Five best-selling movie soundtracks from the 1970s might shock you

No. 5 - The Rose 

A drama loosely based on Janis Joplin with Bette Midler making an impressive acting debut. Released in 1979 the story was of a rock star struggling with her success and Midler portrayed it very well. She picked up a Best Actress Golden Globe and a load of other nominations for her performance. 

The soundtrack was very much Midler-led, she sang on all the tracks bar an instrumental piece. Most of the soundtrack album was recorded live in concert and in character, which makes it even more impressive. The album sold over 2 million copies with the title track, “The Rose,” becoming a top 3 hit as a single. Listen out though for one of Midler’s own favourites, the bluesy "Stay With Me".

No. 4 - American Graffiti

This 1973 film is often cited as being one of the most profitable movies made. A tiny budget and a cast of young hopefuls combined magnificently under the supervision of Francis Ford Coppola and George Lucas to huge box office success. Those hopefuls included Ron Howard, Richard Dreyfuss, and Harrison Ford.

Set in 1962 California the music was integral to the movie and at times the actors interacted with it. The songs were all radio-friendly tunes of that era with The Big Bopper and The Beach Boys among those featured. However, that low-cost budget ruled out paying a hefty fee for the rights to anything from Elvis Presley. He may have been all across the airwaves at that time but didn't make the film. The album name tells of a packed song list anyway - 41 Original Hits from the Soundtrack of American Graffiti. With over 4 million copies sold, it was a very popular collection of songs.