Heavy Traffic (soundtrack)

The Heavy Traffic soundtrack is the accompanying musical album to Ralph Bakshi's 1973 animated film of the same name. The film, a gritty and controversial depiction of life in New York City, heavily incorporates various styles of popular music, and the soundtrack aims to capture that eclectic atmosphere.

The album is not a traditional score in the sense of original compositions created specifically for the film. Instead, it features a compilation of pre-existing recordings by various artists, reflecting the urban soundscape Bakshi sought to portray.

The music on the soundtrack spans a range of genres, including blues, rock and roll, jazz, and soul. Notable artists whose work is featured include Charles Mingus, Howlin' Wolf, and various lesser-known acts of the era. The selection of music often serves to underscore the film's themes of alienation, frustration, and the gritty realities of urban life.

Due to licensing issues and the nature of the compilation, the Heavy Traffic soundtrack has not always been readily available in its entirety. Different versions of the album have surfaced over the years, with varying track listings. This has contributed to some confusion regarding the definitive tracklist.

The soundtrack is regarded by some as a significant element of the film's overall impact, highlighting the cultural and social context of the story. It provides an auditory accompaniment to Bakshi's distinctive visual style and reinforces the film's themes of urban decay and social commentary. However, it's also important to note that the film uses a considerably larger array of music than is typically included on commercially released versions of the soundtrack album.