"A Star Is Born is" the soundtrack album for the 2018 musical film of the same name, featuring performances by its stars Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper. Released on October 5, 2018, by Interscope Records, the album was produced in collaboration with Gaga's frequent collaborator DJ White Shadow and a range of country musicians, including Lukas Nelson, who appears in the film.
The soundtrack is characterized as a pop and blues rock album, exploring themes of love and struggle. It achieved commercial success, topping charts in over 20 countries and selling more than six million copies worldwide by June 2019. The lead single "Shallow" was released on September 27, 2018, followed by "Always Remember Us This Way" and "I'll Never Love Again."
The album garnered seven Grammy Award nominations, winning Best Pop Duo/Group Performance and Best Song Written for Visual Media for "Shallow." It also won the Academy Award for Best Original Song and the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song, among other accolades.
In March 2015, Warner Bros. announced Bradley Cooper's intention to direct a new version of A Star Is Born. Lady Gaga was officially attached to the project in August 2016, and production began in early 2017. Cooper plays Jackson Maine, a country singer who discovers and falls in love with struggling singer-songwriter Ally, played by Gaga.
Cooper dedicated two and a half years to preparing for his role, working closely with musicians and vocal coach Roger Love. He described the evolution of his character's music as a hybrid influenced by various styles. The songs were recorded at Electric Lady Studios and other locations, with Cooper and Gaga writing throughout the filming process. The music became integral to the story, reflecting the characters' emotions and journeys.
Lukas Nelson was brought on as a music consultant after Cooper saw his performance at Desert Trip in 2016. The collaboration led to songwriting sessions that produced material for the film. Gaga also reunited with producer Mark Ronson and songwriter Hillary Lindsey for the soundtrack. Much of the album was recorded live on set, emphasizing authenticity.
The soundtrack incorporates elements of country, rock, folk rock, electropop, and dance-pop, with lyrics reflecting themes of change, love, and struggle. The music is described as timeless and emotional, resonating deeply with listeners.
