The 10 Best Songs on the 'Almost Famous' Soundtrack

There are some movies that just nail the soundtrack: Dirty Dancing (1987), Top Gun (1986), Pulp Fiction (1994) and the list goes on. For a movie about music, that centers around the rock and roll era of the 70s, the stakes were high — and luckily, Almost Famous delivered, with a number of iconic songs featured throughout the film.

Although not all of these songs are technically on the official soundtrack, the fact that they appear during pivotal moments throughout the film was enough for them to make this list. Keep reading to see our favorite songs off the Almost Famous soundtrack.

Best songs on the ‘Almost Famous’ soundtrack

10. “Feel Flows” by The Beach Boys

This Beach Boys tune plays when William and Penny first connect one-on-one. It can also be heard again at the very end of the film.

9. “Simple Man” by Lynyrd Skynyrd

It’s no surprise Lynyrd Skynyrd would be included amongst other rock and roll greats. The song appears during a conversation between Russell and William about William’s article

8. “Sparks” by The Who

And of course The Who made it into this film — how can you have a movie about rock and roll without them? This tune plays as William listens to their album Tommy for the first time, per his sister’s instructions, as he transitions from a child into a teenager.

7. “That’s the Way” by Led Zeppelin

Playing as Stillwater’s bus crashes through the gate, Led Zeppelin is quintessential 70s rock.

6. “River” by Joni Mitchell

This Joni Mitchell classic plays when William “introduces” Penny and Russell. Their chemistry in this scene is undeniable, and remains a favorite to look back on.

5. “Fever Dog” by Stillwater — ‘Almost Famous’ soundtrack

Performed by the fictional band, Stillwater, in the film, we hear this song performed by them when they take to the stage.

4. “America” by Simon & Garfunkel

This song plays as William’s sister, played by a young Zooey Deschanel, says goodbye to her suburban life to go out on her own. She leaves her younger brother with the famous sentiment: “One day, you’ll be cool,” followed by “Look under your bed. It’ll set you free.” What she leaves him is a collection of records that set him on a path to loving music.

3. “The Wind” by Cat Stevens — ‘Almost Famous’ soundtrack

This Cat Stevens song plays as a very free and peaceful looking Penny Lane dances by herself in an empty concert venue.

2. “Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters” by Elton John

A pretty heartbreaking scene in the film, this Elton John tune plays as Penny and Russell’s relationship takes its final hit, as she sees him sitting beside his girlfriend.

1. “Tiny Dancer” by Elton John — ‘Almost Famous’ soundtrack

If you’re anything like us, the scene in the film in which this Elton John classic plays changed you forever. One of the best music moments in movie, the band and their crew gradually join together in singing this famed song — It’s a scene that can be watched over and over and it will put a smile on our face every time.