American Hustle (soundtrack)

The American Hustle soundtrack is a compilation album featuring songs used in the 2013 David O. Russell film American Hustle. The album showcases a diverse range of music primarily from the 1970s, the era in which the film is set, and also includes some late 1960s tracks. The soundtrack aims to capture the atmosphere and mood of the film, reflecting the characters and their schemes.

Key artists featured on the soundtrack include: Elton John, Donna Summer, Led Zeppelin, Electric Light Orchestra (ELO), Bee Gees, and David Bowie. The selection of songs is crucial to establishing the film's time period and highlighting the flamboyant and often decadent lifestyle of the con artists portrayed in the film. Some songs are used diegetically, meaning they are heard by the characters within the film's narrative, while others are used non-diegetically, providing a backdrop or commentary to the events unfolding on screen.

The soundtrack was well-received by critics, who praised its effective use in enhancing the film's atmosphere and its careful curation of period-appropriate music. Commercially, the soundtrack performed strongly, contributing to the film's overall success. The use of well-known and recognizable tracks helped to connect the film with a wider audience and further immerse viewers in the world of American Hustle. The album serves as a notable example of how carefully chosen music can be integral to a film's storytelling and overall impact.