The Cinema Lover's Workday Soundtrack (hour by hour)

If, like me, you spend most of your days with your headphones firmly attached to your head (whether to drown out commuters / drills / bad chart music etc.), you're probably quite selective in how your music choices shape your day. With that in mind, I've put together a suggested soundtrack for the typical office worker, based entirely on film scores! Let's jump out of bed and get started (warning: as is usual from me, there is plenty of Disney and Pixar to be found)...

7:00AM 

What's going on:

Music choice: The Lion King 

Who wouldn't rise out of bed like a lion to the majestic sounds of "NANTS INGONYAMA BAGITHI BABA!!" and accompanying African drums? Make sure to only select the Hans Zimmer parts of the soundtrack though, not the character led songs (unless you want your morning ruined by the ironically named "Morning Report").

8:00AM 

What's going on: 

Music choice: Monsters Inc / A Bug's Life / Toy Story 

Find a spring in your step with one of Randy Newman's rousing title scores. These are guaranteed to give you a sense of purpose as you power through train stations and tick off your mental to-do list (effects may be boosted by a coffee and/or pastry based snack). 

9:00AM 

What's going on:

Music choice: A Superhero soundtrack

This is the first half hour at your desk, so you'll need something urgent and awesome to power you through. Feel like every email is a life or death situation, with a kick-ass superhero soundtrack. I would recommend Tim Burton's deliciously dark Batman score, or perhaps the sleekness of the original Iron Man soundtrack. Whichever superhero you envision yourself as, pick a score to match!

9:30 - 1PM 

What's going on:

Music choice: Chocolat / The Imitation Game / Lion

Depending on your mood, the weather, and whether you had that 'on the way to work' coffee, you can select from these soundtracks. I've picked Chocolat for when you need a gentle morning 'pick me up', The Imitation Game for when you have to tackle hard intellectual problems (which you clearly do first thing, right?) and Lion for when you're just in the flow and want to envelop yourself with beautiful music.

1 - 2PM 

What's going on:

Music choice: (500) Days of Summer

You've been working super hard all morning, so it's time to treat yourself to... some lyrics! It's important to have a proper break at lunchtime, so take yourself on a walk, meet a friend or play a game of cards with the wonderfully inoffensive and timeless indie soundtrack that is (500) Days of Summer: Feist, The Smiths and Hall & Oates? There's something for everyone. Can be substituted with the original Shrek soundtrack if it's a Friday and you're feeling fruity.

2PM - 4PM 

What's going on:

Music choice: Anything John Williams (E.T, Star Wars, Indiana Jones etc)

We're back to wordless tunes to keep you focussed in the afternoon, but that doesn't mean you can't treat yourself. Bask in the guaranteed epic-ness of a John Williams soundtrack, be it Jurassic Park, Harry Potter, Star Wars, E.T, Indiana Jones or many, MANY more. There are enough nostalgic soaring violins and timpani to see you right through the afternoon slump and out the other side.

5PM 

What's going on:

Music choice: Dreamgirls / Pitch Perfect

You're leaving work after a pretty friggin productive day. Get your sass on with a musical soundtrack! I've picked Dreamgirls for a bit of Mo Town / soul flavour, or Pitch Perfect if you're ready to serenade your fellow passengers on the train. Other musicals would also work, but please, PLEASE: no Les Miserables right now. There's a time and a place.

6PM 

What's going on:

Music choice: Sing Street / Guardians of the Galaxy Awesome Mix

You've just got back from work, so it's probably time to have a quick chill out (Simpsons fans, I'm with ya) and then... get some dins on! If you're anything like me, eating is a cause for celebration, so put on some music you can dance / sing to. I've picked Sing Street for a feel-good 80s inflected feel, or Guardians of the Galaxy Awesome Mix if you want to get even more cray cray.

7PM 

What's going on:

Music choice: Ratatouille / Midnight in Paris

You made it to DINNER TIME! If you have a significant other, or if you just fancy a cosy restaurant-like feel while you are stuffing your face with carbs, I'd recommend the Parisian sounds of Ratatouille (gypsy swing with some romantic ballads) or Midnight in Paris (cool 1920s jazz and swing with a French flavour). Bon appetit!

8 - 10PM 

What's going on:

Music choice: Finding Nemo / Pride & Prejudice / Moonlight

You've done everything you need to do for the day - now it's YOU time. Whether that's taking a long soak, doing some home yoga or reading, these soundtracks will peacefully round off your day (there are a few scary shark bits in Finding Nemo so you might want to check those tracks first).

There are thousands of equally epic soundtracks out there to choose from, so if you have any suggestions for scores that get you through the day, comment below. Happy listening!