Cameron Crowe’s films are noted for using songs to heighten pivotal scenes, drawing on his background as a rock journalist. Four selections illustrate how well-chosen tracks can become inseparable from their cinematic moments.

– The Cars’ “Moving In Stereo” accompanies the famous poolside fantasy sequence in Fast Times at Ridgemont High, whose screenplay Crowe wrote.
– Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes” became iconic in Say Anything after Crowe abandoned an originally commissioned Smithereens song.
– Bruce Springsteen’s “Secret Garden” gained renewed radio success after Jerry Maguire used it and a dialogue-enhanced version was promoted.
– Elton John’s “Tiny Dancer” unites the conflicted band members in Almost Famous during a tour-bus singalong.