Minions Rise of Gru Soundtrack – Various Artists

By: Logan Moeller

While searching through the most anticipated albums of 2022 I was shocked to see the Minions Rise of Gru soundtrack nearing the top. After looking into the album, I understood why. The soundtrack includes songs by Diana Ross, Tame Impala, BROCKHAMPTON, Kali Ulchis, Thundercat, Pheobe Bridgers, Bleachers, H.E.R, Tierra Whack, and other popular artists. Aside from having a stacked artist lineup the album was also produced by Jack Antonoff who produced music for many popular artists like Taylor swift, Lana Del Rey, and Lorde as well as having his own music with his solo project Bleachers and his band Fun.

Minions Rise of Gru takes a step back in time to 1976 as a prequel to the original films. Due to the film being set in the mid 70s the soundtrack serves as a groovy time capsule to classic 70s songs. The covers of staple 70s songs mixed with some of the biggest names in current music allows this album to be something both children and adults can enjoy. My three favorite songs off this album were “Hollywood Swinging” by BROCKHAMPTON, “Goodbye to Love” by Pheobe Bridgers, and “Fly Like an Eagle” by Thundercat. “Hollywood Swinging” was originally sung by Kool & the Gang in 1974. The BROCKHAMTON adaptation provides a sped-up and redone chorus to fit the members vocals. This is an unusual song from BROCKHAMPTONS typical style, but they added many recognizable stylistic makers to create their original sound fans love. Next, Pheobe Bridgers covering the Carpenters song “Goodbye to Love” just makes since with her dreamy cover of the 1972 ballot about coming to terms with never finding love. Finally, Thundercat’s rendition of “Fly Like an Eagle” by Steve Miller Band was by far my favorite on the album. In Thundercat’s version, he takes the jazzy 70s funk sound to a new level by adding in new instruments and adding flair with keyboard riffs. Overall, the Minions Rise of Gru album lived up to the hype of being one of the most anticipated albums and earned a 10/10 rating due to the artists involved and the throwback feel that allows everyone to enjoy the album.