The Notebook (2004)

The Notebook

• If you know me, then you know my love for The Notebook. But not only is the movie extremely touching, but the soundtrack is as well. There isn’t any singing done by the actors, but you can still feel their characters throughout each note of music. The main title and “Overture” are beautifully constructed by Aaron Zigman, as they set the whole feel of the movie, and the deeper message. One thing I really like about this soundtrack is how it doesn’t rely just on an original score to tell the story of two lovers. It mixes in several songs that were released in the same time period as the movie, which is nice. You get ones such as “Alabamy Home” and “Diga Diga Doo”. I also love the presence of swing in this soundtrack. You get plenty of Benny Goodman through the tracks “Always and Always” and “One O’Clock Jump”. I also love the use of “String of Pearls” by Glenn Miller. Glenn Miller is truly one of my inspirations, as he’s inspired me in so many ways. So, whenever his music is used, I truly enjoy it. The rest of the score is really well done, with some very powerful tracks, like “Allie Returns”, “Noah’s Journey”, and “One the Lake”. Like I said, Zigman is able to put beauty and emotion into each measure. Even without watching the movie, the soundtrack tells a story. You can feel the love connection that Noah and Allie have, which is why the music is so important. But the one track I want to point out is “I’ll Be Seeing You”. The first time you hear it in the film, it’s performed by Billie Holiday. It’s well done, but the one that pulls at my heartstrings is the version done by Jimmy Durante, which you hear towards the end. I remember the first time I heard it, and I quite literally teared up. The love and meaning in the song exemplifies the whole message of the movie, which is why it’s a perfect addition. It’s just so beautifully performed, and especially painful in the scene it was included in. Overall, this soundtrack is gorgeous, and though it’s not one I would listen to frequently, it’s still nice to hear every once in a while. I would very much recommend it to those who love romance/mushy music. This soundtrack is officially Berry Approved, so go listen to it now!