• Tongues Untied (1989) Soundtrack OST •

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Rating: 7.10/10 from 1800 votes

Tags: lgbt racism

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Synopsis

Tongues Untied is a film by Marlon Riggs, with assistance from other gay Black men, especially poet Essex Hemphill, that celebrates Black men loving Black men as a revolutionary act.

The film intercuts footage of Hemphill reciting his poetry, Riggs telling the story of his growing up, scenes of men in social intercourse and dance, and various comic riffs.

One of the highlights is a visit to the "Institute of Snap!thology," where men take lessons in how to snap their fingers: the sling snap, the point snap, the diva snap.

The film closes with obituaries for victims of AIDS and archival footage of the civil rights movement placed next to footage of Black men marching in a gay pride parade.

Download and play the Soundtrack list

Play	Title	Artist
	Tongues Untied
	Do You Wanna Funk?
	Black Is The Color Of My True Love's Hair	Nina Simone: Performer
	Lover Man	Billie Holiday: Performer
	The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face
	No Way Back
	Twist
	First Time Ever I Saw Your Face	Roberta Flack: Performer
	Do You Wanna Funk	Sylvester: Performer
	Come Out Tonight	Alex Langford: Writer
	Do What You Wanna Do	Steve Langley: Writer

User reviews

Matthew Walker

5/10

The soundtrack features a diverse range of musical styles and genres, reflecting the complexity and richness of the Black experience portrayed in the film.

Thomas Parker

6/10

The use of archival footage in conjunction with the music creates a sense of historical continuity and highlights the ongoing struggles and triumphs of Black LGBTQ+ individuals.

Charles Scott

5/10

The Institute of Snap!thology segment in the film is accompanied by a fun and catchy soundtrack that perfectly captures the playful and educational tone of the scene.

Emily Nelson

5/10

The soundtrack of Tongues Untied is a testament to the power of art and music in sparking social change and promoting self-expression and identity.

Kenneth Turner

2/10

I found the use of music in Tongues Untied to be distracting and at times overwhelming. Instead of complementing the visuals and narrative, the soundtrack often overshadowed the important messages being conveyed, making it difficult to fully engage with the film.

Joseph Rodriguez

5/10

Overall, the music in Tongues Untied serves as a powerful and evocative backdrop to the film's exploration of Black queer identity and the intersections of race, sexuality, and activism.

Betty Brown

8/10

The use of different musical styles and sounds in the soundtrack adds layers of complexity and richness to the storytelling. From poignant ballads to upbeat rhythms, each piece of music contributes to the overall impact of the film, making it a truly immersive and unforgettable viewing experience.

Margaret Smith

6/10

The music in Tongues Untied effectively conveys the sense of community and solidarity among Black men, celebrating their strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

Michael Young

9/10

The use of different musical styles and genres in the soundtrack adds layers of complexity and richness to the film, creating a dynamic and engaging sonic landscape that mirrors the diverse experiences and identities of the characters. From soulful ballads to energetic dance tracks, the soundtrack of Tongues Untied is a masterful blend of sound and storytelling that leaves a lasting impact on the viewer.

Thomas Hill

2/10

The soundtrack of Tongues Untied did not resonate with me due to its lack of cohesion and emotional depth. The music felt disjointed and failed to enhance the overall viewing experience, leaving me feeling disconnected from the powerful themes portrayed in the film.

James Parker

6/10

The incorporation of social intercourse and dance scenes in the soundtrack creates a dynamic and engaging listening experience that complements the visuals on screen.

Laura Miller

10/10

The soundtrack of Tongues Untied is a powerful and evocative reflection of the film's themes, capturing the raw emotions and struggles faced by Black gay men. The music perfectly complements the poetic and poignant storytelling, enhancing the viewing experience and creating a deep emotional connection with the audience.

Kimberly Thompson

6/10

The use of poetry in the soundtrack adds depth and emotion to the film, enhancing the storytelling and connecting with the audience on a personal level.

William King

6/10

The closing sequence of obituaries for AIDS victims paired with civil rights movement footage is haunting and poignant, and the soundtrack enhances the emotional impact of this juxtaposition.

Daniel Martin

8/10

The soundtrack of Tongues Untied perfectly captures the emotional depth and power of the film's exploration of Black men loving Black men. The music enhances the revolutionary message of the film, creating a deeply moving experience for the audience.