Description
Original Motion Picture Soundtrack – Pretty Women – Vinyl Record
The original motion picture soundtrack for Pretty Woman, released in 1990, is a quintessential example of how a film’s music can both define and enhance its cultural legacy. Compiling a blend of pop, rock, and soul tracks, the soundtrack not only reflects the glamorous, feel-good energy of the film but also became a massive commercial success in its own right. Tied to the iconic romantic comedy directed by Garry Marshall and starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, the soundtrack captures the emotional arc of the story—a modern Cinderella tale set in Los Angeles—and helped cement the film’s place as a beloved classic of the era.
At the heart of the soundtrack is Roy Orbison’s 1964 hit “Oh, Pretty Woman”, from which the film takes its name. The song—already a pop standard—saw a major resurgence thanks to the movie’s release. Orbison’s track plays during a pivotal montage and sets the tone for the film’s blend of charm, wit, and emotional sincerity. It also helps underscore the film’s juxtaposition of class divides, as the upbeat, strutting rhythm plays over scenes of Julia Roberts’ character transforming from street-smart sex worker to high-society companion.
The soundtrack is best known for its standout hit, “It Must Have Been Love” by Roxette. Originally released in 1987, the song was reworked and re-released for the Pretty Woman soundtrack and became a global smash, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its melancholic yet powerful melody perfectly complements the film’s emotional peaks, especially during the scenes of romantic separation and reunion. It remains one of the most enduring pop ballads of the ’90s and is almost inseparable from the film in the public imagination.
Other notable tracks include Natalie Cole’s “Wild Women Do”, which opens the film with an empowering blast of energy, reflecting the vibrant, independent spirit of Roberts’ character, Vivian Ward. Go West’s “King of Wishful Thinking” also became a radio hit, with its glossy production and optimistic tone echoing the film’s redemptive, fairy-tale-like arc. These songs exemplify the slick, upbeat sound of late-’80s and early-’90s pop-rock, contributing to the soundtrack’s sense of time and place.
The soundtrack also dips into funk and soul, including Robert Palmer’s “Life in Detail” and Peter Cetera’s “No Explanation”, both of which add emotional texture and help elevate the film’s romantic and introspective moments. There’s a deliberate balance between upbeat tracks and sentimental ballads, which mirrors the movie’s shift between comedy and drama.
The Pretty Woman soundtrack was a huge success, certified multi-platinum, and helped revive interest in the soundtrack format as a standalone listening experience during the 1990s. It benefited from the film’s box office success but also stood on its own due to its hit-filled lineup. The combination of classic tracks, contemporary pop hits, and cinematic cues helped create a listening experience that was both nostalgic and immediate.
The Pretty Woman soundtrack is a time capsule of early ’90s mainstream pop culture. It reflects a moment when movie soundtracks were not only companion pieces but also major music industry events. Much like the film, the soundtrack is a mix of polish and sincerity—glamorous but emotionally grounded, flashy but filled with heart. For fans of romantic comedies, pop history, or simply well-crafted soundtracks that elevate the movies they accompany, Pretty Woman remains one of the defining examples of the form.
Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Natalie Cole – Wild Woman Do
David Bowie – Fame 90
Go West – King Of Wishful Thinking
Jane Wiedlin – Tangled
Roxette – It Must Have Been Love
Robert Palmer – Life In Detail
Peter Cetera – No Explanation
Christopher Otcasek – Real Wild Child (Wild One)
Lauren Wood – Fallen
Roy Orbison – Oh Pretty Woman
Red Hot Chili Peppers – Show Me Your Soul
