The soundtrack for The Million Dollar Hotel is a rich and eclectic album, heavily influenced by the involvement of U2, particularly Bono, who played a significant role both in the film's conception and its music.
Directed by Wim Wenders, the movie centers around a group of misfits in a downtown Los Angeles hotel, and the music mirrors its melancholic and atmospheric tone. Bono co-wrote the story for the film and took an active part in shaping the soundtrack, blending U2's signature sound with experimental and atmospheric elements that match the film's offbeat and noir-esque narrative.
The album is not just a collection of songs but a concept-driven body of work that encapsulates the mood of the movie, balancing ethereal, dark tones with occasional bright, soulful melodies. It reflects the emotional landscape of the characters in the film, making it a vital component of the storytelling.
U2’s involvement goes beyond Bono's behind-the-scenes role. The album features three U2 tracks: "The Ground Beneath Her Feet," "Stateless," and a remix of "The First Time."
"The Ground Beneath Her Feet," co-written by Bono and Salman Rushdie (based on a passage from Rushdie’s novel of the same name), stands out as one of the emotional anchors of the film and soundtrack. This song merges U2’s signature style with an otherworldly feel, making it a poignant moment within the film’s score.
"Stateless" is another key contribution, a haunting, introspective track that blends ambient rock with a dreamlike quality, fitting well within the overall sonic landscape. The remixed version of "The First Time" takes on a more subdued, reflective tone compared to the original version on U2's 1993 Zooropa album, further adding to the contemplative, downbeat mood of the soundtrack.
The soundtrack also brought in an impressive array of other musicians who added their distinctive talents to the album. Daniel Lanois, a longtime U2 collaborator and renowned producer, was heavily involved, contributing to both the production and performance notably his slide guitar.
Brian Eno, another frequent U2 collaborator, also made contributions, bringing his ambient sensibilities to the soundtrack’s more experimental moments. The involvement of Jon Hassell, a jazz trumpeter known for blending world music with ambient and electronic influences, added to the album's unique fusion of sounds, enriching the sonic palette.
The Million Dollar Hotel Soundtrack Lyrics:
1. "The Ground Beneath Her Feet"2. "Never Let Me Go"
3. "Stateless"
4. "Satellite of Love"
5. "Falling at Your Feet"
6. "Tom Tom's Dream"
7. "The First Time"
8. "Bathtub"
9. "The First Time" (Reprise)
10. "Tom Tom's Room"
11. "Funny Face"
12. "Dancin' Shoes"
13. "Amsterdam Blue (Cortége)"
14. "Satellite of Love" (Reprise)
