Album Review: ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ Soundtrack

Whatever you thought about the film, Fifty Shades of Grey, it being either too much or not enough for your taste, the soundtrack (Republic Records) is a chart-topping success and has already been dubbed one of the Best Albums of 2015. The compilation features Beyonce, Sia, Ellie Goulding and new comers, Laura Welsh, Vaults and Jessie Ware. The album came in at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart and is considered the largest sales debut for a soundtrack since 2009’s Michael Jackson’s This Is It.

Now that the soundtrack is out to please your ears and steam up your bedrooms, let All Access Music writer, Nicole DeRosa break down the individual songs and decide which one is most likely to score you some major sexy time!

16. Danny Elfman, “Ana and Christian”

Elfman is one of the most successful composers in Hollywood, having created some of the best known scores in recent film and television history. He wrote the theme tune to The Simpsons and has worked on almost every film made by Tim Burton. Elfman says that he wanted to work on Fifty Shades because it seemed to be an unclassifiable film when it came to genre, and because he was impressed by Sam Taylor-Johnson, the film’s director. Elfman does another spot on job with Fifty Shades as the perfect composer for such a film. 

15. Frank Sinatra, “Witchcraft“- 

“Witchcraft” is a popular song from 1957 composed by Cy Coleman with lyrics by Carolyn Leigh. It was released as a single by Frank Sinatra, and reached number twenty in the U.S., spending sixteen weeks on the charts. The song was subsequently recorded by Sinatra in May 1957. This song, along with The Rolling Stones was a well chosen and PERFECT fit for the film and the accompanying sweetly chosen scene.

14. The Rolling Stones, “Beast of Burden” 

“Beast of Burden” was featured on The Rolling Stones 1978 album Some Girls. The music and some lyrics were primarily written by Keith Richards.  Jagger says about the song, “Lyrically, this wasn’t particularly heartfelt in a personal way. It’s a soul begging song, an attitude song.” Once again, this track is the perfect fit for both the scene and the film as a whole.

13. Vaults, “One Last Night“

This is the kind of song that plays during a make out marathon with a lover who you are never going to see again. That’s not sexy, just plain tragic.  Needless to say, it’s not your go to for an uplifting or sexy song on the soundtrack, but a great song by a great new band nonetheless.

12. Laura Welsh, “Undiscovered“

This song by English singer, Laura Welsh is currently in constant rotation. I love everything about this song, including the vibe, the tone of Welsh’s lush voice and the swirly guitars and synths. I can’t get enough of this song and…Christian Grey. Wait, did I just say that last part out loud? I digress….

11. AWOLNATION, “I’m on Fire“

The AWOLNATION gentlemen do an absolutely brilliant job covering American rock artist Bruce Springsteen’s classic song making it an even more melodic masterpiece. The original song was released in 1985 and the fourth single from Springsteen’s album Born in the U.S.A. The story behind the song is that Springsteen started making up a slow tune on guitar for some lyrics he had, some of which had been written for “Spanish Eyes,” which would later surface on The Promise, and drummer Max Weinberg and keyboardist Roy Bittan, hearing it for the first time, created an accompaniment on the spot. The result was a moody number that merges a soft rockabilly beat, lyrics built around sexual tension, and synthesizers into an effective whole. Well done, AWOLNATION.

10. Danny Elfman, “Did That Hurt?“

Another gem by brilliant composer, Danny Elfman and the title is quite blush-worthy too!

9. Skylar Grey, “I Know You” 

A beautiful mid-tempo piano ballad with soaring strings and yearning lyrics. Its a song about convincing your lover to let go of the past and fully commit with lyrics that resemble things Anastasia Steele (Dakota Johnson) probably whispers longingly to Christian Grey (Jamie Dornan) when they aren’t exploring their kinky sides. Grey sings sweetly and achingly for her lover to fully commit, telling him “I know you, baby.” It’s as if they’ve been through it all before and she just wants to be in love without complications”.

8. Ellie Goulding, “Love Me Like You Do“

“Love Me like You Do” is a song recorded by English recording artist Ellie Goulding. The song was written by Max Martin, Savan Kotecha, Ilya Salmanzadeh, Ali Payami and Tove Lo, and produced by Martin and Payami. With her little-girl-lost voice, Goulding sounds sweet and sultry on this track. The song is the second single released from the soundtrack and a solid addition for sure. Basically, everything Ellie Goulding does and records is flawless and ‘Love Me Like You Do’ is no exception.

7. Sia, “Salted Wound” 

This song is going to may you cry. It is a tender and beautiful song song by Mrs. Goosebumps herself, Sia. Tears. Emotions. You have been warned.

6. The Weeknd, “Where You Belong“

Here is an “appe-teaser” if you will or a sample of the oh so steamy lyrics: “I’m in control, when you give me your body, yeah..I feel our souls burnin’ up when I’m, inside of you and I…I’ma leave a mark, just to remind you, where you belong, baby…Give me your all, scream as loud as you want. ‘Nuff said. This song has sexy points through the roof!

5. Jessie Ware, “Meet Me in the Middle“

With the soulful tinged and slinky guitar strums on this track, I think you will agree, this one will definitely put you and your lover, “in the mood”. Enjoy accordingly!

4. Beyonce, “Haunted” 

This will be the song that launches a thousand lip and love bites.

3. Beyonce, “Crazy in Love”

This  version of “Crazy in Love” features a slowed-down, woozy, sexed-up version of Crazy in Love. Major sexy points right here. Play this song for instant gratification.

2. The Weeknd, “Earned It“

Without a doubt, THE slinkiest, sexiest, badass song on the soundtrack. Basically, what Abel aka The Weeknd is saying here is “Girl, you EARNED IT and you most definitely DESERVE IT.” Do your lover and yourself a flavor (wink, wink) and play this song. Immediately. All day/all night.

1. Annie Lennox, “I Put a Spell on You” 

Ms. Annie Lennox works this song like no other. I am pretty torn here, but I am going to go out on a limb and say, step aside for a minute Beyonce, because this song which is also the opening track to the film, unleashes all the feels and emotions that only a goddess like Annie Lennox and her magical voice can do. This song will haunt you for days.