Guardians of the Galaxy – soundtrack review
When I watched Guardians of the Galaxy for the first time, three things occurred to me that unbelievably had nothing to do with mashed potatoes or fidgeting.
- How funny the film was and so much better than I expected (I’m not massively into the Marvel films, okay?)
- How Chris Pratt is actually kinda fit but also still more annoying than fit
- And the brilliant soundtrack
To be honest I tend to notice the music used in movies – as it can be so god damn effective! But with Guardians of the Galaxy you’d have to have gummy bears in your ears if you didn’t hear the awesome tracks. Literally. Gummy bears. Or just a big build-up of wax – in which case you may want to book an appointment for a professional syringe rather than read this review.
To those unfamiliar with the story Chris Pratt plays a dude who is taken away from his family as a kid and then he ends up in alien slash comic book territory. The only memory he has from home is a mix tape his mum made and of course it’s very precious to him.
Cleverly it’s his mix tape that provides the soundtrack.
How cool is that? The personal feel of the songs goes hand in hand with the sentimentality and charm in the story and because it’s a funny, quite quirky film it really does works perfectly.
There is a still a film score written by Tyler Bates and it’s possible to buy a deluxe edition of the soundtrack which includes both parts – the mix tape and the scores. I was tempted but it was the songs I really loved and check out the CD cover – I was sold!
I’m not sure how many more times in this post I can use the words “mix tape” but AHHH it’s a picture of the MIX TAPE!!!!
Which reminds me, the full title of this OST is: Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Mix Vol. 1 (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack).I have a sneaky suspicion I know what the soundtrack to the sequel may be called.
It was also the second biggest selling soundtrack of 2014. What beat it? Well, you know it, trust me and here’s a big clue – let it go, let it go…. Yuck. I’ve never seen Frozen – nor do I have any desire to – but that song is still seared into my brain like a branding iron.
Anyway, back to Guardians of the Galaxy. To be honest with you none of the songs are particularly, amazingly remarkable and the track listing is slightly reminiscent of a bargain compilation. A bit corny perhaps? But don’t get me wrong, there’s some awesome pop songs on there and I generally really like music from the 70s and 80s (all the tracks are from these eras) but with stuff like Spirit in the Sky and 10cc’s I’m Not in Love (!!!) it really is more fluffy pop than anything. It just works.
And of course it’s hearing the songs in their original context of the movie that make them so special and fun – even though we’ve heard them countless times before at family parties and weddings they just seems kinda better in the film. Generally a fun and optimistic album that is particularly good when driving or doing the housework (fact).
My favourite tracks are Hooked on a Feeling and Go All the Way.
emmakwall (explains it all) 
Great review Ems! And I love the soundtrack! Hooked On a Feeling is one of my favorite songs from that era.
Um, I have a confession to make. I love Frozen. Don’t hate me! 😦
I could never hate you in a billion, zillion years!!! And to be fair I’ve never seen it, I’m just basing my hatred on that bloody song that infiltrated my life when I didn’t even ask it to!!!! I’m probably being a meanie.
Thanks Kim 🙂 Hooked on a Feeling is my favourite too!!! #kindredspirits
❤ ❤ ❤
I have to admit that song gets on my nerves now. It reminds me of the Celine Dion song from Titanic. I loved it when I first saw the movie, but then it was just everywhere. Ugh!
#bestiesforever
I still haven’t seen Guardians of the Galaxy but I’ve been listening to the soundtrack and I love it! You’re right, the music is just so fluffy and upbeat and great for vacuuming. Meanwhile, Frozen can jump off a cliff.
I love that we do our vacuuming to the Guardians of the Galaxy soundtrack! WE ROCK!!!! 🙂
It’s a brilliant album isn’t it, it’s so cheap to buy as well or free on youtube and Spotify – no excuses!!!
I didn’t particularly want to watch Guardians of the Galaxy at first but was so pleasantly surprised by the great humour in it and nice messages about friendship! It kind of reminded me of something Joss Whedon would write.
GRRRRR Frozen!!!! I hate that movie and I’ve never even seen it!
Nice work, Pratt seems to be the stud of the moment.
He’s no Zac Efron but I wouldn’t kick him out of bed. He’s also really funny and nice, which adds to the attraction :p
Oh yeah, you love Efron.
It is true love ❤
Wait a minute, I thought you already had a boyfriend.
Okay, okay! True lust. Lol.
Hey we’re all entitled to a bit of that every now and then.
I sometimes listen this soundtrack on youtube while typing up posts haha. Cool post!
Thanks! And that’s a very good idea 🙂
Music was some of the best parts of that movie!
It really did accentuate some of the scenes so well! Plus it made it more sentimental, without being slushy 🙂
. . . Do I think it’s a good soundtrack? Yes I do. . . .
Mmmm gummy bears…what were you saying?
I have a Homer Simpson “gummy bears” voice in my head now 🙂
Mmmmm donuts…
Mmmmm pork chops……
Mmmmm shitfest….arrrghh
Have you submitted yours yet?! Is it up soon?!!
Yep, Tuesday I believe 🙂
Woo hoo!! Can’t wait, after SUCH a big build up the anticipation is killing me! No pressure….! Haha.
(I know it will be awesome)
Ahh don’t say that!!! I’m feeling it now
Haha! I was only being a wind up :p
Well, I hope you enjoy it 🙂 have you finished yours yet?
Oh of course I will! I love everything you write 🙂
I haven’t even started lol. I’m terrible!!! I do have an idea that I can throw together. Maybe I should start….!!!!
High praise from a girl who explains it all so well herself! Just get going!!
Oh thank you!! You’re so kind!!! I’m blushing.
You’ve got my vote! (haha)
I will do, thanks Jim 🙂 🙂
Yup that soundtrack is pretty damn nice and I think you can even get it on audio cassette which would be awesome. Plus how could you not smile when Pratt starts dancing to “Come and Get Your Love” in this movie. Kudos to James Gunn for making a retro soundtrack as cool as Pulp Fiction.
That is so cool!!!! I would love the cassette just for the kudos 🙂
Totally agree Verny, that scene is awesome! It’s a very cool, retro soundtrack.
Thanks for your comments 🙂 looking forward to Sunday!!!!!
Great post! this soundtrack is a great compilation of some awesome songs. My faves would have to be I’m Not In Love by 10cc and Hooked on a Feeling
Thanks so much!! It’s a really fun CD isn’t it, I also love Hooked on a Feeling, I’ve loved that song ever since Reservoir Dogs!!
I’m Not in Love is a good song too, isn’t all the “music” just done by the bands voices? Very clever!!
I think the whole mix is pretty great and works perfectly in capturing the light-hearted element of the movie.
The background music is the highlight of I’m Not in Love for me.
WOO HOO Clam!!!!
Thanks for the link!!! Great post!
Love,
Pen!
Woo hoo!!!!!!! No worries Pen 🙂
Love Clam O _ o o _ O
Clam!!
Happy Friday!!!
Love Pen
P.S. O _ o < 3 o _ O
I live for seventies and eighties music, so paired with attractive men, what’s not to love?!
Exactly and mmm hmmmm!!! 🙂 🙂
I love 70s and 80s music too, it’s such a fun soundtrack!!!
Thanks for your comment 🙂