Breaking down the best songs in the Deadpool & Wolverine soundtrack
The hype is real for Deadpool & Wolverine! The most-awaited superhero team-up has already raked up the highest opening for an R-rated movie, exceeding the most optimistic expectations. Critics were mostly positive, but the audience reaction has been overwhelmingly optimistic.
It is definitely clear from fans that the pairing of Wade Wilson and Logan brought some much-needed rejuvenation to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While the movie is not the ultimate antidote for the Multiverse saga, it is another reminder that crossover and tentpole events can be fun.
But one element that is undeniably fun is the soundtrack. Some are obvious needle drops or scene fillers. Yet, most of the songs are surprising additions that have a subtle connection to the characters and the franchise overall.
Here is a breakdown of several of the best songs featured in Deadpool & Wolverine:
"Bye Bye Bye" by NSYNC
Of course, NSYNC will accompany the Merc with the Mouth for a bloody opening scene. The latter is one of the movie’s highlights. And “Bye Bye Bye” pumped an ironic energy for the sequence. Fun fact: the song was also featured in a previous Fox-Marvel project: X2.
"Angel of the Morning" by Merrilee Rush
Anyone who had a sharp ear will recognize “Angel of the Morning” by Merrilee Rush in the background of one of the first scenes. The song was first heard in the first Deadpool, exactly on its freeze-framed opening credits. Only that version was from country singer Juice Netwon.
"Glamorous" by Fergie
Fergie’s “Glamorous” is arguably one of her most recognizable songs. And playing it over Deadpool’s suit-up scene is ideal for the Merc. But diving deeper, the official music video for “Glamorous” features a film shooting inspired by Bonnie & Clyde. Foreshadowing?
"Iris" by Goo Goo Dolls
This Goo Goo Dolls song is a frequent favorite in radio stations, especially in the 2000’s where the Fox-Marvel projects thrived. “Iris” is played twice in the movie: one in Deadpool’s escape from the TVA, and two in one triumphant scene between him and Wolverine. But all with a certain…mood.
"The Power of Love" by Huey Lewis and the News
Everybody will recognize Huey Lewis and the News’ “The Power of Love” as the theme song of Back to the Future. And using it in a montage of Deadpool dimension-hopping is the definitely easy. Though, YouTube series How It Should Have Ended may have foreseen this on their take of Logan.
"The Lady in Red" by Chris de Burgh
This song is the ideal song for Dogpool. Played by Britain’s ugliest dog Peggy, the red-suited canine is a definite highlight in the movie. Of course, when she is introduced, the song is played for pure cuteness. It must have played only in Wade’s head.
"I'm with You" by Avril Lavigne
Placing an Avril Lavigne song is another way for Ryan Reynolds to honor a Canadian icon. So, “I’m With You” fits as the duo’s driving song. An interesting note about the song is that it was featured in a Panasonic Lumix commercial starring Cate Blanchett and Jennifer Garner. Hmm…
"The Greatest Show" by The Greatest Showman Cast
The movie would not forget about anything from The Greatest Showman. So, the first song in the musical is the first one played during Deadpool and Wolverine’s epic car brawl. Though, it would be fun to play other songs in its place, like “Never Enough” or “Rewrite the Stars”.
"You're the One That I Want" by John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John
Kind of on-the-nose to use Grease’s triumphant romantic song to play over Deadpool and Wolverine squabbling inside their car. But it is such a fitting song choice, given that its use in Grease involves Danny and Sandy at their most euphoric. And this might have both anti-heroes in the same way.
"I'll Be Seeing You" by Jimmy Durante
The song “I’ll Be Seeing You” has been covered by numerous artists, even the most legendary ones (including Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Billie Holliday and Liberace). For a song about missing a loved one, it is the perfect soundtrack for Deadpool and Wolverine’s slo-mo portal jump — their leap of faith to save their loved ones.
"Like a Prayer" by Madonna
This popular (and notorious) Madonna song has been the signature soundtrack of the R-rated blockbuster since its second official trailer, even if it was not included in the movie's Van Jamz. Thanks to that inclusion, it shot its way back to the charts. When Madonna gave her blessing, she even provided pointers on how the song can be used. Well, her lyrics said all.
"Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)" by Green Day
The Green Day song has been a staple in prom nights and high school graduations. Thus, its nostalgic tone and simplistic composition made it perfect for the end credits to accompany a montage of behind-the-scenes footage from previous X-Men movies and Fox-Marvel productions. A loving tribute, indeed.