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.

Martin Scorsese’s affinity for Eric Clapton’s music is undeniable — and The Goodfellas soundtrack contains two songs to prove it: Cream’s “Sunshine of Your Love” and Derek & The Dominos’ “Layla” — two of Clapton’s most well-known recordings. The former was a one-riff rocker. The latter was an epic piece consisting of two divergent movements.

“Layla” is a tale of two halves. The first half is driven by a siren-sounding guitar riff. It doesn’t ease in; it starts off in a hurry. Then halfway through the song, “Layla” downshifts its tempo and the piano takes over as lead instrument. Goodfellas featured this second movement prominently, which seemed to fit like a glove with the film. What makes “Layla” stand out among all the classics in rock history is that it’s like listening to two great rock songs, not just one.

“You've been running and hiding much too long. You know it's just your foolish pride.”