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The business of movie soundtracks has changed over the years. Many soundtracks are now created to sell themselves instead of complement and market the films they are paired with.

When a film gets it right, it can be magic: "Pulp Fiction," "Saturday Night Fever," "Rushmore," "Superfly," "Purple Rain," "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," "Shaft," "A Hard Day's Night," "Fantasia," "O Brother, Where Art Thou?," "Magnolia," "Good Will Hunting," "Trainspotting," "Garden State," "8 Mile" ...

We could go on, but the point is that finding the right mix of music is crucial — and for every film that comes close to getting it right, there are hundreds that don't.

A few directors have shown a great affinity for pairing strong soundtracks with their respective films — Quentin Tarantino, Sofia Coppola and Wes Anderson especially come to mind, but there are others out there waiting to be discovered.

Here are 10 soundtracks that were released this year that may not be perfect, but still managed to make a lasting impression.

1. Young@Heart Chorus — "Mostly Live"

• The film: In a word: inspiring. If the delightful "Young@Heart" film doesn't end up making it to many critics' top 10 lists for 2008, we'll be surprised. The story of a New England choir composed of lovable seniors in their 70s, 80s and 90s preparing for a concert featuring songs by Sonic Youth, The Clash, Radiohead, James Brown, Coldplay and The Ramones could have easily fallen flat. Instead of getting sappy and sentimental, the film takes the viewer to new heights with a story about the liberating power of music and living large in the face of death. Funny, heartbreaking, joyful, this is a film that takes viewers on a tear-jerking emotional roller-coaster ride they won't soon forget.
• In case you missed it: The DVD, with bonus features that include deleted scenes, was released on Sept. 16.
• The sound: The covers of songs from the likes of David Bowie, The Police, The Rolling Stones and others may not be the best singing you've ever heard, but the delivery has more heart and soul infused in it than the originals ever did. The 17-song album ends appropriately with an uplifting version of Allen Toussaint's "Yes We Can Can" (a hit for the Pointer Sisters).
• The spin: The "Mostly Live" CD that was available on a limited regional basis was picked up by Rhino for a national launch timed to the release of the documentary on DVD. It's music from a chorus dealing with various aches, pains and other discomforts that come with aging, knowing it's better than the alternative. If the cover of Coldplay's "Fix You" doesn't resonate like Johnny Cash's 2002 version of Nine Inch Nail's "Hurt" did, you're not really listening. Watching the film is key to fully appreciating this album in all of its nuanced glory.
• The grade: A

2. "RocknRolla" soundtrack

• The film: Although we haven't seen it yet, we do know a couple things: It's written and directed by Guy Richie ("Snatch," "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels"), who likes to write gritty, stylized, violent tales set in London usually involving crooks, mobsters, druggies and other such seedy characters that exist in the mysterious underbelly of the criminal underworld. It stars the totally dreamy Gerard Butler ("300," "Dear Frankie"). The film's trailer, which you can check out now at www.apple.com/trailers/wb/rocknrolla, looks so slick it's almost criminal.
• In case you missed it: You didn't. "RocknRolla" opens on Oct. 31 at theaters near and far. Although it has had inconsistent reviews (it opened in a limited number of theaters in major markets earlier in the month), we're still excited to see it for ourselves.
• The sound: Richie is one of those rare directors who puts together terrific soundtracks for his films that help to establish and enhance the mood and tone. "RocknRolla" is no exception. These are the kind of obscure, hard-edged tunes that you'd expect for a gritty, violent film that involves London high- and low-life criminals. "Rock and Roll Queen" by the Subways is highlighted in the film's trailer and in the film where the band is seen performing its hit in a scene filmed at a club.
• The spin: Highlights include a blazing cover of Bo Diddley's "I'm a Man" by Black Strobe that starts and ends the film, "Bank Robber" by The Clash, "Funnel of Love" by Wanda Jackson and "Such a Fool" by 22-20's. This is a soundtrack that can stand on its own. Our only real complaint: Do they really need to stick dialogue in between tracks? Can't it be included separately? It's nice that the album producers are including dialogue excerpts (many of which are explicit), but they're a pain to navigate around.
• The grade: A-

3. "Nick And Norah's Infinite Playlist" soundtrack

• The film: Based on the book by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan, this rom-com bills itself as a story of "two people thrust together for one hilarious, sleepless night of adventure in a world of mix tapes, late-night living and live, loud music." But I think Nick Rogers from Suite101.com summed up this film perfectly in the fewest words possible: " 'Before Sunrise' for the Stereogum set."
• In case you missed it: It's in theaters now, so you still have plenty of time to see this ode to New York, young love and the benefits of a killer music collection on the big screen.
• The sound: You don't need to have seen this film to love this indie soundtrack — it was the best part of the movie if you ask us. We're glad to see great bands and performers such as Devendra Banhart, The Dead 60's, Takka Takka, Band of Horses and other lesser-known alt-rockers getting some screentime. On the disappointing side, tracks like "Negative" by Project Jenny Project Jan; "Trust Your Stomach" by Marching Band; and "Electro-Socket Blues" by Rogue Wave are only included on the digital iTunes album version and not on the CD.
• The spin: Start to finish indie alt-rock. If you loved the soundtrack to "Juno" or "Garden State," then this one's for you. The music takes on an uncredited starring role. But at just shy of an hour in length and with only 15 tracks, it does scream for more music. There were a whopping 37 songs used for the film, so why skimp on the soundtrack? Also, Vampire Weekend fans are sure to be pleased with an exclusive new track, "Ottoman."
• Related: Co-author Cohn has a Web page that lists all the songs and artists mentioned in the book: www.randomhouse.com/teens/nickandnorah/NN_playlists/MusicMentioned.html
• The grade: B+

4. "American Teen" soundtrack

• The film: OMG! A documentary that follows five average high school seniors in Warsaw, Ind., feels like a real-world version of the "Breakfast Club" with a real prom queen, heartthrob, jock, rebel and geek.
• In case you missed it: Check out www.americanteenthemovie.com, and if your interest is piqued, look for it on DVD in stores on Dec. 2.
• The sound: Director Nanette Burnstein writes in the album's liner notes that while she was shooting "American Teen" she knew that music would play a major role in the movie. Throughout the year of filming, she would download music from the students in order to capture, "the emotions that these five seniors experienced through their final year of high school." What results is a mixed bag of modern indie rock with a few '70s tracks such as Cat Stevens' "Trouble" thrown in for good measure. Not surprisingly, the collection does have a "Nick and Norah" playlist feel to it, but the nice part is these were cherry-picked from the iPods of real, everyday kids who are music lovers.
• The spin: If you pine for the days of '80s and early '90s mix tapes, buy this album. It's a solid, refreshing collection of 15 tracks that you'd probably never think to pair together. If you have to choose just one, go with the most excellent "Dawn of the Dead" by Does It Offend You, Yeah?, which has been on repeat since I downloaded it to my iPod.
• The grade: B+

5. "Sex and the City" soundtrack Vol. 1 and 2

• The film: Carrie Bradshaw and her pals are still living large in New York. The HBO series made the jump from small to big screen earlier this year. Kids, commitment, marriage, Manolo Blahnik's and Manhattan are at the forefront of their minds in some form or another. The girls are back after six seasons on cable, and for those of us who are familiar with the antics of Miranda, Charlotte, Samantha and their ring leader, Carrie, that's all that needs to be said.
• In case you missed it: If you did miss it, you probably never had any intentions of seeing it in the first place. But in case you missed it and you do still want to see it, the DVD hit store shelves on Sept. 23 with an extended cut of the film, a "Fabulous Fashion of SATC" feature and more.
• The sound: You can't relegate something this fab to a single disc. The music here oozes big-city cool with tracks featuring heavy-handed house beats with an electronica bent. If you're looking for some party tracks for entertaining, mine material from these two discs. Every track isn't great, but the majority are keepers.
• The spin: Why didn't they package these two discs together? It's annoying that they need to be hunted down separately. We'd say if you're only going to go for one, you might look at Volume 2, which features songs by Ciara, Craig David, Amy Winehouse, Janet Jackson and Estelle. Fergie fans will want to check on Volume 1.
• The grade: Volume 1: B-; Volume 2: B+

6. "The Wackness" soundtrack

• The film: The film, set in New York City over the summer of 1994, tells the story of a teenage drug dealer who has worked out a deal with his psychiatrist to trade pot for therapy. When he falls for his doctor's daughter, things get a little more complicated.
• In case you missed it: You'll have to wait. You may have to wait a while. With a very small box-office gross (just more than $2 million), the studio isn't in any rush to get it on store shelves. The best we can tell, it will probably be sometime in early 2009.
• The sound: It's dope. Featuring hip-hop names such as Wu-Tang Clan, Nas, A Tribe Called Quest, KRS-One and more alongside rappers such as Notorious B.I.G., this is a truly fly collection.
• The spin: Falls on the short side with just 13 tracks that clock in at just 54 minutes. Too bad because there was plenty of room for more classic '90s hip-hop.
• The grade: B

7. "Mamma Mia!" soundtrack

• The film: Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan head up an all-star cast to bring the beloved musical "Mamma Mia!" to the big screen. Streep is a single mother who owns and runs a small hotel on a Greek island. Her daughter who is getting married invites three men from mom's past, one of which is her father. The name of the game? Figuring out who's who.
• In case you missed it: It's playing at the discount theaters in town and as best we can tell, the DVD is set to release toward the end of November.
• The sound: It's ABBA. Who can resist "Dancing Queen"? Not anyone we know ...
• The spin: This isn't the best singing you've ever heard — Brosnan, we're talking to you — so if you're looking for something smooth, this isn't the "Mamma Mia!" disc for you. Instead, check out the version from the original Broadway cast. But if you love ABBA and you love pop culture — and especially if you love Meryl Streep like we do — then this version should be a winner.
• The grade: B

8. "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" soundtrack

• The film: Guy meets girl. Guy dates girl. Guy eats cereal in a gigantic bowl. Guy loses girl to smarmy but likeable Brit. Guy goes on vacation and just happens to run into them at a secluded island paradise. Guy meets new girl and ... SPOILER ALERT!!! ... guy wisely moves on. Laughs, hilarity and some male frontal nudity are sprinkled throughout. Hollywood darling Judd Apatow ("Superbad," "Knocked Up," "40 Year Old Virgin") produces the very funny film that stars Jason Segel ("How I Met Your Mother"), who, multitalented man that he is, also wrote the script.
• In case you missed it: The raunchy, funny film has been out on DVD since Sept. 30. The unrated three-disc collector's edition comes with two versions of the film, more than 90 minutes of bonus features and a digital copy of the film that can be transferred to your iPod, Mac or PC.
• The sound: This soundtrack is more key to the plot of this film than other movies due to the fact that the main character is a broken-hearted musical composer who by day scores a television show and by night dreams of helming a rock opera about Dracula starring puppets. Seriously. This coupled with the fact that his girl is wooed away by the frontman for a rock band called Infant Sorrow means that several of the tracks on the album were created solely with the movie in mind.
• The spin: A quirky collection of 16 tracks that clocks in at just longer than 52 minutes. Anytime you can include Hawaiian covers of "More Than Words" and "These Boots Are Made for Walking" alongside tracks by a fake band called Infant Sorrow with great shoegazer music by Belle & Sebastian and The Bird & The Bee is all right by us.
• The grade: B

9. "Son of Rambow" soundtrack

• The film: A funny, sweet and sometimes dark comedy about two boys growing up in the 1980s in Britain at the beginning of the video age. A pirated copy of "Rambo: First Blood" serves as inspiration to create an action film — "Son of Rambow."
• In case you missed it: It was released over the summer on DVD.
• The sound: The first half of the 21-track soundtrack is home to 10 rad tracks from the '80s that should hold a place in every modern music aficionado's iPod collection. Classics by The Cure, Siouxsie & the Banshees, Nu Shooz, Duran Duran, Blondie, Human League and more. The second half is the original film score by UK composer Joby Talbot. Eccentric enough to have been used in a Tim Burton film and inventive enough to help infuse the film with exactly what it needed from its original score, both sides prove to be very listenable and enjoyable in very different ways.
• The spin: The disc has two very distinct personalities, so it just depends on your mood. One is probably better to party to and one is probably better to study to.
• The grade: B

10. "Pineapple Express" soundtrack

• The film: This is a stoner action flick that plays homage to action scenes shot in the '80s. It's Cheech and Chong for a new generation mixed with some seriously graphic violence. Stoner (Seth Rogen) gets high. Stoner buys a new strain of pot from his equally stony dealer (James Franco) called Pineapple Express. Stoner witnesses a murder by a drug lord and a crooked cop who are now hot on his trail and his dealer's, thanks to some Pineapple Express evidence left at the scene. If you're thinking this can only end badly, you're right.
• In case you missed it: You'll have to wait. It's not in local theaters now, but we're guessing a DVD release will happen in time for holiday gift giving.
• The sound: Stoners from the late '80s and early '90s rejoice: this album's for you. It's a trip back in time with classic tracks such as "Dr. Greenthumb" by Cypress Hill, "Lost at Birth" by Public Enemy, "Poison" by Bel Biv Devoe, "Electric Avenue" by Eddy Grant, "Tha Crossroads" by Bone Thugs-N-Harmony and "Woke Up Laughing" by Robert Palmer. The title track by Huey Lewis and the News that was recorded for the film sounds like vintage "Power of Love"-era despite being new.
• The spin: Missing is "Paper Planes" by M.I.A., which was used to promote the film in trailers and on the film's official Web site (www.ridetheexpress.com) but not used in the movie itself. Still, it deserved to be on the album for all of the marketing it was involved in. The album itself is all over the place in genre and sound style, but it's still a fun listen with an eclectic iPod shuffle feel to it.
• The grade: B-

HONORABLE MENTION:

Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog

• The film: This is not technically a film, so it didn't make it to the list, but the soundtrack to Joss Whedon's ("Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "Firefly") Internet-only musical is inspired and available on iTunes. The story is of Dr. Horrible, his nemesis Captain Hammer and their mutual love interest Penny. The film can be viewed for free by going to www.drhorrible.com.
• The grade: A

Did you know?

The best-selling soundtrack of all time is "The Bodyguard." Yes, the soundtrack featuring six songs from Whitney Houston — who also starred in the film — is the highest grossing soundtrack of all time with shipments of 17 million units in the U.S. alone — a record that even Celine Dion's work on "Titanic" couldn't sink.

What are your favorite movie soundtracks of all time?