“Junkie XL embarks on a journey to superhero films…and he’s brought chimichangas”
Before he helped take on the Man of Steel and the Bat of Gotham (with Hans Zimmer), he dove into the nutty and insane world of Deadpool. The Deadpool world in and of itself, is not your typical world, even for a comic book character. The self aware character needed music that was as much odd as the film was, and Junkie XL was a very good option. His use of electronics and sound design, helped create a unique musical world. There’s action set pieces, quirky moments and even some subtle orchestral moments that gets shared with the love interest of the film. All in all, the film has a very special take on film scoring.
*NOTE* Since the score/soundtrack does contain tracks done by other artists licensed for the film (example: Shoop, Calendar Girl, etc.), I will not be including them in this write up. This is just about the actual film score itself and not the licensed material.
Right off the bat, you realized this score isn’t your typical film score. Most comic central films focus on big, epic fanfares with huge orchestras. Deadpool’s central theme of the film relies on it’s differences from other comic book movies and thus, the film score follows in tone.
The first track you really hear is one titled “Maximum Effort” as claimed by the titled hero in the film itself. You’re introduced to a synthesizer world of arpeggio synths which in a way, become the hero’s theme of sorts. Backed by pulsing basses and powerful drums, it fills this track with power and style. Not to mention the great use of the same synth sound used in Michael Jackson’s “Beat It” song.
“Small Disruption” reveals the full orchestra for the first time, giving way to thematic writing akin to the genre. “Twelve Bullets” dives back into that synth driven style set up by the first track. This time, it’s thrown in with some rock type elements (drums, guitars, basses). It’s almost a hybrid of a hybrid type of sound.Of course, once again, the “Beat It” synth makes it’s return as the heroes theme.
“Liam Neeson Nightmares” offers the first sense of emotional connection with the music. Powerful sweeping strings provide a delicate melody in this track, compared to the sea of aggressive tracks that fill up the score. “Back To Life” has the same effect, using the same melodies but fleshing them out more with bigger swells and a more wide sound than before.
“Let’s Try To Kill Each Other” is your typical climax fight music. Powerful drums, fast strings and a continuous energy and rising tempo.
“Stupider When You Say It” brings back that soft emotional feel, but quickly morphs and twists into something completely opposite. This twist warps your emotion from hopeful to terrified in an instant.
“Four or Five Moments” gives us that happy ending theme you always want when your hero comes out victorious. Sweeping strings and brass bring in an epic and climactic ending to the heroes fight.
“A Face I Would Sit On” originally gave me chills the first time I heard it. Starting off with soft and beautiful strings. This brings us back to the main emotional theme of the film. Providing a glimpse of sadness but with the overall feeling of hope. Some of the better writing of the film happens within this track alone.
Overall, this score brings something new and different to your typical blockbuster film. Deciding to take a chance, Junkie XL delivers a soundtrack with creative sounds, unique ideas and even manages to write some very emotional music within a story that is loaded with craziness and lunacy. I wouldn’t say you’d want to listen to it on a daily basis, but if you’re looking for something unique and different, this one may be right up your alley.
Deadpool [2016] (Junkie XL)
Tracklisting:
- Juice Newton – Angel of the Morning
- Junkie XL – Maximum Effort
- Junkie XL – Small Disruption
- Salt-N-Pepa – Shoop
- Junkie XL – Twelve Bullets
- Junkie XL – Man In A Red Suit
- Junkie XL – Liam Neeson Nightmares
- Neil Sedaka – Calendar Girl
- Junkie XL – The Punch Bowl
- Junkie XL – Back To Life
- Junkie XL – Every Time I See Her
- Teamheadkick – Deadpool Rap
- Junkie XL – Easy Angel
- Junkie XL – Scrap Yard
- Junkie XL – This Place Looks Sanitary
- Junkie XL – Watership Down
- DMX – X Gon Give It To Ya
- Junkie XL – Going Commando
- Junkie XL – Let’s Try To Kill Each Other
- Junkie XL – Stupider When You Say It
- Junkie XL – Four or Five Moments
- Junkie XL – A Face I Would Sit On
- George Michael – Careless Whisper
Favorite Tracks:
Maximum Effort
A Face I Would Sit On
Liam Neeson Nightmares
Least Favorite Tracks:
The Punch Bowl
Easy Angel
Scrap Yard
Album Rating:
7.5 out of 10. The album itself is pretty enjoyable. The quirky and almost uncanny (see what I did there?) blend of musical styles suites the film perfectly. If you’re looking for more blockbuster orchestral film score music, this probably won’t fit the bill, but if you’re looking for a score that completes the movie in every way, this one is for you.
