Fox’s most successful X-Men property returns, kicking off this summer season with a bang. Deadpool 2 is not only a phenomenal sequel that, in my opinion, surpasses its predecessor, but it has some amazing song choices. Both original and classic, these songs enhance the film even more and make it worth watching numerous times in the theater.

Before we go into the motion picture soundtrack, the original score, by Tyler Bates, is worth mentioning here. It’s upbeat, energetic and fun in places, while also maintaining a serious factor, and certain somberness – which is very much indicative of the film itself. In particular, the theme for the X-Force, “Mutant Convoy” – which is also featured on the soundtrack – plays very well and works to heighten the tension and provide that ‘cool’ factor.

When it comes to the soundtrack, each song serves an entirely different purpose and lands in a big way. The opening credits are tempered to Celine Dion’s ballad “Ashes“, whose inclusion seemed strange to me before, but makes total, genius sense in context. Without spoiling, the opening credits manage to be funny and heartbreaking – a balance the entire movie walks perfectly. It’s the best Celine song I’ve heard in years – the pop star is back in her prime, giving me vocals that remind me of her Titanic ballad “My Heart Will Go On”, but in a modern way.

Another favorite of mine are the Choir rendition of “You Can’t Stop This Motherf**ker” (Tyler Bates is credited as having been the mastermind behind this stroke of brilliance) and TEAMHEADRICK’s “Deadpool Rap”. These tracks combine on the end credits, and not only are they just good, catchy songs that make me want to chuckle (I mean, the lyrics of “You Can’t Stop This Motherf**ker” alone are hysterical), but they perfectly fit the Deadpool character. You can imagine that, before one of his missions, Wade would be coloring pictures or building LEGOs, and blasting these songs.

In fact, all the rap tracks on the album stand out – “Welcome To The Party”, a big collaboration with Diplo, French Montana, Lil Pump and Zhavia Ward, and Run The Jewels hit “Nobody Speaks”, are both perfectly used during action sequences in the film. Like much of this album, I would never have considered linking up Deadpool with rap music – but it fits so phenomenally, I envy the mind of who envisioned this. The songs work to heighten the scenes they’re used in, while also standing out as awesome songs that could be listened to with or without the context of the film.

When it comes to the ballads, though, the biggest standout to me was Alicia Morton’s or of “Tomorrow”, from the “Annie” soundtrack. The song was not only well utilized in the scene (I didn’t expect it at all), but it perfectly personified the weird delightfulness of Deadpool himself. Only he would think of that song in such a harrowing moment (no spoilers, but why haven’t you seen the movie yet?). It’s a great track, and it was perfectly well used here.

Classics, like Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5” and Cher’s “If I Could Turn Back Time“, are used in moments that match up wonderfully with their titles. As a whole, the soundtrack works wonderfully – and better than its predecessor, in my opinion – to personify the Deadpool character, as well as giving a bigger presence to music in the film. It’s just absolutely fantastic. Cue superhero landing!

The Deadpool 2 Soundtrack is available on Spotify and Apple Music! Be sure to follow us on Spotify @geeksofcolor!