Lost in Translation (soundtrack)

The Lost in Translation soundtrack is an album of music compiled for and featured in Sofia Coppola's 2003 film, Lost in Translation. It was released on September 9, 2003, by Emperor Norton Records. The soundtrack is notable for its eclectic mix of genres, including shoegaze, dream pop, electronic, and ambient music, which contributes significantly to the film's melancholic and introspective atmosphere.

The soundtrack includes original compositions created specifically for the film, as well as pre-existing tracks that Coppola carefully selected. Artists featured on the album include My Bloody Valentine, Air, Squarepusher, Death in Vegas, Sebastien Tellier, and The Jesus and Mary Chain. The song "Sometimes" by My Bloody Valentine, in particular, is widely recognized for its iconic usage during a pivotal scene in the film.

The music choices are integral to the film's narrative, reflecting the characters' feelings of alienation, loneliness, and cultural displacement in a foreign environment. The soundtrack's success contributed to the film's overall critical acclaim and cult following. It also boosted the popularity of several of the featured artists and helped introduce new audiences to genres like shoegaze. The soundtrack was commercially successful, solidifying its place as a significant element of the film's legacy.