If You Loved The Great Gatsby (2013), You’ll Love These Tracks

In this fun tribute to the iconic film by Baz Luhrmann, Staff Writer Angelica Ng compiles culturally significant tracks from familiar artists.

Set in America’s Jazz Age, Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby (2013) chronicles the life of mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby. A member of the unfashionable nouveau riche, Gatsby throws riotous parties and spares no expense to pursue the beautiful Daisy Buchanan, a married socialite who comes from old money. Yet, Gatsby’s covetous efforts to join New York’s upper echelons result in tragedy, serving as a commentary on the elusive American Dream.

The film’s sumptuous visuals and brilliant acting are complemented by a soundtrack full of hits. Featuring a plethora of genres, from pensive ballads to flashy hip-hop tracks, the film’s music puts a modern spin on the jazz tunes of the Roaring ‘20s.

To expand the melodies of this enthralling film, here’s a list of songs that exude the same energy:

Art Deco by Lana Del Rey

“A little party never hurt no one, that's why it's alright / You want in but you just can't win / So you hang in the lights / You're so Art Deco, out on the floor / Shining like gun metal, cold and unsure”

With its name alone, this song immediately brings to mind The Great Gatsby — the track’s title alludes to the iconic Art Deco architectural style of the 1920s, which was heavily referenced by Luhrmann in creating the film’s visual splendour.

Throughout the track, echoing synths and Del Rey’s siren-like vocals reflect a dreamlike grandeur, bringing to mind the famous extravagance of Gatsby’s parties. Simultaneously, the lyrics juxtapose glamour and luxury with the concept of always “want(ing) more”. Evoking deep insecurities hidden behind a cavalier facade, the track is reminiscent of Gatsby’s ambitions and unrealised dreams.

Me and My Husband by Mitski

“Me and my husband / We're doing better / It's always been just him and me, together / So I bet all I have on that / Furrowed brow / And at least in this lifetime / We're sticking together”

Written from the perspective of a woman reliant on her husband, this song focuses on themes of loneliness and isolation. In an interview, Mitski shared that the “stereotype of the suburban, old-fashioned housewife” inspired this track. In her words, “this is my identity, so I’m going to hold onto it and I’m going to do this until I die…I am maintaining my position in this relationship. And it doesn’t matter if I’m happy.”

Similarly, in an unfulfilling marriage with Tom Buchanan, Daisy stays with her husband despite his numerous affairs and aggressive nature. She falls in love with Gatsby, yet eventually chooses a life with Tom, for the stability and security that he offers. Her life is reflected in this poignant song, which begins with an exhausted sigh. The lyrics then delve into the persona’s dogged loyalty and underlying disillusionment, contrasted with the song’s upbeat rhythm.

Back To Black by Amy Winehouse

“You went back to what you knew / So far removed from all that we went through / And I tread a troubled track / My odds are stacked / I'll go back to black”

This unmissable classic presents a pessimistic outlook on love, discussing a failed relationship and resulting periods of depression. Written after Winehouse’s partner left her for an ex-girlfriend, the harshness of heartbreak is evident in the song’s soulful sound. The composition’s minor key, complemented by Winehouse’s rich, yet haunting vocals and bitter lyrics, add a darkly emotional depth to the song.

Doomed relationships are a frequent theme in The Great Gatsby, but this song is perhaps best aligned to Myrtle’s story – this proud and tempestuous character is Tom Buchanan’s mistress from a much lower social class, whose life eventually ends in gruesome tragedy. In fact, the song is so fitting that Beyoncé even covered it for the film’s official soundtrack.

Sober II (Melodrama) by Lorde

“Lights are on and they've gone home, but who am I? / Oh, how fast the evening passes / Cleaning up the champagne glasses”

“They'll talk about us, all the lovers / How we kiss and kill each other, whoa / We told you this was melodrama / You wanted something that we offer”

A sequel to the song ‘Sober’ from the same album, this track evokes feelings of disenchantment in the aftermath of a chaotic party. “‘Sober II’ is sort of singing from the perspective of the deflated room,” Lorde explained in an interview. “There’s such a sadness to the lights being on after a party.”

The song begins with elegant strings, before segueing into heavier bass and rhythmic snare drums, reminiscent of hip-hop tracks on the film’s soundtrack by executive producer Jay-Z. The lyrics discuss themes of “glamour and trauma”, linking death and love to the concept of melodrama itself. Mirroring the tragic opulence of Gatsby’s life and times, the song reflects the sensational extravagance of the film, juxtaposed with its undercurrent of loneliness.

Young and Beautiful by Lana Del Rey

“I've seen the world, done it all, had my cake now / Diamonds, brilliant, and Bel Air now / Hot summer nights, mid-July / When you and I were forever wild”

And last but not least, no mention of The Great Gatsby’s music would be complete without a nod to the most famous song on its soundtrack. Bathed in dreamy nostalgia, the song’s lyrics reflect the lavishness of the characters’ lifestyles, disguising the underlying sense of hopelessness that pervades the film.

Majestic strings and piano melodies blend seamlessly with Del Rey’s characteristic crooning vocals, creating an enchantingly sombre piece — perfectly matched to a host of characters for whom true happiness is always just out of reach. The beauty of the track is elevated even further in its orchestral version, a collaboration with composer Dan Heath, for a cinematic listening experience that is nothing short of magical. 

Over 10 years after its release, this film still serves as a source of endless inspiration. Its dazzling visuals, multifaceted characters, and sharp social commentary make it a mesmerising adaptation of a beloved classic novel. So, put on your headphones, queue these tracks, and immerse yourself in the glitz and glamour of The Great Gatsby.