You can never go wrong with these Miles Morales-approved bops

 

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Put a finger down if you slid into the Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse official soundtrack on Spotify after watching the film. Are they down? Because ours definitely are. If you’ve watched the sequel, then you would know that it did not disappoint. After all, the world will never forget Miles Morales’ iconic slow-mo leap of faith to ‘What’s Up Danger’ by Black Caviar and Blackway in 2018.

In this recent installment of Spider-Verse series, however, chart-topping producer Metro Boomin takes over the musical backdrop of the New York cityscape set across different universes. Just like the different dimensions that our friendly neighborhood Spider-Men (and women) jump into, the 13-track soundtrack traverses different musical styles and vibes, featuring collaborations with rappers A$AP Rocky, Future, Nas, and 21 Savage among others. 

The songs in the film are hard to miss when they elevate certain moments throughout Miles Morales and Gwen Stacy’s coming-of-age journey to different heights. Tag-teamed with the Spider-Verse’s distinct artistic visual and animation, Boomin made sure that each track gave the sequel its unique flair that doubles as a tool to further our understanding of the film’s main characters.

So if you’re finally ready to move on from ‘Sunflower,’ in this edition of the Listening Party, here are some of our top picks from ‘METRO BOOMIN PRESENTS SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE (SOUNDTRACK FROM AND INSPIRED BY THE MOTION PICTURE)’ that you should add to your playlist:

‘Annihilate’ – Metro Boomin & Swae Lee, Lil Wayne, Offset

The soundtrack opens with a quintessential superhero anthem that will get you pumped up before an intense workout session. Swae Lee returns as the voice of the Spider-Verse franchise, this time in a more mature and persistent theme that highlights the accelerated stakes in the film. The verses convey Miles’ growth from being a timid apprentice of Peter Parker, into a decisive and self-assured individual who has finally grown into the shoes of a  hero. The chorus, featuring elements of rap, trap, and R&B, is definitely one for hyping yourself up:

I just came to my senses (Yeah)

I stay in another dimension

Fear is non-existent (Existent)

Suit up and swing through the city (Ooh, hey)

Annihilate, I’m wide awake, be very afraid (Afraid)

I’m in my own world, give me space

I’m in my own universe, give me space (Space, yeah)

‘Hummingbird’ – Metro Boomin & James Blake

Oh, to lie down in bed listening to this, daydreaming about your crush from another dimension. This crowd-favorite would be something the low-fi girl would be bobbing her head to. Cute, soft, and youthful – ‘Hummingbird’ hits all the summery feels especially with James Blake’s vocals and the outro of piano instrumentals towards the end. As one of the non-rap songs in the album, we see the more reflective side of Miles – lyrically inspired by his spider-muse:

Pen pal on a night shift

She’s who I get away with

Realising she might

Be all I need in this life

‘Calling’ – Metro Boomin & Swae Lee, Nav, feat. A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie

You’re not Spider-Man if you’re not constantly trying to impress your love interest. The melodic and smooth ‘Calling’ exposes the vulnerable side of our protagonist as he proves his devotion to his muse and his responsibility as a superhero. The synth-filled instrumentals highlight the genuineness of Miles’ feelings for Gwen Stacy. The lyrics in the verses notably use creative and playful wordplay:

I’m not materialistic, but I got a thing for you

Treat the world like my guitar, I’m pullin’ strings for you…

I gave you this number, it’s nobody else that got it, you can call me

The way I let you come into my life and take my heart away, it’s like a robbery

Every time you look up on the charts, now, you seein’ me, I hope you proud of me

‘Self-Love’ – Metro Boomin & Coi Leray

Ever felt like you’ve been floating in an empty void before? ‘Self-Love’ captures that feeling of apprehensiveness and self-doubt, but in an almost comforting way. Coi Leray’s vocals deliver the theme of self-love–or lack thereof of Gwen Stacy who exiled herself from a universe filled with hurt and tragedy. Sonically, the somber melody parallels the struggles of a lone wolf and her desire to belong:

Oh my, she’s a long way from suburban towns

Came to the city for the love, got her hurtin’ now…

Small town love, fall down love, not medicated

Drink too much, think too much, thoughts drownin’ me

I’m too high, please don’t cry, stop doubtin’ me

You don’t know love, you just show love, stop downin’ me

‘Am I Dreaming’ – Metro Boomin & A$AP Rocky, Roisee

When this song started playing in the end credits, we were all probably still processing the ending of Across the Spider-Verse. If you know, you know. It’s a smart move from Boomin to end the film with this song which makes the audience crave in anticipation for the next part of the franchise. Roisee and A$AP Rocky were the best choices to pair with in this convergence of hard-hitting beats and weighty strings. Lyrically, ‘Am I Dreaming’ hints at the message of hope and perseverance amidst feelings of defeat. Now we know what song to put on when we need a lift from our lowest points:

I feel beaten, but I can’t give up

I’m still fighting (Metro), I don’t feel I’ve lost

Am I dreamin’? Is there more like us?

Got me feelin’ like it’s all too much

I feel beaten, but I can’t give up

Special Mention: ‘Mona Lisa’ – Dominic Fike

Wondering why you can’t find a certain song in the soundtrack? There’s a high chance that it’s ‘Mona Lisa’ from when Miles and Gwen swung around New York City on an overdue “date” – which in my opinion, was a single scene that in itself was worth the whole movie ticket. This groovy, peachy masterpiece was originally included in the soundtrack’s Deluxe Edition, but was removed and instead released by Fike on streaming platforms. The acoustic intro, Fike’s smooth vocals, and the track’s playful arrangement and melody all come together to make it my top song from the whole film. BRB, swinging under the sunset sky to ‘Mona Lisa’ with my bestie:

Love is when you try to place it out your mind (Uh-huh)

But you can’t turn a radio down (Uh-huh)

And you can’t think of anyone else (Uh-huh, uh)

And love is when you try to make it out alive (Uh-huh)

But you can’t turn a radio down (Uh-huh)

And you can’t think of anyone else (Uh-huh, uh)

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Lyrics courtesy of Genius