Music is an essential part of the movie industry. A soundtrack, down to the last backing instrumental for a scene, could make or break a movie. Of course, traditional movie musicals rely more heavily on the songs, but, either way, music can change the perception of a scene, the overall vibe of the film, or could be the main source with which information is being conveyed. Lady Gaga has been one of the few musicians/actors that have seamlessly bridged both art forms into one cohesive masterpiece. Her work in the movie industry, as well as her already groundbreaking career as a pop star, is the stuff of legend.
Gaga has been in the entertainment industry for as long as we can remember. For years, she has forged this unmatchable reputation as one of the most talented and beloved musicians of our time. So, of course, her talents would translate beautifully into the film industry. In what is probably her most notable contribution to film to date, Gaga starred alongside Bradley Copper in 2018’s A Star Is Born. This — along with some other projects, including the upcoming Joker 2, which will reportedly be a musical — has made sure that the name “Lady Gaga” stays a constant presence in the movie industry. Here is our ranking of her best original songs written for a movie.
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8 Why Did You Do That — A Star is Born
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
The entire A Star is Born film is full of some of the best original tracks to enter the film industry in recent years. Gaga played a massive role in executing the musical aspect of this movie, and although her character Ally is a star all on her own, we love to see the Gaga we know in the music industry shine through. “Why Did You Do That” is one of the more upbeat songs featured in the movie, and is the perfect display of Ally as a well-rounded pop star and musician in the industry. The performance itself has Gaga at her absolute element, and we cannot get this catchy chorus out of our heads!
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7 Look What I Found — A Star is Born
Of course in a list like this, A Star is Born will be a dominating force, and we are not complaining. “Look What I Found” is also a more upbeat song on this track, and, in it, Gaga portrays Ally’s incredible talent with music, songwriting, and her true raw passion for the art. In the movie, the song comes around during a time when Ally and Jackson are in a blossoming romance, creating something that goes much deeper than their passion for music. And, of course, Gaga sounds absolutely spectacular on this track.
6 Hold My Hand — Top Gun: Maverick
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Straying from A Star is Born for just a second, Gaga sang a song for the highly acclaimed Top Gun: Maverick. Gaga’s deeply emotional ballad “Hold My Hand” is, in the most understated terms, a striking showcase of her talent. This movie is a long-awaited sequel to the 1986 action movie Top Gun, and it is safe to say that it did not disappoint. And to have Gaga on the soundtrack as the cherry on top makes it worth the hype.
5 Is That Alright — A Star is Born
“Is That Alright” is a song that is sometimes overlooked in the onslaught of memorable songs on the A Star is Born soundtrack. This song, however, is an emotional roller coaster. The sentiment of this song acts as a sort of plea from Ally to Jackson for them to have the happily-ever-after that she wants. She sees the future she wants so desperately with him and is pretty much asking him if he can give it to her, and if it is actually alright to ask for it. Also, when it comes to vocals, Gaga really outdoes herself in this one.
4 Always Remember Us This Way — A Star is Born
Keeping up with this trend of A Star is Born, “Always Remember Us This Way,” is a top-tier song in the movie. The song dives deeply into a relationship, how unpredictable it is, how much love can hurt, and how things can change in the blink of an eye. However, even though things can get bad, there is always a reason to hold on to the small moments of pure bliss between you and your partner to get through life’s obstacles. In the movie, Ally rehashes all of her best moments with Jackson, knowing that she would need to keep those beautiful moments close to her heart.
3 Til It Happens to You — The Hunting Ground
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For the 2015 documentary film The Hunting Ground, Gaga sings “Til It Happens to You.” This film explores the topic of sexual assault on college campuses and the failure of these powerful institutions to handle or even properly acknowledge the situation. Gaga’s contribution to this project should not be overlooked. The dark tone of this emotionally heavy yet uplifting song fits the subject of the documentary and further proves Gaga’s ability to harness emotion through her music. Per Slate, Gaga performed this song at the 2016 Oscars and had survivors come out and stand with her on stage as she performs in an incredibly memorable moment for everyone watching.
2 I’ll Never Love Again — A Star is Born
Being a musical, the songs that are written and sung in A Star is Born have to fit seamlessly with the plot and characters. “I’ll Never Love Again” is a song that is sure to break your heart and soul, and the movie moment is just as heartbreaking as the song itself. After Jackson takes his own life, Ally comes out to sing this gut-wrenching song that expresses all of her regrets, wishes, hopes, and strikingly dreary reality of facing a future without the only man she claims she’ll ever love. Gaga’s acting and vocals in this scene will instantly bring tears to your eyes. So, if you are planning on watching this movie, be prepared to have your emotions wrecked.
1 Shallow — A Star is Born
Can any other song really be on the top of this list? “Shallow” is the standout song in A Star is Born, and all you have to do is listen to it and even watch the scene to understand why. When this song occurs in the film, it is Ally’s breakout moment, a moment where she pushes her fears aside, throws caution to the wind, and places all her trust in Jackson to deliver a terrific performance. “Shallow” continues to be one of the best movie tracks of all time, even snagging the Academy Award for Best Original Song. Gaga and Cooper are chemistry personified, and who can forget the magic of their live performance of this song together at the 2019 Oscars?
