Exceptional soundtracks can make good movies great. They can also take on a life of their own, becoming a greater highlight than their respective films. In this series, I’m selecting some of my favorite soundtrack songs. While quite a few are well-known recordings, I’m also including a few that have flown under the radar over the years.

“Stay” might be the most recognized song of 1994. And that’s not just because of Lisa Loeb’s unique persona as a singer-songwriter. It’s also because actor Ethan Hawke knew he heard something special when he walked past Loeb’s door in their apartment building. If he hadn’t noticed the magic, the Reality Bites soundtrack would have a completely different feel.

Despite featuring several well-respected acts like U2, Dinosaur Jr., Lenny Kravitz and Squeeze, this soundtrack is nothing without “Stay”. It’s the lynchpin on the album, and the identity of the movie. It’s perhaps the first thing you think of when you think of the movie Reality Bites. “Stay” veered its way into our heads with tempo changes, vocal rants and the coy, yet unforgettable guitar riff.

“And I thought what I felt was simple. And I thought that I don't belong. And now that I am leaving, now I know that I did something wrong.”