis Coffey & The Detroit Guitar Band "Scorpio" (1971), The S.O.S. Band "S.O.S. (Dit Dit Dit Dash Dash Dash Dit Dit Dit)" (1980), Cherrelle "Saturday Love (feat. Alexander O'Neal)" (1985), The S.O.S. Band "The Finest" (1986), Bill Withers "Lean on Me" (1972), Bill Withers "Grandma's Hands" (1971), The Soul Searchers "If It Ain't Funky" (1974), Isaac Hayes "Hung Up On My Baby" (1974)
- DirectorPaul Thomas AndersonStarsMark WahlbergJulianne MooreBurt ReynoldsBack when sex was safe, pleasure was a business and business was booming, an idealistic porn producer aspires to elevate his craft to an art when he discovers a hot young talent.Favorites: The Emotions "Best of My Love" (1977), War with Eric Burdon "Spill the Wine" (1970), Melanie "Brand New Key" (1971), The Commodores "Machine Gun" (1974), McFadden & Whitehead "Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now" (1979), Marvin Gaye "Got to Give It Up" (1977), Elvin Bishop "Fooled Around and Fell in Love" (1975), Electric Light Orchestra "Livin' Thing" (1976), Silver Convention "Fly Robin Fly" (1975), Jungle Fever "Chakachas" (1970), The Beach Boys "God Only Knows" (1966), Walter Egan "Magnet and Steel" (1978), Sound Experience "J.P. Walk" (1974), Hot Chocolate "You Sexy Thing" (1975), 'Til Tuesday "Voices Carry" (1985), Night Ranger "Sister Christian" (1983)
- DirectorF. Gary GrayStarsO'Shea Jackson Jr.Corey HawkinsJason MitchellThe rap group NWA emerges from the mean streets of Compton in Los Angeles, California, in the mid-1980s and revolutionizes Hip Hop culture with their music and tales about life in the hood.Favorites: Roy Ayers Ubiquity "Everybody Loves the Sunshine" (1976), Funkadelic "(Not Just) Knee Deep" (1979), Steve Arrington's Hall of Fame "Weak at the Knees" (1983), Parliament "Flash Light" (1977), Cherrelle "I Didn't Mean to Turn You On" (1984), Funkadelic "One Nation Under A Groove" (1978), N.W.A "Gangsta Gangsta" (1988), N.W.A "F*** tha Police" (1988), N.W.A "Straight Outta Compton" (1988), Wu-Tang Clan "C.R.E.A.M." (1993), Dr. Dre "Nuthin' But A "G" Thang (feat. Snoop Dogg)" (1992), Ice Cube "The Ni**a Ya Love To Hate" (1990), N.W.A "Express Yourself" (1988), 2Pac feat. Roger Troutman & Dr. Dre "California Love" (1998), 2Pac/Makaveli "Hail Mary" (1996), RUN-DMC "Jam-Master Jay" (1984), The Game feat. Asia Bryant "Just Another Day" (2015), Parliament "Mothership Connection (Star Child)" (1975), Zapp & Roger "More Bounce to the Ounce" (1980), Dr. Dre "Talking To My Diary" (2015), Ice Cube "No Vaseline" (1991)
- DirectorBrad JonesStarsSarah GobbleBrian LewisBrad JonesAn out of work surgeon creates a powerful prosthetic heart (made of solid gold) which he transplants into the body of a beautiful prostitute he accidentally runs over with his car. The two then find themselves on the run from her former pimp, and a team of gangsters the doctor owes money to.Favorites: Earth, Wind & Fire "Let's Groove" (1981), Marvin Gaye "What's Going On" (1971), KC & The Sunshine Band "I'm Your Boogie Man" (1976), Real Life "Send Me An Angel" (1983), Randy Crawford "Street Life" (1981), Neil Young "Heart of Gold" (1972), Manfred Mann's Earth Band "Blinded By The Light" (1976), Eddie Money "Take Me Home Tonight" (1986), A Taste Of Honey "Boogie Oogie Oogie" (1978), The Bee Gees "You Should Be Dancing" (1977), Chic "Le Freak" (1978), The Beatles "Don't Let Me Down" (1970), Fleetwood Mac "Go Your Own Way" (1977), Gerry Rafferty "Baker Street" (1978), Bachman-Turner Overdrive "Let It Ride" (1973), The Chi-Lites "Oh Girl" (1972), Huey Lewis & The News "Heart And Soul" (1983), Procol Harum "A Whiter Shade of Pale" (1967), George Harrison "Got My Mind Set On You" (1987), Tears For Fears "Head Over Heels" (1985), Climax Blues Band "Couldn't Get It Right" (1976), T. Rex "Bang a Gong (Get It On)" (1971), The Ventures "Walk, Don't Run" (1960), The Human League "Human" (1986), David Essex "Rock On" (1989), Walter Murphy "A Fifth Of Beethoven" (1975), The Ronettes "Be My Baby" (1963)
- DirectorYann DemangeStarsMatthew McConaugheyRichie MerrittBel PowleyThe story of teenager Richard Wershe Jr., who became an undercover informant for the FBI during the 1980s and was ultimately arrested for drug-trafficking and sentenced to life in prison.Favorites: Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five "Scorpio" (1982), Funkadelic "Get Off Your Ass And Jam" (1975), The Bar-Kays "Up In Here" (1979), Eric B. & Rakim "Paid In Full" (1987), RUN-DMC "Peter Piper" (1986), Afrika Bambaataa "Planet Rock" (1982), Bob James "Take Me To The Mardi Gras" (1975), Incredible Bongo Band "Apache" (1973), Vaughan Mason and Crew "Bounce, Rock, Skate, Roll" (1979), Mtume "Juicy Fruit" (1983), Deniece Williams "Let's Hear It for the Boy" (1984), Liquid Liquid "Cavern" (1983), Dennis Edwards feat. Siedah Garrett "Don't Look Any Further" (1984), Schoolly D "P.S.K. 'What Does It Mean'?" (1985), Wendy Rene "After Laughter (Comes Tears)" (1964), Johnny Cash "Cocaine Blues (Live at Folsom State Prison)" (1968)
- DirectorEdgar WrightStarsAnsel ElgortJon BernthalJon HammAfter being coerced into working for a crime boss, a young getaway driver finds himself taking part in a heist doomed to fail.Favorites: Beck "Debra" (1999), David Mccallum "The Edge" (1968), Handsome Boy Modeling School feat. DJ Shadow & DJ Quest "Holy Calamity [Bear Witness II]" (1999), Kashmere Stage Band "Kashmere" (1973), Bob & Earl "Harlem Shuffle" (1965), Run The Jewels "Run the Jewels" (2013), Golden Earring "Radar Love" (1973), Incredible Bongo Band "Bongolia" (1973), Danger Mouse feat. Run The Jewels & Big Boi "Chase Me" (2017), Focus "Hocus Pocus" (1970), Young MC "Know How" (1989), Barry White "Never, Never Gonna Give You Up" (1973), Kid Koala "Was He Slow?" (2017)
- DirectorSpike LeeStarsJohn LeguizamoAdrien BrodyMira SorvinoSpike Lee's take on the "Son of Sam" murders in New York City during the summer of 1977 centering on the residents of an Italian-American Northeast Bronx neighborhood who live in fear and distrust of one another.Favorites: Marvin Gaye "Got to Give It Up" (1977), Roy Ayers Ubiquity "Running Away" (1977), The Emotions "Best of My Love" (1977), The Who "Baba O'Riley" (1971), The Who "Won't Get Fooled Again" (1971), Chic "Everybody Dance" (1977), Heatwave "Boogie Nights" (1976), Elvin Bishop "Fooled Around and Fell in Love" (1975), Machine "There But for the Grace of God Go I (Remix)" (1979), War "Galaxy" (1977), Peter Brown "Dance with Me" (1978), First Choice "Let No Man Put Asunder" (1977), Thelma Houston "Don't Leave Me This Way" (1976)
- DirectorSteve CarrStarsIce CubeMike EppsJustin PierceA streetwise man flees South Central Los Angeles, heading to the suburbs and his lottery-winner uncle and cousin, to avoid a neighborhood thug with a grudge who has just escaped from prison.Favorites: The Gap Band "You Dropped A Bomb On Me" (1982), Con Funk Shun "Chase Me" (1979), Faze-O "Riding High" (1977), Ohio Players "Funky Worm" (1972), Cameo "Rigor Mortis" (1977), Tyrone Davis "In the Mood" (1979), Dazz Band "Let It Whip" (1982), Mtume "Juicy Fruit" (1983), David Bowie "Fame" (1975), Jungle Fever "Chakachas" (1970), Whodini "Friends" (1984), Rufus feat. Chaka Khan "Tell Me Something Good" (1974)
- DirectorJohn GuillerminStarsRichard RoundtreeFrank FinlayVonetta McGeePrivate investigator John Shaft is recruited to go undercover to break up a modern slavery ring where young Africans are lured to Paris to do chain-gang work.Favorites: Johnny Pate "Shaft In Africa (Addis)" (1973), Johnny Pate "You Can't Even Walk in the Park (Opening Theme)" (1973), Johnny Pate "El Jardia" (1973), Johnny Pate "Truck Stop" (1973), Johnny Pate "Headman (1973), Johnny Pate feat. Four Tops "Are You Man Enough? (Main Title)" (1973), Johnny Pate "Jazar's Theme" (1973)
- DirectorJack HillStarsPam GrierBooker BradshawRobert DoQuiA sexy Black nurse takes vigilante justice against inner-city drug dealers after her sister becomes their latest victim.Favorites: Roy Ayers "Aragon" (1973), Roy Ayers "Coffy Is The Color" (1973), Roy Ayers "Escape" (1973), Roy Ayers "Exotic Dance" (1973), Roy Ayers "Pricilla's Theme" (1973), Roy Ayers "King George" (1973), Roy Ayers "Brawling Broads" (1973), Roy Ayers "Making Love" (1973)
- DirectorJerry KramerJim BlashfieldColin ChilversStarsMichael JacksonJoe PesciSean LennonAnthology movie by, and starring, Michael Jackson in his prime, combining a number of music videos from his bestselling "Bad" album with a fantasy tale of Michael's confrontation with a ruthless drug dealer known as Mr. Big.Favorites: Michael Jackson "Thriller" (1982), Michael Jackson "Bad" (1987), Michael Jackson "Beat It" (1982), Michael Jackson "Billie Jean" (1982), Michael Jackson "Smooth Criminal" (1987), Michael Jackson "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" (1979), Michael Jackson "The Way You Make Me Feel" (1987), Michael Jackson "Rock with You" (1979), Michael Jackson "Human Nature" (1982), Michael Jackson "Man in the Mirror" (1982), Jackson 5 "I Want You Back" (1969)
- DirectorAlbert HughesAllen HughesStarsLarenz TateKeith DavidChris TuckerA Vietnam vet adjusts to life after the war while trying to support his family, but the chance of a better life may involve crime and bloodshed.Favorites: Curtis Mayfield "(Don't Worry) If There Is a Hell Below We're All Gonna Go" (1970), The Spinners "I'll Be Around" (1973), Sly & The Family Stone "If You Want Me To Stay" (1973), The O'Jays "Love Train" (1972), James Brown "The Payback" (1973), Isaac Hayes "Walk On By" (1969), Dramatics "Get Up And Get Down" (1971), The Undisputed Truth "Smiling Faces Sometimes" (1971), Barry White "Never, Never Gonna Give You Up" (1973), Al Green "Tired Of Being Alone" (1971)
- DirectorLance RiveraStarsQuran PenderJenifer LewisJa RuleTodd Anderson's life changes overnight when he signs a $30 million contract with the NBA. Determined not to forget who he is and where he's from, he throws a cookout for his family and friends from the hood, in his new neighborhood.Favorites: DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince "Summertime" (1991), Mary Jane Girls "All Night Long" (1983), Parliament "Flash Light" (1977), Kool & The Gang "Summer Madness" (1974), Rick James "Mary Jane" (1978), Kool & The Gang "Jungle Boogie" (1973), Brass Construction "Get Up To Get Down" (1979), Rufus Featuring Chaka Khan "Sweet Thing" (1983), Charles Wright & The Watts 103rd. Street Rhythm Band "Express Yourself" (1970), Lakeside "Fantastic Voyage" (1980), Cheryl Lynn "Got to Be Real" (1978), Walter Murphy "A Fifth Of Beethoven" (1975)
- DirectorAlbert MagnoliStarsPrinceApollonia KoteroMorris DayA young musician, tormented by an abusive situation at home, must contend with a rival singer, a burgeoning romance, and his own dissatisfied band, as his star begins to rise.Favorites: Prince "When Doves Cry" (1984), Prince "Computer Blue" (1984), Prince "Let's Go Crazy" (1984), Prince "Take Me with U" (1984), Prince "I Would Die 4 U" (1984), Prince "Baby I'm a Star" (1984), Prince "Purple Rain" (1984)
- DirectorJack HillStarsPam GrierAntonio FargasPeter BrownA voluptuous vigilante takes a job as a high-class prostitute to get revenge on the mobsters who murdered her boyfriend.Favorites: Willie Hutch "Ain't That (Mellow, Mellow)" (1974), Willie Hutch "Give Me Some of That Good Old Love" (1974), Willie Hutch "Out There" (1974), Willie Hutch "Chase" (1974), Willie Hutch "Theme of Foxy Brown" (1974), Willie Hutch "Hospital Prelude Of Love Theme" (1974)
- DirectorSpike LeeStarsAlfre WoodardDelroy LindoDavid Patrick KellySpike Lee's vibrant semi-autobiographical portrait of a school teacher, her stubborn jazz musician husband and their five kids living in Brooklyn in 1973.Favorites: Bill Withers "Ain't No Sunshine" (1971), Curtis Mayfield "Pusherman" (1972), The Chambers Brothers "Time Has Come Today" (1967), Sly & The Family Stone "Everybody Is a Star" (1970), The Staple Singers "Respect Yourself" (1972), The J.B.'s "Pass The Peas" (1972), The Persuaders "Thin Line Between Love and Hate" (1968), The Five Stairsteps "O-o-h Child" (1970), Aretha Franklin "Rock Steady" (1972), The Chi-Lites "Oh Girl" (1972), Crooklyn Dodgers (Buck Shot, Special Ed & Masta Ace) "Crooklyn" (1994), Sly & The Family Stone "Everyday People" (1969)