The Lord of the Rings trilogy is generally viewed as a classic masterpiece of cinema for many reasons, a truly groundbreaking thing for a fantasy movie. Both fans and critics alike loved the movies, and there were many factors that made them great from costuming to set design to casting choices, and, of course, the music.
The trilogy had a beautiful, emotionally-resonant, and memorable soundtrack created by Howard Shore. There are many recognizable themes from each of the films, and overall, the soundtrack complements what’s going on in the story perfectly. But, there are definitely some standout tracks that are the best of the best.
“Isengard Unleashed”
While many of the beloved songs from the soundtrack are associated with the heroes, some of the most dramatic are more villainous. In contrast to many of the more natural-sounding songs, “Isengard Unleashed” brings elements of industry and metal to call to mind Saruman’s destruction of the natural world.
It’s a song that builds in power and uncertainty as it goes along, and it reflects the evil that Isengard has become.
“Gollum’s Song”
While some of the best Lord of the Rings songs are instrumental, there are a few that have lyrics and were sung by various artists. “Gollum’s Song” is a mournful, strange melody sung by Emiliana Torrini.
Her haunting voice is memorable, and the song is weird in a way that suits a character like Gollum. The lyrics also give a lot of insight into Smeagol/Gollum’s life and why he is to be both pitied and hated.
“Hope and Memory”
This track comes from The Return of the King, and it’s actually one of the shorter songs on any of the soundtracks at a little under two minutes long. However, the beginning lines of the song are probably recognizable to many fans. This song is a balance of many things because it is both hopeful and a little sad, and it speaks to the hope for the future of the West and Middle-Earth.
“The Bridge of Khazad-dûm”
This building and exciting track has elements of the Fellowship theme, as do many of the songs from this soundtrack, but it then adds a lot of danger to the score. The banging drums of Moria can be heard in the background, and the imposing danger of the orcs surrounding them as they try to escape is anxiety-inducing.
Then, this song contains the music to the epic fight between Gandalf and the Balrog that ends with the upsetting reality of Gandalf falling.
“Pippin’s Song”
This might be one of the most loved musical moments from any of the movies because it’s one of the few times where lyrics are sung on the screen instead of as the credits roll.
Pippin’s voice is resonant and resigned as he sings to Denethor. The juxtaposition of this Hobbit’s song and the hopeless battle of Faramir and his men facing the Ringwraiths makes this scene one that fans will never forget.
“The King of the Golden Hall”
While The Fellowship of the Ring introduces many of the main themes of the trilogy, a new and beautiful one is introduced in The Two Towers to represent the people of Rohan.
This regal but wistful tune is first played when Eowyn is shown on-screen standing outside of the Halls of Theoden and Edoras. It speaks to the royalty and power of this kingdom but also to the fact that they aren’t as mighty as they once were.
Fellowship Theme
This isn’t exactly just one track, but it plays for the first time partially when Sam and Frodo are leaving the Shire. But, the most notable moment where it all comes together happens when the Fellowship is leaving Rivendell on the track “The Ring Goes South.”
Here the theme is triumphant, adventurous, and hopeful. It’s a recognizable moment that fans love, and the way the score is set as each Fellowship member walks through the pass is just right.
“Into the West”
“Into the West” is another lyrical song, as opposed to instrumental, that plays during the credits. Each of the three films has their own song like this, and for The Return of the King, it’s a deep and emotional ballad about life, death, and the Grey Havens.
Sung by Annie Lennox, this song ties together many of the literary themes of the series in its lyrics in a stunning way.
“The Breaking of the Fellowship”
While all of the soundtracks for each individual film are really great, The Fellowship of the Ring might have been the best overall. It’s got some of the most memorable themes, and since it's’ the beginning, it establishes those musical motifs that are then carried throughout the movies.
“The Breaking of the Fellowship'' contains all the notes of the more triumphant version shown earlier on in the movie, but everything is turned on its head to become a bit tragic and mournful. Plus, the lyrics to “In Dreams,” which play at the end of the song, are perfect.
“Concerning Hobbits”
While there are many sad, exciting, and dramatic songs from The Lord of the Rings that fans love, one of the most well-known and best overall is something a little simpler. “Concerning Hobbits'' might be the most recognizable song from any of the movies, and it’s also one of the most upbeat and positive in sound.
It represents life in the Shire and is much more innocent and filled with joy. It bops along in a delightful way.