Best Original Song - 2001

"Until..." from Kate & Leopold sung by Sting 

Movie Synopsis: A duke from 1870's New York is transported to the present and falls in love with a modern businesswoman. 

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? End credits. 
Is it important to the plot? Not sure. 
Is it pleasing to the ear? B.

"May it Be" from Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring sung by Enya

Movie Synopsis: A group of nine companions set out to destroy an evil ring.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? End credits. 
Is it important to the plot? Not really... 
Is it pleasing to the ear? A.

"If I Didn't Have You" from Monsters, Inc. sung by Billy Crystal and John Goodman 

Movie Synopsis: Monsters generate their city's power by scaring children, but they are terribly afraid themselves of being contaminated by children, so when one enters Monstropolis, top scarer Sulley finds his world disrupted. 

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? End credits...I think. 
Is it important to the plot? Mike and Sulley talk about how much they like each other...ugh. 
Is it pleasing to the ear? D+.

"There You'll Be" from Pearl Harbor sung by Faith Hill 

Movie Synopsis: Two pilots and a nurse participate in Pearl Harbor and a love triangle. 

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? End credits. 
Is it important to the plot? No. 
Is it pleasing to the ear? A.

"Vanilla Sky" from Vanilla Sky sung by Paul McCartney

Movie Synopsis: A successful publisher finds his life taking a turn for the surreal after a car accident with a jaded lover. 

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? N/A.
Is it important to the plot? N/A. 
Is it pleasing to the ear? C-.

So what won?

"If I Didn't Have You" from Monsters, Inc.

 What would I have voted for? 

"May It Be" from Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

One of the most beautiful songs ever written. 

Analysis

Well, for the very last year in this BOS series, I have to say that LOTR was robbed. "May It Be" is way better than "Into the West" and it's a shame that song gets the glory. Also, woo-hoo, congratu-fucking-lations, Randy Newman, you finally got an Oscar for writing the same song over and over.

That does it, ladies and gentlemen. I attempted to listen to every BOS nominee. At this point in time, it's the best I can do. Soon, I'll write some sort of conclusion. Check back soon!

Best Original Song - 1953

"That's Amore" from The Caddy sung by Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis 


Movie Synopsis: A gifted golfer is too nervous to golf in public tournaments, but acts as coach and caddy for his friend. 


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes.
Is it important to the plot? Not sure.
Is it pleasing to the ear? B+.

"Secret Love" from Calamity Jane sung by Doris Day 


Movie Synopsis: The story of Calamity Jane, her saloon, and her romance with Wild Bill Hickok. 


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes. 
Is it important to the plot? She realizes who she's in love with. 
Is it pleasing to the ear? C+.

"Sadie Thompson's Song (Blue Pacific Blues)" from Miss Sadie Thompson sung by Jo Ann Greer 


Movie Synopsis: A woman is abandoned on a island in American Samoa. 


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes. 
Is it important to the plot? She's got the blues. 
Is it pleasing to the ear? C.

"The Moon is Blue" from The Moon is Blue


Movie Synopsis: Two aging playboys chase a young virgin. 


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Opening credits. 
Is it important to the plot? No. 
Is it pleasing to the ear? C.

"My Flaming Heart" from Small Town Girl sung by Nat King Cole 


Movie Synopsis: A man convinces the judge's daughter to let him out of jail for a night so he can visit the Broadway star he is in love with. 


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? N/A.
Is it important to the plot? N/A. 
Is it pleasing to the ear? C. 


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So what won?

"Secret Love" from Calamity Jane

What would I have voted for? 
"That's Amore" from The Caddy

Stood the test of time. 


Analysis

Pretty boring songs. "That's Amore" is the only memorable one...trust me.

Best Original Song - 1985

"The Power of Love" from Back to the Future sung by Huey Lewis and the News 


Movie Synopsis: With the aid of time traveling DeLorean, a teenager is sent back to 1955 and interrupts his parents first meeting and now must set them back up. 


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes
Is it important to the plot? Uh...not really. 
Is it pleasing to the ear? A.

"Surprise, Surprise" from A Chorus Line sung by Gregg Burge 


Movie Synopsis: Hopefuls try out before a demanding director for a part in a new musical. 


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes. 
Is it important to the plot? From what I can tell...God, no. 
Is it pleasing to the ear? D-.

"Miss Celie's Blues (Sister)" from The Color Purple sung by Tata Vega


Movie Synopsis: The life and trials of a young African American woman. 


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes. 
Is it important to the plot? Strengthening the friendship. 
Is it pleasing to the ear? B.

"Say You, Say Me" from White Nights sung by Lionel Ritchie 


Movie Synopsis: An expatriate Russian dancer is held captive in the Soviet Union. 


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? N/A.
Is it important to the plot? INSPIRATION!!!! 
Is it pleasing to the ear? C+.

"Separate Lives" from White Nights sung by Phil Collins and Marilyn Martin 


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? N/A.
Is it important to the plot? N/A. 
Is it pleasing to the ear? C-.






So what won?
"Say You, Say Me" from White Nights

What would I have voted for? 

"The Power of Love" from Back to the Future

Any questions? 


Analysis

This is the worst travesty out of all the 80's winners. What was with this damn White Nights? Two songs? Two mediocre songs? (There, I said it!). Plus, OMG, if you want a few laughs, check out A Chorus Line. "The Power of Love" is one of the greatest songs ever. It might not have much to do with the plot...but it builds that 80's mood!!! GRRR...1985 can kiss my ass.

Best Original Song - 1976

"A World That Never Was" from Half a House

Movie Synopsis: A middle aged couple, living in divorce, is forced to spend three month in their house, which belongs jointly to them.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? N/A.
Is it important to the plot? N/A.
Is it pleasing to the ear? N/A.

"Ave Satani" from The Omen sung by Chorus

Movie Synopsis: An American ambassador learns to his horror that his son is actually the literal Antichrist.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? N/A.
Is it important to the plot? To scare you shitless?
Is it pleasing to the ear? Only melody could be found. D.

"Come to Me" from The Pink Panther Strikes Again sung by Tom Jones

Movie Synopsis: More adventures of the Pink Panther.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? N/A.
Is it important to the plot? N/A.
Is it pleasing to the ear? B.

"Gonna Fly Now" from Rocky sung by De Etta Little and Nelson Pigford

Movie Synopsis: A small time boxer gets a once in a lifetime chance to fight the heavyweight champ in a bout in which he strives to go the distance for his self-respect.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes.
Is it important to the plot? INSPIRATION!!!!
Is it pleasing to the ear? B+

"Evergreen" from A Star is Born sung by Barbra Streisand

Movie Synopsis: A has-been rock star falls in love with a young, up-and-coming songstress.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? N/A.
Is it important to the plot? N/A.
Is it pleasing to the ear? A-.

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So what won?
"Evergreen" from A Star is Born

What would I have voted for?
"Evergreen" from A Star is Born

It's pretty and has more lyrics than "Gonna Fly Now".

Analysis
Ah, no more 70's. I knew this day would come. I think the right song won this year!

Best Original Song - 1947

"Pass That Peace Pipe" from Good News sung by Joan McCracken and Ray McDonald 


Movie Synopsis: In the Roaring 20's, a co-ed and school librarian falls for a football hero who has his eye on gold-digging vamp. 


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes.
Is it important to the plot? Yeah...sort of. 
Is it pleasing to the ear? C+.

"You Do" from Mother Wore Tights sung by Dan Dailey, Betty Grable, and Imogene Lynn 


Movie Synopsis: A young woman goes to San Francisco for business school but then becomes a chorus girl. 


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes.
Is it important to the plot? N/A.
Is it pleasing to the ear? Only melody could be found. A-.

"I Wish I Didn't Love You So" from The Perils of Pauline sung by Betty Hutton 


Movie Synopsis: A young seamstress transitions from stage to screen in the early days of cinema. 


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? End credits. 
Is it important to the plot?Hell no. 
Is it pleasing to the ear? C+.

"Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Da" from Song of the South sung by James Baskett 


Movie Synopsis: The kindhearted storyteller Uncle Remus tells a young boy stories about trickster Br'er Rabbit, who outwits Br'er Fox and slow-witted Br'er Bear. 


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes. 
Is it important to the plot? N/A. (You know, because I'm not able to see this damn movie!) 
Is it pleasing to the ear? B

"A Gal in Calico" from The Time, the Place, and the Girl sung by Dennis Morgan, Jack Carson, Sally Sweetland and Chorus 


Movie Synopsis: The stuffy manager of lovely opera singer are determined to close down the noisy nightclub that's next door. 


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? N/A. 
Is it important to the plot? N/A. 
Is it pleasing to the ear? C. 


---------------------------------------------------------------
So what won?

"Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah" from Song of the South

What would I have voted for? 

"You Do" from Mother Wore Tights

I'm entitled to my opinion. 


Analysis

I'm also glad the 40's are over! These songs all start to sound alike after a while.

Best Original Song - 1962

"Days of Wine and Roses" from Days of Wine and Roses sung by Chorus 


Movie Synopsis: An alcoholic falls in love with and gets married to a young woman, whom he systematically addicts to booze so they can share his "passion" together. 


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? N/A.
Is it important to the plot? N/A. 
Is it pleasing to the ear? B.

"Follow Me" from Mutiny on the Bounty sung by Chorus 


Movie Synopsis: Fletcher Christian successfully leads a revolt against the ruthless Captain Bligh on the HMS Bounty. However, Bligh returns one year later, hell bent on avenging his captors. 


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? N/A.
Is it important to the plot? N/A.
Is it pleasing to the ear? Only melody could be found. B.

"Tender is the Night" from Tender is the Night sung by Sting 


Movie Synopsis: A group of aristocrats are drawn into the depression after the roaring 20's. 


End credits.Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)?
Is it important to the plot?Hell no. 
Is it pleasing to the ear? C.

"A Second Chance" from Two For the Seesaw sung by Jackie Cain 


Movie Synopsis: A divorced lawyer and an impoverished dancer try to straighten out their lives together. 


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? N/A. 
Is it important to the plot? N/A. 
Is it pleasing to the ear? C

"A Walk on the Wild Side" from A Walk on the Wild Side sung by Brook Benton 


Movie Synopsis: A prostitute in 1930's New Orleans is pursued by her former lover. 


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? N/A.
Is it important to the plot? N/A. 
Is it pleasing to the ear? C.




---------------------------------------------------------------
So what won?

"Days of Wine and Roses" from The Days of Wine and Roses

 What would I have voted for? 

"Days of Wine and Roses" from The Days of Wine and Roses

Default. 


Analysis

Wow, the 60's really sucked! Off the top of my head, I can't think of a REALLY good BOS nominee from this damn decade. (Correct me if there's been some huge oversight.)

Best Original Song - 1990

"Sooner or Later (I Always Get My Man)" from Dick Tracy sung by Madonna

Movie Synopsis: The comic strip detective finds his life vastly complicated when Breathless Mahoney makes advances towards him while he is trying to battle Big Boy Caprice's united mob.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes (I think).
Is it important to the plot? Character introduction.
Is it pleasing to the ear? B.

"Promise Me You'll Remember" from The Godfather-Part III sung by Harry Connick, Jr.

Movie Synopsis: In the midst of trying to legitimize his business dealings in 1979 New York and Italy, aging mafia don Michael Corleone seeks to vow for his sins while taking a young protégé under his wing.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? N/A.

Is it important to the plot? N/A.
Is it pleasing to the ear? C-.

"Somewhere in My Memory" from Home Alone sung by Sting

Movie Synopsis: An eight year-old, who is accidentally left behind while his family flies to France for Christmas, has to defend his home against idiotic burglars.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? End credits.
Is it important to the plot? Hell no.
Is it pleasing to the ear? C-.

"I'm Checkin' Out" from Postcards From the Edge sung by Meryl Streep

Movie Synopsis: A drug addicted actress struggles with her career and mother.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes.
Is it important to the plot? Suzanne's improvement.
Is it pleasing to the ear? B+

"Blaze of Glory" from Young Guns II sung by Jon Bon Jovi

Movie Synopsis: Billy the Kid and his gang are wanted by the law, but he has to save two of his friends.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? N/A.
Is it important to the plot? Mood.
Is it pleasing to the ear? A-.

So what won?
"Sooner or Later (I Always Get My Man)" from Dick Tracy

What would I have voted for? 

"Blaze of Glory" from Young Guns II

This is a damn good song.

Analysis
1990 was pretty good. I'm glad I found "Blaze of Glory".

Best Original Song - 2000

"A Love Before Time" from Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon sung by Coco Lee

Movie Synopsis: Two warriors in pursuit of a stolen sword and a notorious fugitive are led to an impetuous, physically-skilled, teenage nobleman's daughter, who is at a crossroads in her life.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? N/A. 
Is it important to the plot? N/A. 
Is it pleasing to the ear? B.

"I've Seen it All" from Dancer in the Dark sung by Bjork

Movie Synopsis: An east European girl goes to America with her young son, expecting it to be like a Hollywood film.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? N/A.
Is it important to the plot? N/A.
Is it pleasing to the ear? D.

"My Funny Friend and Me" from The Emperor's New Groove sung by Sting

Movie Synopsis: An emperor is turned into a llama by his ex-administrator, and must now regain his throne with the help of a gentle llama herder.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? End credits.
Is it important to the plot?Hell no.
Is it pleasing to the ear? C-.

"A Fool in Love" from Meet the Parents sung by Randy Newman

Movie Synopsis: A male nurse meets his girlfriend's parents before proposing, but her suspicious father is every date's worst nightmare

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? N/A.
Is it important to the plot? N/A.
Is it pleasing to the ear? God, Randy Newman...why won't you just leave?

"Things Have Changed" from Wonder Boys sung by Bob Dylan 

Movie Synopsis: An English Professor tries to deal with his wife leaving him, the arrival of his editor who has been waiting for his book for seven years, and the various problems that his friends and associates involve him in. 

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Opening credits. 
Is it important to the plot? Mood. 
Is it pleasing to the ear? B+.


So what won?

"Things Have Changed" from Wonder Boys

What would I have voted for? 

"Things Have Changed" from Wonder Boys

No, it's not just because Tobey is in this movie. (But isn't he dreamy?)

Analysis

Wow...what an awful year! Two horrible Oscar bait songs, a gift from Randy Newman, and a song from shrieking Bjork. Don't get me wrong, I like some weird music, (Kate Bush). But that song was AWFUL! This may be the only time I ever vote or like a Bob Dylan song.