[90s Western Films] Theme Songs & Insert Songs: Nostalgic Classics
One of the defining features of Western films in the 1990s was that, alongside the explosive success of major studio blockbusters, so-called mini-theater/arthouse films were also gaining popularity.
Whether it was a Hollywood blockbuster or an indie film beloved from a subcultural perspective, great music was always part of the package.
In this article, we focus on the theme songs and insert songs used in ’90s Western films, offering a varied lineup that ranges from smash hits crafted by legendary musicians to beloved classics from indie-scene artists with enduring appeal.
It’s also a helpful guide to understanding ’90s culture, so younger film and music fans should definitely check it out!
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[Western Films of the ’90s] Theme Songs & Insert Songs: Nostalgic Classics (1–10)
Born SlippyUnderworld
One hallmark of foreign film culture in the ’90s was not only the boom in Hollywood blockbusters but also the surge of films shown in so-called “mini-theaters,” often referred to as single-screen art-house cinemas.
These works frequently featured tracks by alternative and indie artists and bands, gaining significant popularity.
Among them, the 1996 British film Trainspotting stands out as one of the quintessential titles.
Depicting the reckless lifestyles of Scottish youths with shocking imagery, it became a legendary classic, leaving its mark on mini-theater history by running for eight consecutive weeks at Cinemarise in Shibuya, a theater that once led the mini-theater scene.
It’s also known as the breakout role for a then-unknown Ewan McGregor, and its soundtrack—featuring both veteran and contemporary artists—received high acclaim.
Notably, Born Slippy by Underworld, a seminal techno unit, which plays in the film’s final scene, became their breakthrough hit and a landmark track in the history of techno.
Interestingly, the version widely known from the film is actually Born Slippy Nuxx, the B-side to Born Slippy released in 1995.
Today, that version is effectively labeled as Born Slippy.
Miss MiseryElliott Smith
Directed by the masterful Gus Van Sant—who rose to prominence in independent cinema and continued to create masterpieces in Hollywood with his distinctive style—and featuring Matt Damon not only in a starring role but also as a co-writer during his pre-fame days, the 1997 film Good Will Hunting earned high acclaim, winning the Academy Award and Golden Globe for Best Screenplay, while co-star Robin Williams won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
The film’s theme song was Elliott Smith’s Miss Misery, by an artist who at the time was known only to those in the know.
It’s a superb pop song built around a characteristically beautiful melody and introspective lyrics rich with layered metaphors—its selection as a film theme also feels quintessentially ’90s.
Elliott Smith, who died young at 34 and is now revered by younger music fans as a legendary singer-songwriter, had previously been active in the band Heatmiser and released only two solo albums on indie labels.
It’s striking how keen Gus Van Sant’s aesthetic judgment was in personally asking Smith to contribute to the soundtrack.
The song helped raise Smith’s profile and led to his move to a major label.
Whether that ultimately made him happy is hard to say…
It Must Have Been LoveRoxette
When it comes to the classic romantic comedy Pretty Woman starring Richard Gere and Julia Roberts, many people might immediately think of the theme song Oh, Pretty Woman by Roy Orbison, which almost everyone has heard at least once.
The song I’m introducing today is It Must Have Been Love by the Swedish duo Roxette, which was featured in the film and became a massive hit.
The original version was actually released in 1987 as a Christmas song, but it was re-recorded for the movie, with the lyrics revised to remove the Christmas references.
For the duo, who were already popular in their home country of Sweden, this track became the catalyst for gaining worldwide recognition.
It topped the U.S.
charts, and in Japan it was released as a “tanzaku” single CD under the Japanese title Ai no Nukumori.
It’s a classic distinguished by its pleasant, soaring high notes, a melody that flows, and—though it’s a ballad—a powerful rhythm and a simple, memorable guitar phrase.
If you know the scene in the movie where this song plays, you’ll likely find yourself moved every time you hear it, as it instantly brings that moment back to mind.
Til I Hear It From YouGin Blossoms
A classic film that’s sure to resonate not only with those who frequented record shops in the 1990s, but also with younger generations in the 2020s who still love vinyl and head out to shops to buy it: Empire Records.
Released in 1995, it’s also known as one of the films Liv Tyler—daughter of Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and known for Armageddon, among others—appeared in during her teen years.
The performances by the actors playing the quirky staff and the festival-like, carefree storyline make it a joy to watch without sweating the small stuff.
Set in a record store, the film’s soundtrack is packed with a wealth of ’90s Western music.
Rather than big mainstream names, it features many indie/alternative and college rock artists and bands, making it a great recommendation for anyone who wants to dive deeper into the music scene of that era.
This time, let’s highlight the first track on the soundtrack: the Gin Blossoms’ classic “Till I Hear It From You.” Released in 1995, during a decade when hard-edged grunge and alternative rock were topping the charts, this song—with its bright, breezy guitar sound—became a hit as the soundtrack’s lead single.
The wistful arpeggiated guitar intro and aching melody are enough to stir a wave of nostalgia before you know it.
I Can See Clearly NowJimmy Cliff
In February 2022, to commemorate the Beijing Winter Olympics, the classic film Cool Runnings was broadcast on Nippon TV’s Friday Road Show, and it quickly became a hot topic on social media—something that still feels fresh in our memories.
Released in 1993, Cool Runnings is based on the true story of the Jamaican bobsled team.
With its comedic touch, it’s a film that blends laughs and tears and continues to enjoy enduring popularity.
Fittingly, given its Jamaican theme, the movie features many reggae tracks.
The summery reggae paired with snowy landscapes creates an apparently contrasting, yet surprisingly harmonious, vibe that’s a joy to watch.
The film’s theme song is I Can See Clearly Now by the legendary Jamaican reggae singer Jimmy Cliff.
The original version was written and released in 1972 by Johnny Nash, an American artist who made his mark as a reggae singer, and it’s cherished as a classic standard.
While the lyrics are open to various interpretations, in the context of the film—and thanks to Jimmy’s gentle vocals and the melody’s abundant positive vibes—let’s embrace it as a message to live with hope and keep looking forward.