James Taylor performs “Our Town” in Pixar's Cars.
The song plays over a montage showing the changing fortunes of Radiator Springs and its residents. Its reflective mood contrasts with the film's energetic racing sequences and emphasizes the town's memories, friendships, and gradual revival.
Randy Newman wrote the song and composed Cars' original score. Taylor's performance was released on the film's soundtrack, alongside songs by artists including Sheryl Crow, Brad Paisley, and Chuck Berry.
“Our Town” received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song. It lost to “I Need to Wake Up” from An Inconvenient Truth. The song should not be confused with “Life Is a Highway,” the Rascal Flatts recording used prominently during the film's road-trip material.