12 Best Songs from the Romeo and Juliet Soundtrack

‘The Romeo and Juliet’ soundtrack, released in 1996, is a timeless masterpiece that perfectly captures the romantic and tragic essence of William Shakespeare’s classic play. The soundtrack features an impressive lineup of musicians, including Radiohead, Garbage, The Cardigans, and Des’ree, who contributed their talents to create a rich and eclectic mix of songs. Each track on the album perfectly captures the emotions and themes of the play, from the passion of young love to the heart-wrenching despair of tragic loss.

One of the standout tracks on the soundtrack is “Lovefool” by The Cardigans, which perfectly captures the giddy, all-consuming passion of Romeo and Juliet’s young love. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody perfectly capture the excitement and thrill of falling in love, making it an instant classic. Another standout track is “Talk Show Host” by Radiohead, which perfectly captures the darker, more brooding aspects of the play’s themes. With its haunting melody and intense, almost violent lyrics, the song perfectly captures the tragedy and heartbreak of the play’s ending.

Overall, the Romeo and Juliet soundtrack is a masterpiece of modern music, and each track on the album is a testament to the power of great art to capture the complexities of the human experience. Whether you’re a fan of Shakespeare or simply a lover of great music, the Romeo and Juliet soundtrack is a must-listen.

1. Local God – Everclear

“Local God” by Everclear is a powerful, hard-rocking song that deals with themes of alienation, disillusionment, and the search for meaning in a world that can often feel cold and indifferent. With its driving guitar riffs, pounding drums, and edgy vocals, the song captures the sense of frustration and anger that can come with feeling disconnected from society and the people around us. The lyrics are filled with vivid images and metaphors that paint a picture of a world in turmoil, and the chorus is both catchy and poignant, with the refrain “I wanna live forever/I wanna be your local god” expressing a desire for something more, something greater than the mundane realities of everyday life. Overall, “Local God” is a fierce and unapologetic anthem that speaks to the human need for connection, purpose, and transcendence.

2. Angel – Gavin Friday

“Angel” by Gavin Friday is a haunting and ethereal song that combines elements of electronic music, rock, and classical music to create a mesmerizing and otherworldly sound. The song is built around a simple but evocative melody that is carried by Friday’s haunting vocals, which are both delicate and powerful. The lyrics are enigmatic and poetic, exploring themes of love, loss, and transcendence, and the overall effect is one of emotional intensity and beauty. The song features a range of electronic and acoustic instruments, including synthesizers, guitars, and strings, all of which are woven together into a seamless tapestry of sound. The production is masterful, with layers of sound building and receding in a way that creates a sense of movement and depth. “Angel” is a stunningly beautiful and evocative song that showcases Gavin Friday’s unique talent for creating music that is both deeply emotional and intellectually engaging.

3. Pretty Piece of Flesh – One Inch Punch

“Pretty Piece of Flesh” is a dynamic and powerful song by the band One Inch Punch. The track begins with a slow, haunting guitar riff before launching into a fast-paced, aggressive beat. The vocals are raw and gritty, delivering lyrics that explore themes of desire, lust, and the darker side of human nature.

4. Kissing You (Love Theme from Romeo + Juliet) – Des’ree

“Kissing You” by Des’ree is a beautiful love song that was originally written as the love theme for the movie “Romeo + Juliet” directed by Baz Luhrmann. The song starts with a slow and gentle piano melody that sets the romantic mood. Des’ree’s soulful and emotional voice adds depth and passion to the lyrics that describe the overwhelming feeling of being in love. The song builds up towards the end with the addition of a full orchestra that elevates the emotion of the song even further. “Kissing You” is a timeless classic that captures the essence of true love and remains a popular choice for weddings and romantic occasions.

5. Whatever (I Had a Dream) – Butthole Surfers

“Whatever (I Had a Dream)” by the Butthole Surfers is a surreal and psychedelic song that incorporates elements of punk, alternative rock, and experimental music. The track features distorted guitar riffs, electronic beats, and eerie vocals that contribute to its eerie and otherworldly atmosphere. Lyrically, the song touches on themes of disillusionment, confusion, and the search for meaning in life. The Butthole Surfers’ unconventional approach to music is on full display in “Whatever (I Had a Dream),” making it a standout track in their discography and a unique listening experience for fans of alternative and experimental music.

6. Lovefool – The Cardigans

“Lovefool” is a 1996 pop song by Swedish band The Cardigans. The track became a massive commercial success, reaching the top 10 in multiple countries and becoming one of the band’s signature songs. The song features a catchy, upbeat melody and lyrics about being hopelessly in love with someone who doesn’t reciprocate those feelings. Lead singer Nina Persson’s sugary-sweet vocals add to the song’s charm and make it a staple of ’90s pop music. “Lovefool” has been covered by numerous artists and has been featured in various films, TV shows, and commercials, cementing its place in pop culture history.

7. Young Hearts Run Free (Album Version) – Kym Mazelle

“Young Hearts Run Free” is a disco classic originally recorded by Candi Staton in 1976, but this version is by Kym Mazelle, released in 1996. The song has since become an anthem for empowerment and freedom, particularly among the LGBTQ+ community. Mazelle’s version features an updated, more electronic sound while still maintaining the disco vibe of the original. The lyrics encourage listeners to break free from societal expectations and live their lives with passion and courage. Mazelle’s powerful vocals add to the song’s uplifting message, making it a timeless dancefloor favorite. “Young Hearts Run Free” continues to be a popular choice for wedding receptions, clubs, and parties, demonstrating its enduring popularity.

8. Everybody’s Free (to Feel Good) – Quindon Tarver

9. To You I Bestow – Mundy

“Everybody’s Free (to Feel Good)” is a dance-pop song originally written and recorded by the Italian music group Rozalla in 1991. However, it was Quindon Tarver’s rendition of the song for the film “Romeo + Juliet” in 1996 that gained significant popularity. Tarver’s version features a gospel choir and upbeat instrumentation, adding to the song’s uplifting message of freedom and self-expression. The song’s catchy chorus and positive lyrics have made it a popular choice for motivational and celebratory events, and it remains a well-loved anthem of the 90s dance-pop era.

10. Talk Show Host – Radiohead

“Talk Show Host” is a song by the English rock band Radiohead, released in 1996. The song was originally written for the soundtrack of the film “Romeo + Juliet,” but it was later included in the band’s 1997 album “OK Computer” as a bonus track. The song is characterized by its haunting melody, atmospheric soundscapes, and lead singer Thom Yorke’s moody vocals. Its lyrics, which talk about the isolation and anxiety that come with fame, have been interpreted as a critique of the music industry and the media’s obsession with celebrity culture. “Talk Show Host” is considered one of Radiohead’s most popular and influential songs.

11. Little Star – Stina Nordenstam

“Little Star” is a song by Swedish singer-songwriter Stina Nordenstam, released in 1994. The song features Nordenstam’s delicate vocals and sparse instrumentation, with a simple guitar melody and a gentle piano accompaniment. Its lyrics tell the story of a child growing up and leaving home, with the singer offering words of encouragement and support. The song’s poignant and introspective tone, combined with Nordenstam’s emotive delivery, has made it a favorite among fans of indie and folk music. “Little Star” is often cited as one of Nordenstam’s signature songs and has been covered by several other artists over the years.

12. You & Me Song – The Wannadies

“You & Me Song” is a song by the Swedish alternative rock band The Wannadies, released in 1994. The song features a driving guitar riff and catchy, sing-along chorus, with lead vocalist Pär Wiksten’s high-pitched vocals giving the song its distinctive sound. Its lyrics, which express a simple and earnest desire for love and connection, have made it a popular choice for romantic occasions and are often cited as one of the song’s strengths. “You & Me Song” was a commercial success for the Wannadies, reaching the top 20 in several European countries, and has since become a cult classic of 90s indie rock.