Sounds and songs are essential in immersing the spectator in the location and mood of 1970s Mexico City in Alfonso Cuarón’s film Roma. The music in the film is diegetic, with all songs heard exclusively within the context of the tale and never placed over the action. Music is used subtly yet effectively in Roma to bring depth and complexity to the film’s plot. There is no film score. The sounds of Mexico City are the Score.
Roma’s music is about as subtle as a sledgehammer to the face. But only in the finest possible way. It fits in well with the sound of a knife sharpener’s whistle and the cries of ladies in a maternity unit.
All of these noises are as significant as the period clothing and middle-class furnishings in the picture. It all comes together to form a lovely black-and-white tone poem, a great work of sound design and narrative.
So now you know that the film Roma has a soundtrack with songs from many artists? This album, “Music Inspired by the Film Roma,” is not the film’s soundtrack.
It’s a distinct CD containing songs inspired by the film by various musicians. It’s almost like a prequel to the film. It’s a genre mash-up including Patti Smith, Billie Eilish, Laura Marling, and DJ Shadow, all put together by the filmmaker and a music supervisor.
It’s a one-of-a-kind listening experience that allows you to delve deeper into the film’s universe. It’s more than simply a soundtrack; it’s an invitation to explore the film’s universe in a new manner.
When I first heard about the album “Music Inspired by the Film Roma,” I was skeptical about it because it is not the official film soundtrack.
After listening to the album, though, I discovered it to be a genuinely fantastic piece of art. It rapidly became one of my all-time favourite albums.
The album brilliantly captures the essence of the film and immerses the listener in its recollections. It helps to grasp the film’s location and characters in ways that standard soundtracks may not.
The album’s eclectic mix of genres and musicians delivers a really unique listening experience.
Before we dig into the album, let’s talk about Alfonso Cuaron’s Masterpiece.
About the Film ROMA
Alfonso Cuarón’s Roma is a strong and evocative film that depicts the semi-autobiographical narrative of a middle-class family and their live-in maid, Cleo, in 1970s Mexico City. The film is a personal and profoundly touching effort that highlights Cuarón’s abilities as a director and is a monument to the power of cinema to express universal personal tales.
Alfonso Cuarón directs Roma; he did the cinematography as well. He won both Oscars in the 2 categories being the first filmmaker ever to achieve that. That depicts the tale of a middle-class family in 1970s Mexico City and their live-in housekeeper, Cleo. The film was well-received by both viewers and critics, and it received multiple prizes and nominations, including Best Movie in a non-English language, at the 91st Academy Awards.
The film’s black and white photography, which brilliantly depicts the mood and ambiance of the time, is one of its most remarkable qualities. The graphics in the film are spectacular, with each picture painstakingly arranged to convey a feeling of location and time. The film’s sound design is equally excellent, with a blend of diegetic and non-diegetic noises that wonderfully portray the bustling metropolis and the personal moments between the individuals.
The performances in the film are similarly remarkable, with Yalitza Aparicio portraying Cleo in a forceful and nuanced manner. Her portrayal of a powerful and fragile woman is genuinely exceptional, and her performance is a tribute to the film’s ability to present tales of disadvantaged persons with respect and compassion. The supporting ensemble is similarly impressive, with each performer providing honest and emotionally engaging performances.
The film’s story is significant since it addresses topics of class, racism, and gender via Cleo’s experiences. The film’s examination of these topics is nuanced and delicate, with Cleo’s relationship with her employers and her own family delivering a strong reflection on the difficulties of class, race, and gender in Mexico City.
Roma is an intense and profoundly touching picture that highlights Cuarón’s abilities as a filmmaker and is a tribute to cinema’s ability to express human tales on a universal level. The film’s black-and-white photography, sound design, performances, and thematic investigation are all outstanding and will be remembered for years to come. I wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone who appreciates excellent storylines and filmmaking.
Available in NETFLIX
ABOUT THE ALBUM: MUSIC INSPIRED BY THE FILM ROMA
“Music Inspired by the Film Roma” is a wonderful selection of music that flawlessly complements the film’s visual storytelling. The album’s eclectic array of artists transports the listener to 1970s Mexico City and provides a glimpse into Mexico’s cultural legacy. The album is a must-listen for cinema aficionados and anybody interested in a wide range of musical genres.
The album has 15 tracks, each adding a distinct flavour to the listening experience. The album begins with “Ciudad de México – ‘Tepeji 21 (The Sounds of ROMA)” and sets the tone for the adventure ahead. “Wing” by Patti Smith adds a bit of rock and roll to the mix, while “Tarantula” by Beck (Colourbox cover) adds a touch of electronic music. “Billie Eilish – ‘WHEN I WAS OLDER'” highlights the youthful artist’s abilities, while “Bu Cuarón – ‘PSYCHO'” , opens with an intense dialogue from the movie.
Traditional Mexican folk music, such as ‘La Hora Exacta'” by Quique Rangel – and ‘Cumbia del Borras’ by Sonido Gallo Negro was hand-picked to fit the emotional journey of the film. These songs provide a glimpse into Mexico’s cultural history and help the listener better grasp the film’s locale and characters.
Thanks to this album, I discovered the music of Asaf Avidad with the powerful song “Between these Hands”
Who is Asaf Avidad?
Asaf Avidan is a singer-songwriter and musician from Israel. He is best known as the main vocalist of Asaf Avidan & the Mojos, a band he founded in 2006.
Avidan’s music
He is distinguished by his distinct and strong voice, which has been likened to Leonard Cohen’s. His work is distinguished by its emotional intensity and beautiful lyrics, which frequently address themes of love and loss. His particular sound combines folk, rock, and blues components with a tinge of Middle Eastern influences.
In 2008, his band Asaf Avidan & the Mojos released their debut album, “The Reckoning,” to critical acclaim and financial success in Israel. “One Day/Reckoning Song,” the band’s smash track, became a tremendous hit in Europe, hitting the top 10 charts in various countries.
Avidan’s debut solo album, “Different Pulses,” was released in 2011 and met with comparable success, earning him international prominence.
The album’s popular song “One Day” reached number one in multiple countries and was certified gold in several. He’s an artist to keep an eye on and someone who should be in any music lover’s library.
“Between These Hands”
The dramatic and emotional song highlights the artist’s distinct style and creative ability. The song appears on this album, “Music Inspired by the Film Roma,” and was written expressly for the film.
The song accurately reflects Cleo’s emotional journey throughout the film and adds depth and complexity to the listening experience.
The words of the song are extremely personal and emotional, addressing themes of love and grief. The music of the song is similarly strong, with Avidan’s distinct and emotional voice wonderfully complimenting the lyrics.
The other great song of the album is delivered by T bone Burnett.
T Bone Burnett and The album
“Music Inspired by the Film Roma”
T Bone Burnett is a well-known American composer, record producer, and performer. He has a lengthy and successful career in the music industry, having worked with many different musicians and bands.
He is noted for his unusual style, which combines rock, folk, and Americana elements.
One of his most famous accomplishments was receiving the Academy Award for Best Original Song for “The Weary Kind” from the film Crazy Heart in 2010.
Ryan Bingham and T Bone Burnett wrote the song, and Ryan Bingham performed it in the film.
“The Weary Kind”
It is a dramatic and emotional song that wonderfully portrays the tone of the film Crazy Heart. The lyrics are moving and portray the main character, Bad Blake, a down-and-out country artist. The tune is evocative and melancholy, and Ryan Bingham’s unusual voice complements the words well. The instrumentation, which mostly consists of a guitar and piano, contributes to the song’s melancholy mood.
The song “ROMA” by T Bone Burnett appears on this album and is evocative and melancholy music that wonderfully encapsulates the film’s spirit. There are no lyrics and lots of percussions and sounds in the Song. Very compelling song.
And my third favourite song on the album is by Laura Marling
Who is Laura Marling?
Laura Marling is a singer-songwriter and musician from the United Kingdom. She began her career as a member of the London folk movement in the mid-2000s and has since released numerous critically praised albums.
Her strong and passionate voice and her creative and contemplative lyrics distinguish Marling’s music. Her music generally deals with themes of love, relationships, and personal growth, and she is noted for her combination of folk, rock, and alternative music.
Laura Marling Debut
She made her debut in 2008 with the critically acclaimed album “Alas, I Cannot Swim,” and her second album “I Speak Because I Can” in 2010 won her a Mercury Prize nomination and a Brit Award nomination for Best British Female Solo Artist.
“Those Were the Days”
“Those Were the Days” by Laura Marling is a dramatic and emotional song highlighting the artist’s distinct style and creative ability.
The song appears on the album “Music Inspired by the Film Roma” and is a cover of Mary Hopkin’s original composition.
The song brilliantly conveys the film’s primary heroine, Cleo’s, melancholy and desire, adding depth and complexity to the listening experience.
The song’s words are nostalgic and emotive, addressing themes of remembrance and desire. The song’s opening words, “Once upon a time there was a means to travel back homeward,” quickly establish the tone, conveying a desire for the past and recollections of it.
With lines like “Is this lonely woman really me?,” the lyrics continue exploring nostalgia for the past. With her powerful and passionate voice and distinct style, Marling’s performance of the song offers the song a fresh perspective, making it even more tragic and relevant.
Music Inspired by the Film Roma playlist
01. Ciudad de México – ‘Tepeji 21 (The Sounds of ROMA)’
02. Patti Smith – ‘Wing.’
03. Beck – ‘Tarantula’ (Colourbox cover)
04. Billie Eilish – ‘WHEN I WAS OLDER.’
05. Bu Cuarón – ‘PSYCHO’
06. UNKLE – ‘On My Knees’ (ft. Michael Kiwanuka)
07. Jessie Reyez – ‘Con El Viento’
08. El-P / Wilder Zoby – ‘Marooned.’
09. Sonido Gallo Negro – ‘Cumbia del Borras’
10. Quique Rangel – ‘La Hora Exacta’
11. Ibeyi – ‘Cleo Who Takes Care of You
12. DJ Shadow – ‘We Are Always Alone
13. Asaf Avidan – ‘Between These Hands’
14. Laura Marling – ‘Those Were the Days’
15. T-Bone Burnett – ‘ROMA’
Final thoughts on the Soundtrack
“Music Inspired by the Film Roma“(paid link) is a strong and dramatic compilation of songs that perfectly represent the film’s ambiance and emotional journey. Patti Smith, Billie Eilish, Laura Marling, and T Bone Burnett are among the musicians featured on the album. Each musician contributes their distinct style and viewpoint to the album, resulting in a diverse and dynamic listening experience.
The album’s tracks are evocative and melancholy, wonderfully portraying the main character’s regret and desire. The lyrical and contemplative lyrics address issues such as love, relationships, and human growth. The melodies are haunting and evocative, complimenting the words well.
“Music Inspired by the Film Roma” is a must-listen for both film enthusiasts and music aficionados. I highly recommend streaming the music since it will take you to the film’s atmosphere and emotions, enhancing your listening experience.
You can stream it in high-quality Lossless in Apple Music, youtube music, Spotify and Amazon Music.
If you like this article, Read the review of the album FRIDA
