One of the most iconic queer love stories in cinema history is celebrating a major milestone. In honor of its 20th anniversary, Brokeback Mountain is receiving its first-ever vinyl release of the original motion picture soundtrack, bringing the sweeping score and emotionally rich songs that underscored the groundbreaking film into a long-awaited physical format.
Set for release on September 19 via Verve Forecast, the vinyl edition of the Brokeback Mountain soundtrack includes Academy Award®-winning compositions from Gustavo Santaolalla, as well as performances from legendary artists such as Willie Nelson, Rufus Wainwright, Teddy Thompson, Emmylou Harris, and Linda Ronstadt.
Fans will be able to choose from several exclusive color variants, including a striking “Blue Sky ‘Twist’” edition available only through the Verve Record Store. Each release will come housed in a deluxe gatefold jacket with a 16-page booklet featuring rare behind-the-scenes photos from the production of the Ang Lee-directed film.
A Soundtrack That Matches the Story’s Emotional Weight
When Brokeback Mountain premiered in 2005, it was more than just a film—it was a cultural lightning rod. Starring Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal as star-crossed cowboys Jack Twist and Ennis Del Mar, the film offered an unflinching, tender portrayal of queer love in a time and place where such a relationship was forbidden. The film went on to win three Oscars, including Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Original Score for Santaolalla’s haunting compositions.
The soundtrack’s blend of folk, country, and bluegrass creates an atmosphere that is both earthy and ethereal. Songs like Emmylou Harris’ “A Love That Will Never Grow Old” and Willie Nelson’s “He Was a Friend of Mine” amplify the film’s raw emotion, while tracks from artists like Rufus Wainwright and Steve Earle add texture to the story’s rugged Western setting.
A standout inclusion is Rufus Wainwright and Teddy Thompson’s dreamy duet of “King of the Road,” which offers a moment of levity in an otherwise emotionally weighty tracklist. Meanwhile, Mary McBride’s “No One’s Gonna Love You Like Me” and Jackie Greene’s “I Will Never Let You Go” reinforce the themes of yearning and loss that define the narrative.
Celebrating Queer Legacy in Mainstream Cinema
Brokeback Mountain has long been hailed as the film that shifted the perception of queer cinema in the mainstream. Released at a time when LGBTQ+ representation was still severely limited, the movie opened the floodgates for more complex, nuanced queer storytelling in Hollywood.
This re-release—alongside a limited theatrical return this past June—aims to remind audiences of the film’s lasting legacy, both in the queer community and beyond. At its core, Brokeback Mountain is a story of love and regret, of what could have been, and what was never allowed to be. And it’s the music that often carries those unspoken feelings where words fall short.
“The score is subtly evocative yet emotionally powerful,” the press release notes. That sentiment couldn’t be more true of Gustavo Santaolalla’s original compositions, particularly “The Wings,” which remains a gut-wrenching piece of cinematic music even two decades later.
Track Listing (Side A & B Highlights)
Side A includes:
- “Opening”
- “He Was A Friend Of Mine” – Willie Nelson
- “A Love That Will Never Grow Old” – Emmylou Harris
- “King of the Road” – Teddy Thompson & Rufus Wainwright
- “The Devil’s Right Hand” – Steve Earle
Side B features:
- “I Don’t Want To Say Goodbye” – Teddy Thompson
- “I Will Never Let You Go” – Jackie Greene
- “It’s So Easy” – Linda Ronstadt
- “The Maker Makes” – Rufus Wainwright
- “The Wings” – Gustavo Santaolalla
A Queer Milestone Revisited
As we reflect on two decades of Brokeback Mountain, this vinyl release isn’t just about music—it’s about honoring a pivotal moment in queer cinematic history. For LGBTQ+ audiences, it remains a painful, beautiful reminder of the way love has always existed, even when it wasn’t welcomed.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer discovering it for the first time, Brokeback Mountain (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) on vinyl offers a tangible piece of a timeless story.
Pre-order your copy now through Verve Forecast and rediscover the music that helped define a generation.
