The Air Up There Soundtrack (

The Air Up There Soundtrack (1994) cover

Buy on Amazon Play and download Soundtracks

Rating: 5.60/10 from 9500 votes
Tags: athletic scout
Alternate Names:
Title in Español:

Una tribu en la cancha
Title in Italiano:

Che aria tira lassù?
Title in Português:

Guerra nas Alturas

Synopsis

Jimmy Dolan is a college basketball assistant coach who wants to find a new star for his team since he believes this will get him a promotion to head coach at the school. He sees a home video of a prospect named Saleh and travels to Kenya to recruit him.

Upon arriving in this country, Dolan finds himself confronted not only with the challenges of basketball but also with the challenges of adjusting to and learning how to live in the midst of a brand-new culture. Though Dolan is initially opposed by Saleh's father who is also the leader of the village, he later agrees to let his son play.

Dolan and Saleh both teach each other life lessons before they take the court for one final game with everything on the line. One of the most dramatic scenes in the film involves the instruction of Saleh by Dolan regarding the "Jimmy Dolan Shake and Bake."

Download and play the Soundtrack list

Play Title Artist
The Air Up There
WASHINGTON POST
ST. JOSEPH'S ALMA MATER
Brock Walsh: Writer
HIGHER & HIGHER
Gary Jackson: Writer
The Mint Juleps: Performer
Halawi Plays (David Newman)
David Newman: Performer
Watch Me Fly (Jimmy Cliff)
David Newman: Performer
Hamady Boiro (Yelle) (Baaba Maal)
David Newman: Performer
Agolo (Angelique Kidjo)
David Newman: Performer
Tana Kamina (Nkuku & Jopie Sisters)
David Newman: Performer
Higher & Higher, (Your Love Keeps Liftin' Me) (Jimmy Cliff, Soulda Pop)
David Newman: Performer
41 Seconds Left / The Winning Basket (David Newman & J. Peter Robinson)
David Newman: Performer
Chobolo (Spokes Mashiyane)
David Newman: Performer
Ukhulum' Izindaba (Mahlathini & Mahotella Queens)
David Newman: Performer
Nwahulwana (Orchestra Marrabenta Star De Mocambique)
David Newman: Performer
Watch Me Fly (Swahili Version) (Matthew Wilder & The African Air Ensemble)
David Newman: Performer

User reviews

Joseph King
10/10

The emotional depth of the score enhances the heartfelt moments of connection and growth between Dolan and Saleh, adding a layer of poignancy to their journey of mutual understanding and respect.

James Brown
9/10

The Air Up There's soundtrack perfectly captures the excitement and energy of the basketball scenes, making the audience feel like they're right there on the court with the characters.

Deborah King
7/10

The score effectively builds tension and excitement during the basketball scenes, amplifying the energy and intensity of the game sequences, making them even more exhilarating and impactful.

Karen Lopez
6/10

The score effectively conveys the themes of friendship, cultural exchange, and personal growth that are central to the story, adding layers of meaning to the on-screen action.

William Perez
9/10

The music beautifully reflects the cultural fusion portrayed in the film, blending traditional Kenyan sounds with modern rhythms to create a vibrant and engaging atmosphere.

Thomas Allen
6/10

The music in The Air Up There strikes a perfect balance between uplifting and introspective, mirroring the character development and relationships unfolding on screen.

Kimberly Hill
1/10

Furthermore, the lack of diversity in the music selection did not reflect the vibrant and diverse setting of Kenya where a significant part of the movie takes place. The soundtrack missed an opportunity to incorporate authentic African sounds and rhythms, which could have added a layer of authenticity and depth to the storytelling.

James Carter
5/10

The soundtrack of The Air Up There perfectly captures the blend of excitement and cultural immersion experienced by the characters throughout the film.

Mary Miller
6/10

Overall, the soundtrack of The Air Up There is a compelling and integral part of the film, enriching the viewing experience and leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

Daniel Parker
6/10

The soundtrack skillfully underscores the pivotal moments in the film, enhancing the tension and emotion of key scenes such as the final basketball game where everything is at stake.

Kimberly Lewis
6/10

The use of traditional instruments and vocals in the music helps transport the listener to the vibrant setting of Kenya, creating a rich audio backdrop for the narrative.

Karen Nelson
7/10

The use of traditional African instruments in the soundtrack adds authenticity and richness to the overall sound, immersing the audience in the vibrant world of Kenya and highlighting the importance of cultural diversity and understanding.

David Adams
7/10

Overall, the soundtrack of The Air Up There is not just a complement to the visuals, but a vital element that elevates the storytelling, making it a truly memorable and immersive cinematic experience.

Paul Davis
5/10

The music effectively conveys the emotional journey of Jimmy Dolan as he navigates the challenges of recruiting Saleh while also learning to appreciate and respect a different way of life.

Timothy Davis
7/10

The soundtrack of The Air Up There perfectly captures the adventurous spirit of the story, blending African rhythms with uplifting melodies to create a dynamic and engaging listening experience.

Edward Perez
3/10

The soundtrack for The Air Up There fell short in capturing the emotional depth and cultural richness of the story. The music felt generic and uninspired, failing to enhance the impactful moments of cultural exchange and personal growth.

Donald Anderson
8/10

The music enhances the emotional depth of the film, especially during key moments of cultural exchange and personal growth between the characters, adding layers of nuance and resonance to their interactions.

Steven Campbell
5/10

The African-inspired beats and melodies in the soundtrack add depth and authenticity to the story, enhancing the audience's connection to the characters and their experiences.