One only need listen to 30 seconds of Nicholas Britell’s score for If Beale Street Could Talk to realize it’s not just one of the best movie scores of 2018, but it is the best. Barry Jenkins’ adaptation of the James Baldwin novel of the same name emanates love, romance, family, and courage. It’s a breathtaking and lyrical film and Britell’s score beautifully compliments the movie’s visual style. The score uses a gorgeous string section combined with magical and bright horns and flutes to create a sound that instantly transports you, not to a place, but into a feeling of profound love and uplifting joy. If there’s any justice, Britell will take home the Oscar for his work. It’s undoubtedly the best film score of 2018.