Providing the soundtrack to a porn movie is much easier than providing the soundtrack to a generation, which makes the Boogie Nights soundtrack all the more impressive. Instead of releasing an album pumped full of synth-drums and wah-wah guitars, Boogie Night's writer/director Paul Thomas Anderson decided to try and capture the radio soundtrack of Dirk Diggler's coming of age (so to speak).

The Emotions' "Best of My Love" has been unfairly bastardized by more popular covers from newer bands; if it wasn't for this song's in-store overplay, "Best of My Love" with its bouncing bass line and screaming vocals could easily be a hit today. "Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now," by McFadden and Whitehead, is another oft overlooked funkadelic delight. Melanie's "Brand New Key", which draws parallels between the key to the singer's heart and her roller skate lock, is an anthem for Heather Graham's Rollergirl character from the film. A sex machine on wheels, Rollergirl's vulnerability and accessibility are all echoed on the track.

While the Boogie Nights soundtrack may not have as many recognizable songs or artists in comparison to the ever- so- common alterna-targeted soundtracks the world has recently been faced with, it has a one-up on the competition purely on the strength of its heart and soul.

-Lang Whitaker