Article by FMT / 5-minute read
Master the art of film/video game music composition with everything you need to know about creating impactful scores. Complete Collection Study Pack (Enter 25FMT at the checkout for instant 25% off)
When A Star is Born (2018) hit theaters, it wasn’t just the raw performances of Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper that left audiences in tears. The film’s soundtrack, a soul-stirring blend of rock, country, and pop, became a cultural phenomenon, topping charts and earning critical acclaim. Released by Interscope Records, the A Star is Born soundtrack, primarily composed and performed by Gaga and Cooper, with contributions from artists like Lukas Nelson and Jason Isbell, was integral to the film’s emotional depth. This article explores the music of A Star is Born, delving into its creation, its pivotal role in the film, and the legacy it left behind.
A Collaborative Effort
Directed by Bradley Cooper in his directorial debut, A Star is Born tells the story of Jackson Maine, a fading rock star, and Ally, an aspiring singer whose rise to fame tests their love. Cooper, who also co-wrote the screenplay, envisioned a soundtrack that felt authentic to the characters’ world. He enlisted Lady Gaga, whose real-life experience as a pop icon brought credibility to Ally’s journey. Gaga, in turn, pushed for live vocal performances, a rarity in film musicals, to capture raw emotion. “We sang live, every single take,” Gaga told Variety. The duo collaborated with a team of songwriters, including Mark Ronson, Hillary Lindsey, and Lukas Nelson, to craft songs that felt like they belonged in a gritty rock bar or a glittering stadium.
Authenticity Through Live Performance
To ensure the music resonated, Cooper trained extensively with vocal coach Roger Love and worked closely with Lukas Nelson, son of Willie Nelson, to nail Jackson’s weathered rock-star vibe. Gaga, meanwhile, stripped back her pop persona, delivering vocals that were raw and unguarded. The soundtrack’s production, overseen by Gaga and Cooper, blended genres—country for Jackson’s roots, pop for Ally’s ascent, and rock for their shared passion. Recorded in iconic venues like Glastonbury Festival and The Shrine Auditorium, the music feels alive, as if the audience is right there in the crowd.
The Music in A Star is Born
The A Star is Born soundtrack isn’t just a collection of songs—it’s the heartbeat of the film, driving the narrative and deepening the emotional stakes. Below are ten key tracks, each with a detailed look at their role in the film and trivia about their creation.
Black Eyes
In the Film: Black Eyes opens the film with a punch, playing as Jackson Maine takes the stage at a raucous concert. The gritty rock anthem, with its driving guitars and raw vocals, establishes Jackson’s troubled charisma. Shot at Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage, the scene immerses viewers in his world, with the song’s intensity mirroring his inner turmoil.
Trivia: Written by Bradley Cooper and Lukas Nelson, Black Eyes was performed live at Glastonbury in 2017, with Cooper singing in front of 80,000 people. Nelson’s band, Promise of the Real, provided the instrumentation, giving the track its authentic rock edge.
La Vie en Rose
In the Film: Ally’s performance of La Vie en Rose at a drag bar catches Jackson’s attention, sparking their connection. Gaga’s sultry, jazz-inflected rendition, sung in French, showcases Ally’s vocal prowess and vulnerability. The intimate setting and Gaga’s emotive delivery make this a pivotal moment, hinting at her star potential.
Trivia: Originally performed by Édith Piaf, La Vie en Rose was chosen by Gaga to reflect Ally’s artistic roots. Gaga performed the song live on set, a nod to her own early career playing in New York clubs.
Maybe It’s Time
In the Film: Jackson sings Maybe It’s Time in a quiet moment at a bar, his weathered voice carrying the weight of regret. The stripped-down country ballad, accompanied by a lone guitar, contrasts the film’s louder moments, offering a glimpse into Jackson’s soul as he bonds with Ally.
Trivia: Written by Jason Isbell, Maybe It’s Time became a fan favorite for its poignant lyrics. Isbell, a Grammy-winning songwriter, crafted the song to reflect Jackson’s struggle with fame and addiction, drawing from his own experiences.
Shallow
In the Film: Shallow is the film’s emotional centerpiece, performed by Jackson and Ally at a concert after he invites her onstage. The song begins as a tender duet, with Cooper’s gravelly vocals complementing Gaga’s soaring voice, before building to a euphoric climax as Ally takes the spotlight. The scene, shot live, captures their chemistry and Ally’s transformation into a star.
Trivia: Co-written by Gaga, Mark Ronson, Andrew Wyatt, and Anthony Rossomando, Shallow won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. Its iconic “Aah-aah-aah” hook was improvised by Gaga during a writing session, and the song topped charts worldwide.
Diggin’ My Grave
In the Film: Diggin’ My Grave plays during a lively bar scene where Jackson and Ally perform together, their chemistry electric. The bluesy rock track, with its infectious rhythm, underscores their playful romance, though its lyrics hint at the darker path ahead.
Trivia: Written by Paul Kennerley, Diggin’ My Grave features Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real. The song’s old-school vibe pays homage to classic rock duets, evoking the spirit of Johnny Cash and June Carter.
Always Remember Us This Way
In the Film: Ally performs Always Remember Us This Way at a solo concert, her voice soaring over a lush piano and strings arrangement. The song, a heartfelt ballad, reflects her love for Jackson even as their relationship frays. The scene marks Ally’s growing confidence as a performer.
Trivia: Co-written by Gaga, Natalie Hemby, Hillary Lindsey, and Lori McKenna, this track became a chart-topping hit. Its emotional resonance stems from Gaga’s real-life inspiration, drawing on her own experiences with love and loss.
Look What I Found
In the Film: Look What I Found plays as Ally records in the studio, showcasing her pop sensibilities. The upbeat, soulful track, with its jazzy piano and catchy melody, highlights her artistic evolution and growing independence, though Jackson’s absence in the scene hints at their drift.
Trivia: Written by Gaga, Mark Ronson, and others, Look What I Found channels Ally’s creative joy. The song’s retro vibe nods to Gaga’s love for classic soul, and its inclusion in the film’s narrative underscores her character’s transformation.
Critical and Commercial Success
The A Star is Born soundtrack was a juggernaut, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and selling over 6 million copies worldwide. It earned a 78/100 on Metacritic, with critics praising its authenticity and emotional range. Shallow alone won a Grammy, Golden Globe, and Oscar, cementing its place in music history. The soundtrack’s live performances, from Saturday Night Live to the Academy Awards, captivated audiences, with Gaga and Cooper’s chemistry undeniable.
Beyond its commercial success, the soundtrack resonated deeply with fans, sparking conversations about love, addiction, and mental health. Tracks like Shallow and I’ll Never Love Again became anthems for heartbreak and healing, covered by artists and performed at weddings worldwide. The soundtrack’s influence extended to the music industry, inspiring artists to embrace genre-blending and raw vocal performances. Posts on X called it “a masterpiece that hits you in the soul,” reflecting its enduring emotional pull.
The A Star is Born soundtrack remains a benchmark for film music, proving that songs can be more than plot devices—they can tell a story. Its success paved the way for Gaga’s continued exploration of acting and music, while Cooper’s directorial career flourished. The soundtrack’s songs are still staples on radio and streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, a testament to their timelessness. As fans await Gaga’s next cinematic venture, the A Star is Born soundtrack stands as a reminder of music’s power to move, heal, and inspire.
This post was brought to you in collaboration with our partner site Behind the Score. Discover the Harmony Secrets of Modern Film and Video Games.
Master the art of film music composition with everything you need to know about creating impactful scores. Complete Collection Study Pack (Enter 25FMT at the checkout for instant 25% off)
