Music is such an important part of movies; they can make or break the film, set the tone, help underscore emotions, help us remember certain things and more. In honor of the box office ramping up for the summer, we’ve put together our top ten favorite songs from movies this year!
1. That Awkward Moment – I Don’t Recall by Lavender Diamond
Lavender Diamond’s vocals are perfect to underscore romantic tension, and her song I Don’t Recall was brilliant in That Awkward Moment. It’s the perfect song to listen to when you’re pining for Zac’s perfect abs.
2. Divergent – Find You by Zedd ft. Matthew Koma and Miriam Bryant
Divergent had one of the strongest soundtracks this year…or any year. The first single from the soundtrack album, “Find You” features Zedd with special guests Matthew Koma and Miriam Bryant. After rocking the performance of the single at the MTV Movie awards, we’ve had it on repeat.
3. Endless Love – Pumpin Blood by NONONO
There was a lot we loved about a largely overlooked movie, Endless Love. Alex Pettyfer is one. The amazing soundtrack, anchored by Pumpin Blood from NONONO is another. NONONO is poised to have an amazing year, in no small part to this amazing song.
4. Maleficent – Once Upon A Dream by Lana Del Rey
Angelina Jolie is one of Hollywood’s golden people; the highest of the A list. Her movie Maleficent takes another look at one of the most famous Disney characters, so it only makes sense that the soundtrack feature star studded tracks, also. Our favorite is the Lana Del Rey
5. The Amazing Spider Man 2 – It’s On Again by Alicia Keys ft. Kendrick Lamar
The Amazing Spider Man 2 is already anticipated to be one of the hottest movies of the summer, if not all year. The chemistry between Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone is undeniable – we’ve written about it here before. The soundtrack, while largely score-heavy, features an amazing single from Alicia Keys featuring Kendrick Lamar. The song is just the perfect amount Pop with Jazz and R&B references. It’s getting a ton of radio play already and will surely be played throughout the summer and well into the fall.
6. Veronica Mars – We Used to Be Friends by The Dandy Warhols
The fact that Veronica Mars made it to the big screen speaks to the power of Kickstarter. While we were happy to see our favorite characters, we were even happier to hear the soundtrack. This song was originally released in 2003 and featured in The OC, and we loved it then as much as we love it now. If you’re not familiar, you’re welcome.
7. Vampire Academy – Spiritual by Katy Perry
We want the music supervisor for Vampire Academy to make us playlists all day long. While the soundtrack had a lot of great songs, our favorite was Spiritual by Katy Perry. It’s a mellower side of Perry and one that we love seeing.
8. Divergent – Beating Heart by Ellie Goulding 
We know we featured another song on the Divergent soundtrack already, but that’s because it’s clearly one of the best soundtracks of the year. Beating Heart by Ellie Goulding stayed with us long after the movie was over. Give it a listen and we think you’ll agree.
9. The Lego Movie – Everything Is Awesome – Tegan and Sara ft. The Lonely Island
The Lego Movie exceeded expectations on all fronts, not least of which was the soundtrack. Our favorite breakout song was Everything Is Awesome by Tegan and Sara a group we love. The Lonely Island makes an appearance also, keeping the song high energy and, well, awesome!
10. Neighbors – All Night by Icona Pop
We can’t wait for Neighbors to come out – not only for all of the laugh out loud moments, but also for the soundtrack. Icona Pop made it big onto the scene last year after being featured in Girls, and we have a feeling their new single All Night will be just as big for them.
Did we leave any of your picks off? Tweet us #MovieMusic2014 thoughts @YAMzine!