Book Of Eli Soundtrack Song List Songs For The Coming Apocalypse

Denzel Washington movie's score, composed by Atticus Ross, but the actual songs that soundtracked the film, appearing in various scenes. The four songs on the "Book of Eli" soundtrack song list are the only songs to appear in the film outside of Atticus Ross' composed score, a whole work divided into snippets on the CD release. The songs on this "Book of Eli" soundtrack list are not compiled together for purchase in any form.

"How Can You Mend a Broken Heart."

Performed by Al Green in the version included in the "Book of Eli" soundtrack song list, this song was originally written by and performed by the Bee Gees. The Reverend Al puts his usual anguished soul spin on the song, turning a pining, harmony-laden pop song into a sweaty, torrid, gospel-influenced workout.

"Once Upon a Time in America."

This entry on the "Book of Eli" soundtrack song list is another piece of movie music appropriated for use in the new film. Composed by Ennio Morricone, this was originally the theme to Sergio Leone's film of the same name, a break from his trademark spaghetti westerns (also soundtracked by Morricone) and a foray into American mobster films. It is a strange choice for the "Book of Eli" soundtrack song list, because the film itself is an homage to the spaghetti westerns Leone did, so a theme from one of those, like "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly," might have been more appropriate.

"Greystone Chapel."

This song, performed by Johnny Cash, is the work of an inmate at Folsom Prison, and Cash performed the prisoner's song at his famous prison concerts there and at San Quentin. It is a haunting addition to the "Book of Eli" soundtrack song list, pretty much hinting that the film's post-apocalyptic world is in its entirety a prison.

"Ring My Bell."

Performed by Anita Ward, this song was written by Frederick Knight, and is the last of the four songs on this "Book of Eli" soundtrack song list. A hot disco and club hit in the late 1970s, it also became a hit when covered by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince in 1992.

- Travis Petersen