The color pink dominating people’s aesthetics all of a sudden is no coincidence. It’s definitely intentional and down to the release of Barbie.
Officially unleashed into the world after months of promotion and teasing, the Greta Gerwig-directed fantasy comedy film is all anyone wants to associate themselves with and currently feels like a big cultural moment. And with a talented cast of Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, Issa Rae, Will Ferrell, and Emma Mackey, to name a few, we can see why there has been so much anticipation and excitement surrounding the film.
A star-studded list of actors isn’t the only thing this movie is offering us, however, as many high-profile musicians have specifically recorded new music for the soundtrack. Produced by Mark Ronson, Kevin Weaver, and Brandon Davis, the soundtrack, simply titled Barbie: The Album, consists of 17 tracks and boasts appearances from Dua Lipa, Billie Eilish, Charli XCX, Tame Impala, Nicki Minaj, and even Mr. Ken himself, Ryan Gosling. But, which songs shine brighter than others?
Dua Lipa – “Dance The Night”
“Dance The Night” was the first song released to tease the soundtrack for the film and for many reasons, that made sense. Firstly, Lipa has a part in the movie, portraying Mermaid Barbie. Secondly, she’s one of the biggest names who was bound to have instant chart success and give the soundtrack some free promo. Sticking to a production similar to her Future Nostalgia album, the Grammy Award-winner delivers a disco-themed party track that will more than likely be a song that will be recognized outside of the film. Written with a catchy chorus and a production reminiscent of the ’80s, Lipa offers a lot of glamour in the accompanying music video, which in this case, can never be a bad thing.
Charli XCX – “Speed Drive”
If anyone knows how to party, it’s Charli XCX! On “Speed Drive,” the British singer samples Robyn’s “Cobrastyle” while borrowing lyrics from Toni Basil’s “Mickey.” Creating a cheerleading anthem of her own, the cute song does what any decent pop song should aim to do: grab your attention and hopefully put it on repeat. And in this case, that’s exactly what we’re doing!
Tame Impala – “Journey To The Real World”
Who’d have thought that Kevin Parker, also known as Tame Impala, would ever make a song for the Barbie soundtrack? True to his brand, “Journey To The Real World” is other-worldly and plays in the movie when Barbie and Ken travel from Barbie Land to the real world. Laced with synths throughout, the song is pure magic and embodies what a fantasy world should sound like. Serving as the shortest track on the soundtrack at just 1-minute-and-27-seconds long, this song should double its length.
PinkPantheress – “Angel”
Produced by BloodPop® and Count Baldor, PinkPantheress’ “Angel” is everything it says on the tin. Angelic, sweetly sung, dreamy, heavenly. Those are a few ways to describe her vocals on the track. Typically known for her hyperpop/garage sonics, PinkPantheress was taken out of her comfort zone, experimenting halfway through with violins reminiscent of Celtic Irish music. Not only is this one of the top 5 from the Barbie soundtrack, but this is one of PinkPantheress’ top 5 songs from her back catalog.
Khalid – “Silver Platter”
Catering to a more chill, R&B crowd, Khalid sings over the top of a slick piano-infused production that is definitely a finger-snapping moment on the soundtrack. “Silver Platter” might not be an obvious standout on first listen, but in this case, it’s definitely the underdog.
So, what are your favorites from the soundtrack?
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