14 Best Songs from the Brilliant Trainspotting Soundtrack

The Trainspotting soundtrack is one of the most iconic and celebrated film soundtracks of all time. Released in 1996, it features a wide range of artists and genres that perfectly capture the raw energy and rebellious spirit of the film. From Iggy Pop’s “Lust for Life” to Underworld’s “Born Slippy .NUXX,” the soundtrack is a musical tour de force that showcases the best of 90s alternative rock, electronica, and punk.

One of the standout tracks on the soundtrack is “Perfect Day” by Lou Reed, a haunting ballad that perfectly captures the bittersweet tone of the film. Other notable tracks include “Atomic” by Blondie, “Temptation” by New Order, and “Mile End” by Pulp.

Perhaps the most iconic moment in the film is the use of “Born Slippy .NUXX” during the climactic scene. The pounding beat and infectious melody perfectly capture the frenzied energy of the moment, making it an unforgettable cinematic experience.

Overall, the Trainspotting soundtrack is a masterclass in film scoring, showcasing the power of music to enhance and elevate the emotional impact of a film. It remains a beloved classic to this day, and continues to inspire and influence musicians and filmmakers alike.

1. Lust for Life – Iggy Pop

“Lust for Life” is a rock classic by Iggy Pop, released in 1977. The song is driven by a pounding, infectious drumbeat and Pop’s signature snarling vocals. The lyrics capture a sense of joy and excitement, celebrating the simple pleasures of life, like dancing, drinking, and having fun. The track has been featured in numerous films, TV shows, and commercials, and is widely regarded as one of Iggy Pop’s most iconic songs. The song’s high energy and infectious chorus have made it a crowd favorite at live shows and have cemented its place in the pantheon of classic rock anthems.

2. Deep Blue Day – Brian Eno

“Deep Blue Day” is a track from Brian Eno’s ambient album “Apollo: Atmospheres and Soundtracks,” which was later featured on the soundtrack of the film “Trainspotting.” The song’s dreamy synths and ethereal vocals create a sense of calm and reflection, making it a standout moment in both the album and the film. The song was famously used during the scene where Renton dives into “the worst toilet in Scotland,” creating a striking contrast between the filth on screen and the serene beauty of the music. “Deep Blue Day” is a prime example of Eno’s pioneering ambient style, and its inclusion in “Trainspotting” has helped to cement its legacy as one of the standout tracks from the film’s iconic soundtrack.

3. Trainspotting – Primal Scream

“Trainspotting” is a song by Scottish rock band Primal Scream, featured on the soundtrack of the 1996 film of the same name. The song has an energetic, electronic-infused rock sound, with distorted guitar riffs, pulsating beats, and Bobby Gillespie’s intense vocals. The lyrics reflect the film’s themes of heroin addiction and the search for identity and purpose, with lines like “choose life” and “I choose not to choose life, I choose something else.” “Trainspotting” is widely regarded as a classic of the 1990s British rock scene and a signature song of Primal Scream, earning critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase.

4. Atomic – Sleeper

“Atomic” is a song by the British band Sleeper, released in 1996. It was featured in the iconic soundtrack of the film Trainspotting, which brought the song to a wider audience. The song has a catchy guitar riff and a driving beat that perfectly captures the energy and attitude of the ’90s Britpop scene. The lyrics, sung by lead singer Louise Wener, are cryptic and evocative, adding to the song’s sense of mystery and urgency. “Atomic” remains one of Sleeper’s most popular and enduring songs, and is often cited as a highlight of the Trainspotting soundtrack.

5. Temptation – New Order

“Temptation” by New Order is a classic dance track that has become a staple of the post-punk era. Released in 1982, the song is known for its infectious synth riff, pounding beat, and soaring vocals by Bernard Sumner. The lyrics explore the irresistible allure of desire and the struggle to resist it, with lines like “Oh, you’ve got green eyes / Oh, you’ve got blue eyes / Oh, you’ve got gray eyes”. The song has been remixed and covered countless times, with its influence being felt across a wide range of musical genres. “Temptation” remains a fan favorite and a timeless example of New Order’s innovative sound.

6. Nightclubbing – Iggy Pop

“Nightclubbing” is a song by American rock musician Iggy Pop, released in 1977. The song’s slow, brooding rhythm and eerie synth melody create a hypnotic and mysterious atmosphere that evokes the feeling of a late-night party. The lyrics describe the narrator’s experience of going out to clubs and feeling detached from the crowd, observing the “glittering prizes” of nightlife from a distance. The song has become a classic of Iggy Pop’s discography, and has been covered by several artists over the years. Its inclusion in the soundtrack for the film “Trainspotting” helped to introduce it to a new generation of listeners.

7. Sing – Blur

“Sing” is a song by the English alternative rock band Blur, released in 1991 as a single from their second album, “Modern Life Is Rubbish.” The song’s upbeat and catchy melody, combined with its lyrics about the power of music to bring people together, make it a fan favorite. The music video, featuring the band performing in front of a massive crowd, adds to the song’s theme of the unifying power of music. “Sing” was one of the songs that helped establish Blur as one of the leading bands of the Britpop movement, which dominated British music in the mid-1990s.

8. Perfect Day – Lou Reed

“Perfect Day” by Lou Reed is a hauntingly beautiful song that captures the emotional complexities of human experience. With its simple yet powerful melody and poetic lyrics, it is a timeless masterpiece that has resonated with listeners for decades. The song’s melancholic tone and Reed’s emotive vocals create a sense of wistfulness and nostalgia that is both heartbreaking and uplifting. “Perfect Day” speaks to the universal longing for connection, understanding, and meaning in our lives, and its message of hope and redemption continues to inspire and move listeners today.

9. Mile End – Pulp

“Mile End” is a song by the British band Pulp, featured on the iconic “Trainspotting” soundtrack. The song is a bleak but catchy representation of urban life, with lyrics describing the mundane activities of everyday people in a low-income area. The minimalistic instrumentation and Jarvis Cocker’s distinct vocal delivery create a sense of detachment and apathy, reflecting the disaffected attitudes of many young people at the time. The song’s chorus, “There’s nothing to do here when it rains,” has become a cultural touchstone for those feeling stuck in a dead-end situation. “Mile End” is a standout track on the “Trainspotting” soundtrack, perfectly capturing the mood of the film and its portrayal of gritty, real-life experiences.

10. For What You Dream Of – Bedrock featuring KYO

“For What You Dream Of” is a trance and progressive house anthem by the British production duo Bedrock featuring KYO. Released in 1993, it was prominently featured in the soundtrack for the 1996 film “Trainspotting.” The song’s hypnotic beats and haunting vocals by KYO capture the film’s mood of disillusionment and longing. It builds slowly and steadily, with intricate synths and a powerful bassline that drive the track forward. “For What You Dream Of” is a standout on the iconic “Trainspotting” soundtrack and has become a classic dance track in its own right, still captivating listeners with its hypnotic energy over two decades later.

11. 2:1 – Elastica

“2:1” is a song by the British alternative rock band Elastica, released in 1995. The song is known for its catchy guitar riff, upbeat rhythm, and sharp lyrics. It was the second single released from their self-titled debut album and reached #17 on the UK Singles Chart. The lyrics describe the pressure of trying to conform to society’s expectations, specifically in the context of getting a university degree with a “2:1” classification. The song’s high-energy sound and tongue-in-cheek lyrics made it a hit with both fans and critics, solidifying Elastica’s place as one of the most influential bands of the 1990s.

12. A Final Hit – Leftfield

“A Final Hit” is a song by British electronic duo Leftfield, released in 1999 as a single from their album “Rhythm and Stealth.” The track features a driving beat, heavy basslines, and distorted vocal samples, creating a high-energy dancefloor anthem. The title of the song is a reference to drug use, with lyrics that allude to the desire for one last hit before quitting. The song’s pulsating rhythm and intense energy have made it a popular choice for DJ sets and a classic of the UK dance music scene of the late 1990s.

13. Born Slippy – Underworld

“Born Slippy” is a high-energy electronic dance track by British group Underworld. The song became a global hit in 1996 after its inclusion in the iconic film “Trainspotting.” The song features pulsating beats and distorted vocals from frontman Karl Hyde, alongside euphoric synths and a pounding bassline. Its intense and frenetic sound captures the feeling of a wild night out, and its lyrics reflect the exhilaration of losing yourself in the moment. “Born Slippy” is considered one of the defining tracks of the 1990s British electronic music scene and continues to be a dancefloor anthem to this day.

14. Closet Romantic – Damon Albarn

“Closet Romantic” is a ballad by British musician Damon Albarn, known for his work with Blur and Gorillaz. The song was released as a part of his 2003 solo album, “Democrazy.” It features simple, yet powerful acoustic guitar chords, with Albarn’s soothing vocals layered over them. The lyrics describe a love affair that is hidden from the world, creating a sense of intimacy and secrecy. The song has been praised for its minimalist approach and emotional depth, showcasing Albarn’s songwriting skills beyond his more well-known indie and electronic works. “Closet Romantic” is a standout track in Albarn’s solo discography, and a must-listen for fans of his music.