Loved the Needle Drops on the Superman Soundtrack? Let’s Dive Deeper Into Each Track
It's been less than a week than the release of James Gunn's new Superman movie, and there's no denying that it's an instant classic.
The cast is impeccable and the message of hope and love is exactly what we need right now—and all of it was made even more impactful thanks to an unforgettable soundtrack. We adore the score by John Murphy and David Fleming and the way it reworks some of John Williams' most iconic themes, and the film's infrequent but memorable needle drops have not left our heads. Curious about the songs heard throughout Superman? We've broken them down for you below (but please be mindful of the spoilers ahead).
(Superman via Warner Bros. Pictures)
'Bring Me Sunshine' – Sophie Madeleine
It's a shame that English ukulele artist Sophie Madeline retired from making music a decade ago, because after hearing "Bring Me Sunshine" in Superman, we're fully obsessed with her vibrant and upbeat sound. The track plays in the background from a radio as Superman is being hauled away by Lex Luthor's forces to be imprisoned in a pocket universe.
The 2015 song is a cozy, sunny and sweet track with island vibes, driven by ukulele strums and a hand-clapped beat, and serving in stark contrast to the high stakes and solemn gravity of the scene. It's also ironic, as Superman gets his mighty powers from the sunshine, and where he's headed, he's going to be cut off from it entirely.
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'5 Years Time (Sun Sun Sun)' – Noah And The Whale
Noticing a theme here? English folk rock band Noah And The Whale released their first-ever single, "5 Years Time (Sun Sun Sun)" in 2007, winning fans' hearts with a playful whistled tune and jaunty ukulele sound. Now, it's enchanting a brand new audience as the backdrop to one of the very best scenes in Superman.
It's another unusual yet flawless needle drop choice by James Gunn, playing as Mister Terrific begins his attack on Lex Luthor's minions in a daring rescue of Superman. The song's lyrics reflect hope for the future and yearning to spend time with a loved one in the sun, so this time, it's apt as he plans to break Supes free, allowing him to soak up the rays of the earth's yellow sun and return to full strength.
'Punkrocker' – Teddy Bears Featuring Iggy Pop
The final two needle drops play over the movie's end credits, with "Punkrocker" by Swedish electronic group Teddy Bears (and featuring punk icon Iggy Pop) being another standout—and starting over a tear-jerking scene of Superman watching his favorite home video footage of his childhood with Ma and Pa Kent. The original version of the song was released in 2000 before Iggy Pop took on lead vocals in a version released in 2006. It's a simple song, but '70s-inspired rock synths and Iggy declaring his stance as a punk rocker in the lyrics, yet it manages to hit hard.
We also love the way it reinforces the message of the movie, hearkening back to a discussion between Lois and Clark. While she considers herself punk rock due to her cynicism, he instead insists that there's nothing more punk rock than kindness, trust and embracing humanity. When the song finally plays, that significance resonates.
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'The Mighty Crabjoys Theme' – The Mighty Crabjoys
Leave it to James Gunn to needle drop bands that don't actually exist. The Mighty Crabjoys is a fictional pop punk band that exists only in the DC universe. They were first shouted out in the animated Creature Commandos series last year and are also said to come up in the next season of Peacemaker, making the reference a silly easter egg that only the most invested fans are likely to pick out. Superman also happens to love their music, and after listening to their fast-paced and rebellious theme, we understand why. We really wouldn't mind hearing even more from them in the near future.
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