One Day (2011) Soundtrack: Every Song
One Day (2011) Soundtrack: Every Song & When It Plays in the movie
Based on the 2009 novel by David Nicholls, One Day follows the lives of Emma Morley (Anne Hathaway) and Dexter Mayhew (Jim Sturgess) after they spend the night together following their university graduation on July 15th, 1988. Over the next two decades, the film checks in on them on that exact same date each year, charting the complex evolution of their deep connection as they navigate career successes, personal failures, heartbreak, and other relationships. Through years of laughter, arguments, and missed opportunities, they slowly realize that the profound love and fulfillment they have been searching for was right in front of them all along.
The soundtrack for Lone Scherfig’s 2011 romantic drama One Day acts as a musical time capsule, charting the twenty-year relationship between Emma (Anne Hathaway) and Dexter (Jim Sturgess). Starting in 1988, the song selection evolves alongside the characters, moving from Tracy Chapman’s folk-pop anthem 'Talkin' Bout a Revolution' at their graduation night to Tears for Fears’ late-80s hit 'Sowing the Seeds of Love' as they start their post-college lives.
Each year on July 15th, the film captures key chapters of their connection, defined by the popular sounds of the era. The tracklist includes 90s hits like Corona’s dance classic 'Rhythm of the Night' playing during Dexter’s drunken phone call, and Del Amitri’s 'Roll to Me.' The emotional weight of the wedding reception scene is carried by Fatboy Slim’s 'Praise You' and Elvis Costello's 'Tear Off Your Own Head (It's a Doll Revolution)' as the two escape to the rooftop.
Soundtrack & Songs List
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Talkin' Bout a Revolution
Tracy Chapman
Scene Context: Emma places the first song on the record player; Dexter awaits her in bed.
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Scene Context: In 1989, they're moving furniture.
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Cielito Lindo
Quirino Mendoza
Scene Context: In 1990, Emma was employed as a staff member at a Mexican restaurant.
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Scene Context: Dexter lies in bed wearing headphones and listening to music while teasing Emma.
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Joy
François Feldman
Scene Context: Emma and Dexter are at a bar where she informs him that he once had a crush on her.
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Scene Context: Dexter drunkenly calls Emma from a club while a song is playing.
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Scene Context: Dexter displays the content on the television to his mother.
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Roll to Me
Del Amitri
Scene Context: In 1995, Emma awakens at Ian's residence.
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Step It Up
Stereo MC's
Scene Context: Dexter films his show; his father enters the filming location.
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Reverend Black Grape
Scene Context: Dexter exits onto the stage to begin filming his live show.
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The Gift
Way Out West
Scene Context: Emma encounters Dexter at a bar for their first meeting in several months.
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Aftermath
Scene Context: Emma and Dexter are seated at a booth in a bar, discussing their lives. The conversation ends abruptly when Emma becomes upset and leaves the bar angrily.
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Scene Context: The first musical performance begins at the wedding reception.
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Life Is A Rollercoaster
Ronan Keating
Scene Context: Dexter consumes alcohol alongside his friend while observing Emma during the second song at the wedding reception.
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Tear Off Your Own Head (It's a Doll Revolution)
Scene Context: Emma and Dexter ascend to the rooftop during the wedding. The song continues to play in the background.
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Don't Stop Movin'
S Club
Scene Context: Dexter cares for his child alone while his wife attends a bachelorette party. He briefly engages in dancing during the event.
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Sparkling Day
Scene Context: The first song plays as the end credits begin.
One Day (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
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Roll to Me
Del Amitri
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Aftermath (Hip Hop Blues)
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Reverend Black Grape
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Praise You (One Day OST Version)
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The Rhythm of the Night
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Angels
Robbie Williams
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Life Is a Rollercoaster
Ronan Keating
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Joy
François Feldman
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Tear Off Your Own Head (It's a Doll Revolution)
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One Day Main Titles
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Wedding Chorus
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July 15Th
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We Had Today
The movie's acoustic and nostalgic elements are grounded by Rachel Portman’s Oscar-nominated style, featuring instrumental score highlights like 'July 15th' and 'We Had Today.' The contemporary compilation also features trip-hop beats from Tricky’s 'Aftermath' during their dramatic bar argument, and ends with Elvis Costello’s custom-written track 'Sparkling Day' playing over the closing credits.
Main Cast
- Anne Hathaway Emma Morley
- Jim Sturgess Dexter Mayhew
- Tom Mison Callum O'Neill
- Jodie Whittaker Tilly Shaw
- Rafe Spall Ian Whitehead
- Patricia Clarkson Alison Mayhew
- Ken Stott Stephen Mayhew
- Romola Garai Sylvie Cope
- Matt Berry Aaron
- Toby Regbo Samuel Cope
Official Trailer
Music Team
Soundtrack Crossovers
Complete Soundtrack List - All Songs Played in the Movie
| Song Title | Artist | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Talkin' Bout a Revolution | Tracy Chapman | Song |
| Sowing The Seeds Of Love | Tears for Fears | Song |
| Cielito Lindo | Quirino Mendoza | Song |
| Born of Frustration | James | Song |
| Joy | François Feldman | Song |
| Rhythm of the Night | Corona | Song |
| Rocks | Primal Scream | Song |
| Roll to Me | Del Amitri | Song |
| Step It Up | Stereo MC's | Song |
| Reverend Black Grape | Black Grape | Song |
| The Gift | Way Out West | Song |
| Aftermath | Tricky | Song |
| Praise You | Fatboy Slim | Song |
| Life Is A Rollercoaster | Ronan Keating | Song |
| Tear Off Your Own Head (It's a Doll Revolution) | Elvis Costello | Song |
| Don't Stop Movin' | S Club | Song |
| Sparkling Day | Elvis Costello | Song |
| Roll to Me | Del Amitri | Score |
| Aftermath (Hip Hop Blues) | Tricky | Score |
| Reverend Black Grape | Black Grape | Score |
| Born of Frustration | James | Score |
| Rocks | Primal Scream | Score |
| Praise You (One Day OST Version) | Fatboy Slim | Score |
| The Rhythm of the Night | Corona | Score |
| Angels | Robbie Williams | Score |
| Life Is a Rollercoaster | Ronan Keating | Score |
| Sowing the Seeds of Love | Tears for Fears | Score |
| Joy | François Feldman | Score |
| Tear Off Your Own Head (It's a Doll Revolution) | Elvis Costello | Score |
| One Day Main Titles | Rachel Portman | Score |
| Wedding Chorus | Rachel Portman | Score |
| July 15Th | Rachel Portman | Score |
| We Had Today | Rachel Portman | Score |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who composed the music for One Day?
The score for One Day was composed by Rachel Portman.
How many songs are in the soundtrack for One Day?
There are 33 songs featured in the soundtrack for One Day. SeekerTune lists all of them with detailed scene descriptions.
What are the genres of One Day?
The main genres for One Day include Drama, Romance.