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The contenders for best
song Here's a look at some of
2008's notable film songs, from Bruce Springsteen to Mariah Carey.
Finding music worthy of an original song
nomination wasn't much of a challenge the last two years. As evidence, three
selections from "Enchanted" were nominated in 2008 and three from
"Dreamgirls" in 2007. But in early summer, the Academy of Motion
Picture Arts and Sciences altered the rules, allowing only two songs per film
to be nominated, thereby ensuring that voters will have to dig -- at least a
little. And that may be harder than it sounds. This year hasn't produced an
Eddie Vedder-penned soundtrack ("Into the Wild") or a bevy of light
pop tunes from singer-songwriter Sondre Lerche ("Dan in Real Life").
That's not to say some front-runners haven't emerged. Here's a look at some of
2008's notable film songs:
Mariah Carey's "Right to
Dream." In need of a guitarist for "Right to
Dream," Carey aimed high, going straight to country legend Willie Nelson.
Written for " Tennessee," in which Carey plays an aspiring singer,
"Right to Dream" is restrained elegance, with some light,
finger-picked guitar flourishes and a dash of late-night soul. "I was
humming different melodies while I was on the set and stuff," Carey says.
"I was just thinking that Willie Nelson would be somebody fabulous to
collaborate with. I reached out to him, and we met after one of his
concerts."
-- Todd Martens,
Los Angeles Times