Unsung Stories: 10 Music documentaries you must watch

Karen GEORGE

03 Jul 2015

updated the 6 October 2015 à 23:02

1/10
Amy (2015)
Asif Kapadia's documentary on the talented but troubled Amy Winehouse is a must-watch for all fans. The illuminating documentry casts a light on the soul singer's musical career, featuring unseen archival footage and never heard before tracks.
2/10
Katy Perry: Part of Me (2012)
Katy Perry showed us another side of herself in the Part of Me documentary which followed her on her California Dreams world tour. Featuring interviews and footage of her rise to fame, the highlight of the film is when the Fireworks singer fights tears and forces herself to sing on stage right after finding out her husband Russel Brand wanted a divorce. The show must go on and Katy Perry proves her dedication to her career and fans with an electrifying performance that confirms she’s every bit the polished pop princess we’ve come to know and love.
3/10
In Bed With Madonna (1991)
Known as Truth or Dare in the States because her UK title was considered too racy, the documentary chronicles the naughty side of the singer on her infamous Blonde Ambition tour. Before her uproar-causing kiss with Britney, Madonna was already indulging in controversial (at the time) stage acts such as deepthroating a bottle of water, raunchy dance moves with her backup dancers and awkward encounters with friends and family, all captured on film for posterity.
Photo: Youtube/Truth or Dare
4/10
The Beatles: Let It Be (1970)
There are many documentaries about the iconic British band but Let It Be, is, one of the final ones with the four lads together before the eventual demise of the Beatles. Arguments between members are caught on tape and in retrospect, it was the beginning of the end.
Photo: The Beatles
5/10
Justin Bieber: Never Say Never (2011)
Love him or hate him, there’s no denying Justin Bieber’s star power and ability to reduce teenage girls to pools of tears. The documentary shows how the Baby crooner went from YouTube sensation to international pop singer overnight.
6/10
Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck (2015)
Like the Beatles, there are many documentaries about Kurt Cobain but this one is the latest and most intimate films about the legendary rocker. The first and only fully authorised documentary shows the Nirvana frontman from his earliest years to his success and eventual suicide. Never seen before movies, animation and revelatory interviews from his family and closest friends are also included in the film.
7/10
Michael Jackson: This Is It (2009)
The King of Pop is the star of the show, with the film focusing on the legendary pop star preparing for his sold-out shows at the 02 in London. Personal interviews, concert rehearsals and backstage action are all captured on camera before the singer’s untimely death in 2009.
8/10
One Direction: This Is Us (2013)
Unless you’ve been disconnected from society for the past few years, this 5 member British boyband certainly needs no introduction. The documentary takes a look at Niall, Zayn, Liam, Louis and Harry’s meteoric rise to fame from their humble beginnings as contestants on X-Factor to bona fide superstars performing at the famed O2 Arena in London.
9/10
What Happened, Miss Simone? (2015)
A documentary that premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, What Happened, Miss Simone looks at the life of the legendary blues singer, her musical career and her fight for civil rights. Miss Simone’s story is told through previously unseen footage, diaries and personal letters.
10/10
Backstreet Boys: Show ‘Em What You’re Made Of (2015)
Before there was One Direction there were the Backstreet Boys. Everybody’s favourite 90’s boy band won the hearts of girls the world over with hit songs like As Long As You Love Me and Everbody. The entertaining documentary is sure to bring back nostalgia for fans of the band, with the highlight of the whole documentary being the part where the boys break down in floods of tears.
Photo: Youtube/Show 'Em What You're Made Of

With the official release of Asif Kapadia’s documentary Amy today, we take a look at other music documentaries where the cameras went behind the scenes and beyond the hit songs.

When a singer dies, we express our sorrows by mourning with our ears. Or in the case of Asif Kapadia, we make a full blown documentary about it. The director’s heart touching factual film Amy will officially be released today and is already turning out to be one of the must-see films of the year.

Proving to be a hit with the critics, the explosive and revealing 128 minute film tells the story of the talented singer Amy Winehouse in her own words, featuring unseen archival footage and never heard before tracks.

But that’s just the opening act. Music documentaries are having a moment this year what with Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck and What Happened, Miss Simone being released a few months ago. If you’ve discovered a newfound interest in musical documentaries and can’t wait to watch Amy, our gallery holds a roundup of other music docs to catch up on. From One Direction to Michael Jackson, there’s something for music fans of all genres.

Karen George

Photos: IMDB

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Unsung Stories: 10 Music documentaries you must watch

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