As someone who grew up in the mid-2000s, I can attest to the fact that breakup songs played a significant role in my emotional journey through high school. Among all those anthems of heartbreak, “Broken” by Seether and Amy Lee stands out as one of the most relatable and poignant. It’s a song that made me feel less alone during those tumultuous times, allowing me to empathize with both sides of a failed love story.
As a devoted cinephile, I’ve noticed that superhero films have become a veritable cash cow for Hollywood these days. Even when a Marvel Cinematic Universe or DC Extended Universe film falters at the box office, it still manages to rake in millions. The booming interest in comic book movies has also caught the attention of the music industry. Over time, movie and music producers have teamed up to offer superhero enthusiasts some pulse-pounding tunes.
From films like “Black Panther” and “Spider-Man: Into the SpiderVerse”, we’ve heard hip-hop hits, intense rock anthems from bands such as Soundgarden and Seether, and catchy tunes created specifically for certain movie scenes to enhance the narrative. Some of these songs become incredibly popular, reaching number one on charts, and in some instances, they become closely associated with either the superhero character or the actors portraying the roles.
11 “Star Spangled Man” – David Zippel & Alen Menken
Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
The “Star Spangled Man” theme song from Captain America: The First Avenger is superior to his 1966 theme song. This isn’t the original Avengers theme, and fans of How It Should Have Ended will recognize what we mean. David Zippel penned patriotic lyrics, complementing Alen Menken’s music, which was used in a montage sequence for Captain America: The First Avenger. In this part of the movie, Chris Evans portrays Captain Steve Rogers, who reluctantly helps sell war bonds to support soldiers fighting in WWII. Despite his reservations, he at least got an awesome new theme song out of the deal.
It’s So Star Spangled Awesome
Star Spangled Man” is a delightfully catchy tune reminiscent of Irving Berlin, whisking listeners back to the 1940s, making “The First Avenger” an exceptional blend of wartime and superhero cinema. The upbeat vibe of this song is vividly portrayed through its visuals, offering viewers a glimpse into what wartime propaganda might have felt like. Despite Captain America’s later, more somber portrayals in other films, the playful tone of this song offers a charming contrast and serves as an enjoyable reminder of our societal evolution, musically and otherwise.
10 “Come On, Come In” – Velvet Revolver
Fantastic Four (2005)
Engaging a stellar band comprising of rock legends to boost your superhero film’s popularity is a shrewd marketing decision. Known as Velvet Revolver, this rock and roll powerhouse includes members like Slash, Duff McKagan, Matt Sorum from Guns N’ Roses, Dave Kushner from Wasted Youth, and Scott Weiland from Stone Temple Pilots. They delivered two fantastic albums collectively and a rocking promotional single titled “Come On, Come In” for the Fantastic Four soundtrack.
A Forgotten Gem of a Rock Song
It’s unfortunate that the song was limited to the album alone, as its energy would have been perfect for a fight scene in a music video. The editor missed an opportunity there. The powerful tune, combined with Weiland’s impressive vocal performance and Slash’s mesmerizing guitar solo, is a testament to why he’s hailed as one of the greatest frontmen of his time, leaving music enthusiasts in awe.
It’s a super underrated song for superhero movies and hard rock in general. It also makes hard rock fans wonder what could have happened if Scott Weiland had stayed clean. How much more of Velvet Revolver or Stone Temple Pilots could we have had? Sadly, we will never know. Rest in peace, Scott.
9 “Peaches” – Jack Black
The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)
This one may seem like a stretch for some, but we maintain that Super Mario counts as a superhero. After all, the word “Super” is in his name. And like any good superhero, he has an iconic arch enemy in the form of Bowser, played in this case by Jack Black, who wrote a ballad for The Super Mario Bros. Movie that had kids and adults leaving the movie theater singing, “Peaches.”
Barbie Rained on Bowser’s Parade
This tune is a love song that surprisingly stirs up a touch of empathy for the King Koopa, and it’s bound to bring a smile to your face. Jack Black’s vocal performance matches Bowser’s character flawlessly – a perfect casting indeed!
In the year 2023, “Peaches” became an unprecedented sensation. It could be found in various forms, such as TikTok clips and radio broadcasts, ultimately reaching position 56 on the Billboard Hot 100. Jack Black’s ballad dedicated to Princess Peach even earned a nomination for a Golden Globe Award in the Best Song category. Regrettably, however, another release from 2023, “Barbie,” produced hits like “What Was I Made For” by Billie Eilish and “I’m Just Ken” by Ryan Gosling, making it challenging for “Peaches” to secure any significant awards.
But it’s still a crime that ‘Peaches’ wasn’t nominated for an Oscar. We almost got to see songs performed by Bowser and Ken performed in the same night. We were robbed. Shame on you academy.
8 “Live to Rise” – Soundgarden
Marvel’s The Avengers (2012)
2012 saw me thrilled as another legendary rock collective emerged to compose an epic tune befitting one of the most colossal superhero films ever made – “Live to Rise” by Soundgarden. As a fan, I found it fitting that this Seattle-based grunge ensemble was chosen to create a song for a superhero movie soundtrack. With their reunion tour successfully underway, Marvel tapped them to pen a tune for The Avengers, marking the band’s first original recording since parting ways years ago.
Chris Cornell and Soundgarden Rise to the Challenge
The anthemic hard rock tune ‘Live to Rise,’ played during the credits of The Avengers, features a memorable heavy guitar riff that isn’t overpowering, and Chris Cornell demonstrates that his voice remains powerful after all these years, evoking a classic Soundgarden feel. Sadly, despite its quality, the song didn’t reach great heights on the U.S. Billboard charts, failing to enter the Hot 100, but it did climb to the top of the Canada Rock Billboard and peaked at position 69 on the overall Canadian Hot 100.
As a devoted fan of grunge music, I deeply miss Soundgarden, the band whose unique sound and energy left an indelible mark on the genre. Their breakup after the tragic death of Chris Cornell in 2017 was a significant loss for the music industry. However, their lasting impact can still be felt in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s soundtracks, where their stellar contributions continue to resonate with audiences.
7 “Lift Me Up” – Rihanna
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2023)
When a song gives you chills within the first three words, you know you have something beautiful. “Lift Me Up” is the hit single from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, written and recorded by Rihanna, marking the Battle Ship star’s first solo single since 2016. Almost immediately, it hits Marvel fans in the feels because of what the song represents. A tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman, who starred as King T’Challa in Black Panther and died of colon cancer in 2020, leaving fans and everyone who worked with the 42 star, heartbroken. Rest in peace, Chadwick.
A Tribute to the King: Wakanda Forever
Rihanna collaborated with Nigerian vocalist Tems, Swedish songwriter Ludwig Göransson, and filmmaker Ryan Coogler (known for directing “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”) to create a touching tribute song for the late Chadwick Boseman. This beautiful ballad, titled “Lift Me Up,” serves as a poignant reminder of King T’Challa. The track reached number two on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and has been awarded Platinum certification by the RIAA.
6 “What’s Up Danger” – Blackway & Black Caviar
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
Looking for some adrenaline before tackling that big challenge or needing a push to hit the gym? Give “What’s Up Danger” by Blackway & Black Caviar a spin! This energetic tune was crafted for the critically acclaimed superhero movie, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, and let me tell you, it packs quite a punch! The rhythm kicks off with an electrifying beat that gradually intensifies into a pulsating drop that gets your heart racing and prepares you to seize the day.
Visual Storytelling at it’s Finest
In the pivotal moment when Miles Morales prepares to take a bold step and recognizes his readiness to become Spider-Man, the song “What’s Up Danger” echoes. This scene seems tailor-made for this track, and it works wonderfully, as many viewers still find goosebumps listening to it today. The lyrics “Can’t stop me now,” are particularly aptly timed.
Although the song wasn’t played as much as it should have been, it significantly contributed to the Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse soundtrack reaching the second spot on the U.S. Billboard 200. The Recording Industry Association of America even recognized the album with double platinum status.
5 “Heathens” – Twenty One Pilots
Suicide Squad (2016)
2016 saw a significant build-up of anticipation for the film “Suicide Squad“. This movie stood out as it featured comic book supervillains as the main characters, a first in live-action films. Moreover, using “Bohemian Rhapsody” in the trailer was a clever move that resonated with movie enthusiasts. Warner Brothers Pictures left no stone unturned in their promotional efforts. Shops were filled with merchandise related to the film. However, it was the soundtrack that truly stole the show, with the lead track “Heathens” penned by Twenty One Pilots. This single and its music video were dropped a couple of months prior to the movie release, offering fans an additional glimpse into the villains’ exploits.
The Bad Guys Get a Good Song
The haunting tune, harmonies, and audio effects in this song suggest the repeated sound of someone loading a shotgun, giving the impression it could have been created by none other than the Joker himself. Remarkably, “Heathens” manages to match the mood of the film it was written for without significantly deviating from the artist’s signature style.
Although the themes in the movie sparked the creation of it, as stated by Twenty One Pilots member Tyler Joseph. As the lyrics and the song took shape, I realized this was our song… Despite Suicide Squad not meeting expectations at the box office, its soundtrack did, and “Heathens” by Twenty One Pilots played a significant role in the soundtrack’s success, reaching number two on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.
4 “Hero” – Chad Kroger featuring Josey Scott
Spider-Man (2002)
Back in 2002, young Spider-Man enthusiasts might not realize just how massive the initial Spider-Man movie was. It was practically ubiquitous! The marketing squad pulled out all the stops, and the track “Hero” from the Spider-Man soundtrack, a catchy tune with that iconic post-grunge 2000s rock feel, was a staple on the radio that summer. Notably, Chad Kroeger from Nickelback collaborated with Josey Scott from Saliva, alongside members of Theory of a Deadman, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden to create this smash hit, making “Hero” one of the anthems of the season.
Superhero Plus Rock Singer Equals Hit Song
The lyrics for “Hero” come off as if the writers had a meeting with Sony and Marvel Studios to learn more about Spider-Man and try to write from Peter Parker’s point of view. That being said, the song’s lyrics come off as inspirational and heroic, but also safe, cliché and formulaic, which became a huge issue for Nickelback haters ten years later. That doesn’t mean the song is bad. It’s still a 2000s banger. The Billboards tell no lies. “Hero” topped the U.S. Alternative Airplay and Mainstream Rock Billboards, while packing at number 3 on the Hot 100. It’s been over 20 years, but even today, “Hero” is a classic standard of what makes a good superhero song.
3 “Broken” – Seether featuring Amy Lee
The Punisher (2004)
The character known as The Punisher is a complex and damaged individual that many viewers can unexpectedly identify with. When the music producers for the soundtrack were searching for the right track, they discovered “Broken” by Seether featuring Amy Lee was an ideal fit for Frank Castle’s past. This song isn’t just another typical 2000s rock ballad; it stems from the heartache of Shaun Morgan, the South African lead singer of Seether, who penned the lyrics following his marriage’s dissolution due to his wife choosing to remain in South Africa with their daughter rather than moving to the U.S. with him.
Sad & Relatable Makes For A Good Breakup Song
The re-recorded track “Broken” from 2004, which appeared on the soundtrack for “The Punisher“, was a masterful decision, especially when it was turned into a duet with Amy Lee. This brilliant move allows listeners to perceive the tale of doomed love from two perspectives, making them question in their minds who is at fault and who is right.
Although “Broken” may not have reached the top spot on the US Billboard Hot 100, it was given RIAA platinum certification and holds a special place in the hearts of those who were in high school during the mid-2000s. This song is often regarded as a timeless post-grunge alternative classic that provided solace to many individuals during a challenging period in their high school relationships.
2 “All The Stars” – Kendrick Lamar & SZA
Black Panther (2018)
To this very moment, Black Panther remains among the most triumphant films within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Consequently, it was not a shock that its soundtrack also ascended to greatness within the Marvel universe, with “All The Stars” by Kendrick Lamar and SZA being the pièce de résistance. This tune is played during the movie’s closing credits, and it was quite possibly the first time spectators lingered to learn the song title rather than watching one of Marvel’s customary end credit sequences.
An Anthem to All Black Panther Fans
The tune titled “All The Stars” garnered a decent level of popularity on music charts, reaching number seven on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and earning RIAA double platinum certification. It also made waves in award shows, being nominated for an Oscar, a Golden Globe, and the Grammy’s Record of the Year. Though it didn’t take home any major prizes like “Lift Me Up”, this song has become closely associated with Chadwick Boseman, making it a cherished piece among fans of Black Panther.
1 “Sunflower” – Post Malone & Swae Lee
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
Listening to “Sunflower” is akin to the scene at the end of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, where Miles Morales, after a tiring day, lies in bed with his headphones on and the room dark. Suddenly, a portal to another realm appears above him, symbolizing the song’s enchanting ability to whisk you away from your worries for approximately two and a half minutes.
New Standard for Superhero Songs
Post Malone and Swae Lee have received considerable acclaim in the music industry for their hit song “Sunflower.” This track reached number one on the U.S. and Canada’s Hot 100 chart, attained double diamond certification from the RIAA, and was even nominated for Record of the Year at the 2020 Grammy Awards. While “Hero” from the original Spider-Man movie soundtrack might be considered the classic Spider-Man tune, it’s safe to say that “Sunflower” has undeniably taken its place as THE Spider-Man song.
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2024-10-12 20:32