15 Best Songs from the High Fidelity Soundtrack

‘The High Fidelity’ soundtrack is a must-listen for music lovers and fans of the 2000 film starring John Cusack. Based on Nick Hornby’s novel of the same name, the movie follows the life of Rob Gordon, a record store owner and music obsessive, as he navigates love, relationships, and the ups and downs of his career. The film’s soundtrack is a perfect blend of classic rock, indie, and pop, featuring a diverse range of artists and songs that capture the spirit of the film and its protagonist’s love for music.

In this article, we will explore the top 15 best songs from the High Fidelity soundtrack, highlighting the tracks that have become fan favorites and capturing the essence of the film’s music.

From classic rock staples like The Velvet Underground and Bob Dylan to indie darlings like The Beta Band and Belle and Sebastian, the soundtrack has something for everyone. We will delve into the history and significance of each song, discussing their role in the film and their impact on popular music. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the film or simply love discovering new music, this list is a must-read for anyone who appreciates the power of a great soundtrack.

1. Let’s Get It On – Jack Black

“Let’s Get It On” is originally a soulful classic by Marvin Gaye that has been covered by many artists, including Jack Black. In this version, Jack Black brings his unique style and energy to the song, infusing it with a rock edge and playful humor. The song features his signature powerful vocals and electrifying guitar riffs, along with a lively rhythm section that gets listeners moving. The lyrics are all about giving in to passion and desire, with Black’s delivery adding a mischievous twist to the romantic message. Overall, “Let’s Get It On” as performed by Jack Black is a high-energy, fun-loving take on a timeless classic that’s sure to get audiences singing and dancing along.

2. Dry the Rain – The Beta Band

“Dry the Rain” is a song by the Scottish indie rock band, The Beta Band. The track features an eclectic mix of styles and influences, including folk, rock, and electronic music. The song is notable for its catchy, repetitive melody, and uplifting lyrics, which encourage listeners to overcome their troubles and persevere. The track is propelled by a driving rhythm section and accompanied by layers of shimmering guitars, synthesizers, and percussion. The production is raw and unpolished, giving the song a lo-fi quality that adds to its charm. Overall, “Dry the Rain” is a standout track that showcases The Beta Band’s unique sound and songwriting ability, and it remains a fan favorite and a critical darling to this day.

3. Rock Steady – Aretha Franklin

“Rock Steady” is a funky soul classic by the legendary Aretha Franklin, often considered the “Queen of Soul.” The song features a driving rhythm section, punctuated by horns, guitars, and Franklin’s powerful vocals. The lyrics are all about finding stability in love and relationships, with Franklin’s delivery adding a sultry and confident edge to the message. The song’s catchy chorus and irresistible groove have made it a staple of soul and R&B radio, as well as a favorite of fans around the world. Overall, “Rock Steady” is a timeless classic that showcases Franklin’s unparalleled talent and influence on popular music, and remains a beloved track that continues to inspire and delight listeners.

4. Most of the Time – Bob Dylan

“Most of the Time” is a haunting ballad by the legendary singer-songwriter Bob Dylan. The song features a sparse, melancholic arrangement, with Dylan’s plaintive vocals accompanied only by a delicate acoustic guitar and subtle percussion. The lyrics are introspective and deeply personal, exploring themes of regret, loss, and loneliness. Dylan’s poetic and evocative lyrics paint a vivid picture of a narrator struggling to come to terms with a failed relationship and his own emotional turmoil. The song’s emotional intensity and poetic beauty have made it a favorite among Dylan fans and a classic in his extensive discography. Overall, “Most of the Time” is a powerful and affecting song that showcases Dylan’s profound songwriting ability and his enduring impact on popular music.

5. Lo Boob Oscillator – Stereolab

“Lo Boob Oscillator” is a trippy and experimental track by the British-French avant-pop band Stereolab. The song features a complex and layered arrangement, with a pulsing bassline, psychedelic keyboards, and ethereal vocals that blend seamlessly together. The lyrics are abstract and enigmatic, exploring themes of technology, communication, and identity. The song’s title refers to an obscure piece of electronic equipment, which adds to the song’s otherworldly and mysterious atmosphere. The track’s intricate and hypnotic instrumentation, along with its thought-provoking lyrics, have made it a fan favorite and a standout track in Stereolab’s extensive catalog. Overall, “Lo Boob Oscillator” is a bold and innovative song that showcases the band’s unique sound and experimental approach to music-making.

6. Everybody’s Gonna Be Happy – The Kinks

“Everybody’s Gonna Be Happy” is a classic pop-rock song by the influential British band The Kinks. The track features a driving beat, catchy guitar riffs, and the distinctive vocals of frontman Ray Davies. The lyrics are upbeat and optimistic, celebrating the idea that everyone can find happiness and contentment in life. The song’s catchy chorus and lively instrumentation have made it a fan favorite and a staple of the Kinks’ live shows. Overall, “Everybody’s Gonna Be Happy” is a feel-good anthem that captures the spirit of the 1960s and remains a timeless classic in the band’s extensive discography. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to the band’s songwriting talent and their lasting influence on popular music.

7. Who Loves the Sun – The Velvet Underground

“Who Loves the Sun” is a sunny and catchy pop-rock track by the legendary American band The Velvet Underground. The song features a jangly guitar riff, upbeat drums, and the smooth vocals of frontman Lou Reed. The lyrics are optimistic and celebratory, embracing the joys of life and love. The song’s simple and infectious melody, along with its upbeat and carefree tone, have made it a favorite among fans of the band and a staple of classic rock radio. Overall, “Who Loves the Sun” is a refreshing departure from the band’s more experimental and edgy sound, showcasing their versatility and songwriting ability. The track remains a beloved classic in the Velvet Underground’s extensive discography and a testament to their lasting impact on popular music.

8. Oh! Sweet Nuthin’ – The Velvet Underground

“Oh! Sweet Nuthin'” is a melancholic ballad by the legendary rock band The Velvet Underground. The song was released in 1970 and appears as the closing track on their album “Loaded.” The song features a slow, mellow melody accompanied by Lou Reed’s tender vocals, which perfectly capture the song’s poignant and wistful lyrics. The song reflects on the struggles and hardships of life, with Reed singing about the challenges of trying to find meaning and purpose in a world that can be overwhelming and difficult. The use of horns and strings in the song’s instrumentation adds to its emotive impact, helping to create a sense of longing and introspection that is both haunting and beautiful. Overall, “Oh! Sweet Nuthin'” is a classic example of the Velvet Underground’s unique and influential sound, and a testament to Lou Reed’s talent as a songwriter and performer.

9. I Believe (When I Fall in Love It Will Be Forever) – Stevie Wonder

“I Believe (When I Fall in Love It Will Be Forever)” is a timeless love song by the legendary American singer-songwriter Stevie Wonder. Released in 1972, the song features Wonder’s trademark soulful vocals and a gentle, romantic melody that perfectly captures the emotions of falling in love. The lyrics are simple but powerful, expressing Wonder’s belief that true love is worth waiting for and that when it finally comes, it will be eternal. The song’s arrangement features a beautiful string section and Wonder’s masterful use of the harmonica, adding depth and warmth to the track. Overall, “I Believe (When I Fall in Love It Will Be Forever)” is a beautiful, uplifting song that celebrates the enduring power of love and has remained a beloved classic for decades.

10. I’m Gonna Love You Just a Little More, Baby – Barry White

“I’m Gonna Love You Just a Little More, Baby” is a classic soul and disco song by American singer and songwriter Barry White, released in 1973. The song features White’s deep, romantic vocals and a lush, orchestral arrangement that perfectly captures the song’s sensuous mood. The lyrics are a declaration of love, with White promising to shower his lover with affection and devotion. The song’s slow groove and seductive atmosphere have made it a timeless classic of the disco era and a staple of romantic playlists. Overall, “I’m Gonna Love You Just a Little More, Baby” is a masterclass in soulful romance and a testament to Barry White’s unique talent as a singer and songwriter.

11. Fallen for You – Sheila Nicholls

“Fallen for You” is a folk-rock song by British singer-songwriter Sheila Nicholls, released in 2002. The song features Nicholls’ gentle vocals and a simple, yet effective arrangement that allows the lyrics to shine through. The song is a love letter of sorts, with Nicholls expressing her feelings for someone she has fallen deeply in love with. The lyrics are honest and vulnerable, with Nicholls admitting her fears and insecurities while also celebrating the joy of being in love. The song’s chorus is particularly powerful, with Nicholls repeating the line “I’ve fallen for you” over a driving guitar riff. Overall, “Fallen for You” is a beautiful and heartfelt love song that showcases Nicholls’ talent as a songwriter and performer.

12. Cold Blooded Old Times – Bill Callahan

“Cold Blooded Old Times” is a hauntingly beautiful song by American singer-songwriter Bill Callahan, released in 1999. The song features Callahan’s deep, velvety voice and a sparse, melancholic arrangement that perfectly captures the song’s reflective mood. The lyrics are introspective and poignant, exploring the pain and regret of a failed relationship. Callahan’s use of vivid imagery, such as “You’re like a cactus with no spikes” and “I fell in love with a war,” adds depth and nuance to the song. The chorus is particularly powerful, with Callahan repeating the line “It’s a cold blooded old time” over a hypnotic guitar riff. Overall, “Cold Blooded Old Times” is a stunning piece of songwriting that showcases Callahan’s talent for creating evocative and emotionally resonant music.

13. You’re Gonna Miss Me – The 13th Floor Elevators

“You’re Gonna Miss Me” is a classic garage rock song by American psychedelic rock band The 13th Floor Elevators, released in 1966. The song features Roky Erickson’s fierce vocals and a driving, blues-inspired rhythm that perfectly captures the band’s raw energy and attitude. The lyrics are simple but effective, with Erickson warning his lover that she will regret leaving him. The song’s iconic opening riff and Erickson’s wailing vocals have made it a beloved classic of the garage rock genre, inspiring countless imitators and cementing the band’s place in rock history. Overall, “You’re Gonna Miss Me” is a thrilling and timeless rock song that captures the rebellious spirit of the 1960s and continues to inspire new generations of musicians.

14. Shipbuilding – Elvis Costello & The Attractions

“Shipbuilding” is a poignant and powerful song by Elvis Costello and The Attractions, released in 1983. The song features Costello’s emotive vocals and a somber, orchestral arrangement that perfectly captures the song’s reflective mood. The lyrics are a commentary on the political and social climate of the early 1980s, with Costello exploring the themes of war, unemployment, and the impact of military conflicts on society. The chorus is particularly moving, with Costello singing “Is it worth it? A new winter coat and shoes for the wife / And a bicycle on the boy’s birthday.” Overall, “Shipbuilding” is a beautiful and thought-provoking song that showcases Costello’s talent for crafting intelligent and socially relevant music. The song has become a classic in Costello’s catalog and remains a powerful reminder of the human cost of war and conflict.

15. A Town Called Malice – The Jam

“A Town Called Malice” is a high-energy and catchy song by British punk rock band The Jam, released in 1982. The song features Paul Weller’s distinctive vocals and a driving, Motown-inspired beat that perfectly captures the band’s signature sound. The lyrics are a commentary on the state of British society in the early 1980s, with Weller critiquing the economic stagnation and social unrest of the time. The song’s chorus is particularly memorable, with Weller singing “Stop dreaming of the quiet life / ‘Cause it’s the one we’ll never know” over a pulsing bassline. Overall, “A Town Called Malice” is a timeless anthem of punk rock and a powerful statement on the struggles and aspirations of working-class communities.