Songs that feel like Rushmore (1998)

The bittersweet, highly theatrical world of precocious teenage ambition, unrequited adult longing, and elaborate prep-school rebellion.

1. A Quick One, While He's Away by The Who: Captures the dramatic mini-opera ambition and swinging mod energy that fuel Max Fischer's theatrical productions.
2. Here Comes My Baby by Yusuf / Cat Stevens: Brings the bittersweet, upbeat melancholy of navigating early school days and puppy love.
3. Nothing Ever Happens by Del Amitri: Reflects the dramatic existential boredom and petty frustrations of life inside elite academic institutions.
4. Heroes And Villains by The Beach Boys: Mirrors the baroque, complex arrangement style and eccentric Americana of Wes Anderson's cinematic palette.
5. Suzanne by Leonard Cohen: Channels the heavy, poetic ache of falling hopelessly in love with an unattainable older woman.
6. The Way I Feel Inside by The Zombies: An exquisite, fragile a cappella expression of teenage emotional isolation and yearning.
7. I'm Not Like Everybody Else by The Kinks: The ultimate anthem for proud outsiders and ambitious teenagers who refuse to blend into the crowd.
8. Dedicated Follower Of Fashion by The Kinks: Pokes fun at elite social posturing and the absurd costumes people wear to impress others.
9. In the Country by Cliff Richard: Provides the buoyant, breezy pop innocence of British youth culture on film soundtracks.
10. She's About a Mover by Sir Douglas Quintet: Adds the crunchy Texas garage-rock swagger that grounds the film's distinct regional setting.