This past weekend, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 opened in theaters to massive success. This latest installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe follows the beloved Guardians trying to save team member Rocket from someone from his past. This film has grossed $289 million so far and shows no sign of stopping. As a film, it succeeded in creating an emotional end to the Guardians as we know it, and provided important context to the Rocket character, while telling a political story about power dynamics. However, as a music fan, this film provided many music moments that won’t be forgotten.
A Movie in a music publication?
While some might be confused as to how a MCU movie relates to music, this film series has featured music as a storytelling element since its beginning. Each film shows the main character, Quill, using a different musical device from his childhood. These devices range from a Sony Walkman, all the way to a Zune. Each device has different song loaded onto it that play throughout the film. The first two have featured songs like Hooked on a Feeling by Blue Swede, or The Chain by Fleetwood Mac during scenes. These songs add to the emotional depth, and help us understand how the characters are feeling.
In the new Guardians film, the songs are a bit different. Because he has a Zune, the songs are a mix of both older tracks and new ones. Lets’ explore some of the best songs in the film!
WARNING: This article contains spoilers for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
“Creep”- Radiohead
Opening a film, let alone a MCU film with Radiohead is a choice only James Gunn would make. He is both the director and the person who decides on the music for the film. In an interview, Gunn states “The music comes with the words with the script”. Incorporating Creep into the opening helps set the tone for the rest of the film. The Guardians, as a group, have never fit into the mainline Avengers. They’re known as the “misfits” among the MCU characters. This song choice helps cement this.
“No Sleep Till Brooklyn”- Beastie Boys
When coming into this film, I did not expect to hear Beastie Boys. However, I’m so happy with this choice. This song comes during a fight scene on the High Evolutionary’s ship. This scene has the Guardians trying to escape the Evolutionary’s guards while saving the children and animals imprisoned on board. This is a great song choice for this scene and really establishes the hardcore nature of the fight.
“Dog Days Are Over”- Florence and the Machine
Out of all of the song choices, this was the most surprising. Having a song from 2010 in a film that mostly uses 80’s-90’s songs is a bold choice from Gunn. However, it works beautifully in the film. When it plays, the guardians have defeated the main villain. Despite their team victory, the Guardians choose to go their separate ways and pursue their individual goals. Just before departing, the Zune accidentally connects to the city speakers, playing the song for everyone to hear. The Guardians and the rest of the people dance and sing to celebrate no longer being under the High Evolutionary’s Rule. While we know the Guardians aren’t going to last, seeing them be happy together for just one more moment is a bittersweet ending to a long-running franchise.
Here at Mic Drop Music, we want to know what was your favorite song in the film? Have you seen the film yet? Comment below!
