Based on Nicholas Sparks’ bestselling novel under the same name, A Walk to Remember is a 2002 romantic drama, is about Landon Carter, a rebel teen who gets in trouble for a dangerous practical joke. As punishment, he is obliged to engage in several school events, including the school play where he meets Jamie Sullivan, the pious and quiet daughter of a minister.
Jamie assists Landon in discovering his purpose, but reluctantly discloses a distressing truth—she is afflicted with leukemia. Having developed an affection for Jamie, Landon decides to ensure her last days are memorable, finally proposing to marry him. It is Jamie's faith and their love that profoundly change Landon, even after her untimely death.
Balancing dramatic music with the emotional story, the soundtrack of A Walk to Remember (2002) is a great complement to the movie.
Published on January 15, 2002, by Epic Records and Sony Music Soundtrax, the album features six tracks by lead actress Mandy Moore of the movie together with songs by musicians like Switchfoot and Rachael Lampa. The songs reflect the ideas of love, faith, and personal development the film investigates.
A Walk to Remember (2002) Soundtrack: Exploring the songs
Every song in the movie provides a close-up view of the songs highlighting the emotional pulse of the film. From Mandy Moore's calming voice to Switchfoot's indie rock intensity, every song enhances the moving events in the film. This is a closer view of the songs comprising this cherished soundtrack.
1) Dare You to Move by Switchfoot (4:09)
Starting the soundtrack with a strong message about overcoming obstacles and finding the bravery to change, Switchfoot's energetic song drives.
2) Cry by Mandy Moore (3:43)
Mandy Moore's Cry track reflects the poignant moments in the movie, capturing themes of heartbreak and hope.
3) Someday We'll Know (3:52)
Mandy Moore and Jonathan Foreman's "Someday We'll Know" (Switchfoot) portrays the questions regarding life and love.
4) Dancin' in the Moonlight (3:52)
This lively and feel-good cover of the King Harvest hit adds an upbeat vibe to this emotionally intense soundtrack.
5) Learning to Breathe by Switchfoot (4:36)
Another Switchfoot song, this introspective track reflects personal growth and self-awareness, aligning with the film’s theme.
6) Only Hope by Mandy Moore (3:53)
Mandy Moore covers Switchfoot’s Only Hope in this emotional ballad. This track shows Jamie Sullivan’s vulnerability and faith in love.
7) It's Gonna Be Love by Mandy Moore (3:51)
This romantic pop track from Mandy Moore shows feelings of new love focusing on the movie’s central relationship.
8) You by Switchfoot (4:14)
This reflective track by Switchfoot portrays the theme of faith and love in the film.
9) If You Believe by Rachael Lampa (3:49)
This inspirational song by Rachael Lampa emphasizes belief in oneself and perseverance wonder intensifies the optimistic message of the film.
10) No One by Cold (3:17)
A darker, more intense rock song that contrasts with the lighter tracks, representing moments of internal struggle in the movie.
11) So What Does It All Mean? by West, Gould, & Fitzgerald (3:00)
So What Does It All Mean? is a philosophical track from A Walk To Remember that brings contemplation to the soundtrack, and questions the purpose of life's challenges.
12) Mother, We Just Can't Get Enough by New Radicals (5:45)
Mother, We Just Can't Get Enough is an upbeat and catchy song that adds a burst of energy to the soundtrack.
13) Only Hope by Switchfoot (4:14)
This version of Only Hope adds a more raw, rock-infused rendition of the track featured prominently in the movie.
2003 Special expanded edition bonus tracks in A Walk To Remember
14) Cannonball by The Breeders (3:37)
A bonus track in the special edition, this alternative rock song adds a nostalgic touch to the soundtrack.
15) Friday on My Mind by Noogie (3:14)
Friday on My Mind is a special edition bonus track in A Walk To Remember that brings an upbeat rock vibe with its lively rhythm.
16) Empty Spaces by Fuel (3:26)
Fuel's alternative rock track adds emotional depth to the bonus content, focusing on feelings of loss and longing.
17) Cry (Music Video) by Mandy Moore (3:41)
A multimedia track in A Walk To Remember, adds an official music video for Mandy Moore's Cry, giving fans a visual treat to accompany the song.
The popularity of the film drove the soundtrack's re-release on October 21, 2003, as a special expanded edition with three extra tracks not included in the original release.
Moore's performance of Only Hope, which incorporates a conversation with her co-star Shane West, strengthens the link between the music and the story of A Walk To Remember. On the Billboard 200, the soundtrack started at number 181 and then peaked at number 56.
The movie is available to stream through Amazon Prime Video.