9. The Wizard of Oz – Somewhere over the rainbow
Something of a change of tack from 8 Mile’s urban trappings, Somewhere over the Rainbow may well be unbeatable for capturing that sense of aching and longing that feels so real but can prove so hard to quantify and explain.
When life isn’t going your way and you want to escape to somewhere better, somewhere happier, somewhere free of pain – Somewhere captures those feelings and gives voice to them, care of Judy Garland’s heart-breaking vocals. The Wizard of Oz is, of course, monumental amongst films in general and musicals in particular, with virtually every one of its numbers an undisputed classic. But whereas most of those numbers have to settle for “merely” being iconic, hugely enjoyable and irresistibly catchy, Somewhere goes further, grabbing our hearts and refusing to let go.
