In my opinion the Jackie Brown Soundtrack is the best thing to come out of the Jackie Brown movie. It is also one of the best soundtracks from the Tarantino films. As with his previous soundtracks, Quentin Tarantino interweaves dialogue and music from the movie.
Because the dialogue in Jackie Brown isn’t as memorable as in Pulp Fiction or Reservoir Dogs, this is probably reflected in the dialogue from the Soundtrack. However, I still can’t get enough of hearing Samuel L Jackson and Robert De Niro discussing an employee that ‘had to be let go’ or all the girls Jackson’s character has ‘got set up’. Bridget Fonda also chimes in with her character’s explanation of the benefits of coughing.
As with the soundtracks from other Tarantino films, Jackie Brown features music from a variety of genres. However, sticking with the theme of the movie there is a clear focus on soul music. Key songs include Bobby Womack’s ‘Across 110th Street’ and The Delfonics’ ‘Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind This Time)’. My favorite song on the album is ‘Strawberry Letter 23’ by The Brothers Johnson, which also features on the Collector’s Edition version of the Pulp Fiction Soundtrack.
Released in 1997, the Jackie Brown soundtrack is an essential edition to your collection of soundtracks from Tarantino films. While the movie may not stand up as well as earlier Quentin Tarantino movies, the soundtrack may be even better.
Here’s a preview:
Jackie Brown: Music From The Motion Picture
1. Across 110th Street – Bobby Womack – 3:48
2. Beaumont’s Lament (dialogue) – Samuel L. Jackson & Robert De Niro – 0:50
3. Strawberry Letter 23 – the Brothers Johnson – 4:58
4. Melanie, Simone and Sheronda (dialogue) – Samuel L. Jackson & Robert De Niro – 0:32
5. Who is He (And What Is He To You?) – Bill Withers – 3:12
6. Tennessee Stud – Johnny Cash – 2:54
7. Natural High – Bloodstone – 4:54
8. Long Time Woman – Pam Grier – 2:52
9. Detroit 9000 (dialogue) – Council Cargle – 0:07
10.(Holy Matrimony) Letter to the Firm – Foxy Brown – 3:26
11. Street Life – Randy Crawford – 4:18
12. Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind This Time) – the Delfonics – 3:21
13. Midnight Confessions – The Grass Roots – 2:43
14. Inside My Love – Minnie Riperton – 3:56
15. Just Ask Melanie (dialogue) – Samuel L. Jackson, Robert De Niro & Bridget Fonda – 0:43
16. The Lions and the Cucumber – the Vampire Sound Incorporation – 5:07
17. Monte Carlo Nights – Elliot Easton’s Tiki Gods – 3:25
