Tuesday, BBC1, 10:40pm
When A Star is Born made its grand reappearance in 2018, helmed by Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga, few could have predicted the sheer magnitude of its impact—not just as a film, but as a bona fide musical phenomenon. This version, the fourth iteration of Hollywood’s favourite tale of fame and heartbreak, delivers a well-worn plot: a rising talent (Gaga’s Ally) finds her voice while her mentor (Cooper’s Jackson Maine) battles his inner demons, and spoiler alert: it doesn't end well for Jackson. But what sets this remake apart is its extraordinary musical spine, which pulses with genuine emotion and star power.
Now, let’s talk about the soundtrack, which is—let's be honest—what you're really here for. With Lady Gaga at the vocal helm, you get a soaring collection of pop ballads, rock-infused tracks, and stripped-down piano moments. The highlight, of course, is the earth-shattering "Shallow," a song so ubiquitous that it became a cultural touchstone (and a karaoke nightmare for anyone attempting that high note). Composed by Gaga alongside industry stalwarts like Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt, "Shallow" dominates with its raw intensity and chemistry between the two leads. But it's not just "Shallow." Tracks like "Always Remember Us This Way" and the unexpectedly rock-driven "Black Eyes" (performed by Cooper himself, surprisingly well) round out a soundtrack that’s as much an emotional rollercoaster as the film.
For collectors, this soundtrack is pure gold, with multiple editions floating about. There’s the digital deluxe version (a must if you're into bonus tracks and extended musical cues), as well as vinyl releases in various shades of pretentious splendor. Critics and audiences alike were swept off their feet, and rightly so—the album won the Grammy for Best Compilation Soundtrack, and "Shallow" took home the Oscar for Best Original Song. All in all, A Star is Born doesn’t just resurrect the story; it rewrites the rulebook for what a movie musical can do when you pair raw, emotional performances with impeccable songwriting.
Paul Allen