Birds of Prey (soundtrack)

Last updated

Birds of Prey: The Album
Birds of Prey - The Album.jpg
Soundtrack album by
Various Artists
ReleasedFebruary 7, 2020 (2020-02-07)
Genre
Length42:52
Label
Producer
DC Extended Universe soundtracks chronology
Shazam!
(2019)		Birds of Prey: The Album
(2020)		 Wonder Woman 1984
(2020)
Singles from Birds of Prey: The Album
  1. "Diamonds"
    Released: January 10, 2020
  2. "Joke's on You"
    Released: January 17, 2020
  3. "Boss Bitch"
    Released: January 24, 2020
  4. "Sway with Me"
    Released: January 31, 2020
  5. "Experiment on Me"
    Released: February 7, 2020

Birds of Prey: The Album is the soundtrack album by various artists for the film Birds of Prey , released by Atlantic Records on February 7, 2020. [2] Atlantic released five singles leading up to the album's release day. The album debuted at number 23 on the US Billboard 200, number nine in Australia, and within the top 40 in Canada, New Zealand, and Switzerland. It won the 2020 American Music Award for Top Soundtrack. [3] A separate film score album, titled Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) – Original Motion Picture Score and composed by Daniel Pemberton, was released on February 14 by WaterTower Music. [4]

Contents

Background and development

Described as the "candy-colored, R-rated new entry in the DC Extended Universe", Birds of Prey , the film honored a classic superhero movie tradition as seen with the Suicide Squad soundtrack for the 2016 film, Suicide Squad . The album features songs by various female artists, including Megan Thee Stallion, Halsey, Saweetie, Doja Cat, Normani, and Summer Walker. [5] The director of the film, Cathy Yan, stated that music is a super important concept in film and that it "motivates [her]". She went on the say that "it kind of helps me create the characters". Yan and the production team worked closely with Atlantic Records to assemble a "sort of musical girl gang", and create an all-female soundtrack for this women-powered world. [5]

Kevin Weaver, president of the Atlantic Records West Coast of the soundtrack, went on to say he "was looking for a female, badass sensibility to tie directly back to Harley Quinn and the Birds of Prey characters" and he "wanted to mirror Harley's journey with a music sensibility that kind of spoke to those same themes and through-lines". [5]

Music and lyrics

The genres of the album have been described by Crimson staff writer, Annie Harrigan, as hip hop, pop, alternative rock and rap. [1] Songs like "Boss Bitch", "So Thick" and "Diamonds" include uplifting lyrics and embody themes like "self-sufficiency, hard work, and confidence". [1] "Experiment on Me" has "heavy guitar, a steady beat, and screamo-style vocals", while "Danger" is "one of the more hardcore tracks", featuring "strong beats, echoey and screamo vocals, and strong hip-hop and rock influences". [1]

The album also included covers of the songs "It's a Man's Man's Man's World" by James Brown, "I'm Gonna Love You Just a Little More Baby" by Barry White, and "Hit Me with Your Best Shot" by Pat Benatar. [1]

Singles

The album's first single, "Diamonds" by Megan Thee Stallion and Normani, was released on January 10, 2020, with a music video inspired by Harley Quinn. [6] The second single, "Joke's On You" by Charlotte Lawrence, was released on January 17. [7] The third single, "Boss Bitch" by Doja Cat, was released January 24 with a music video. The fourth single was "Sway with Me" by Saweetie and Galxara, with a music video featuring Ella Jay Basco reprising her role as Cassandra Cain from the film, and was released on January 31. [8] The fifth single, "Experiment On Me" by Halsey, was released on February 7, alongside the album's release. [9] [10] A solo version of "Sway with Me" by Galxara was released as a standalone single on May 1. [11]

Commercial performance

The album debuted at number 23 on the Billboard 200 chart, and was the week's fifth best-selling album. [12] [13] "Boss Bitch" by Doja Cat was the only single from the album to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 at number 100. [14] "Diamonds" by Megan Thee Stallion and Normani peaked at number 16 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 but missed the mainstream chart. [15]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svg [16]
Clash 7/10 [17]

The soundtrack was met with positive reviews. Variety regarded it as "one incredible needle drop after incredible needle drop, bursting with the energy, freedom and sometimes chaotic sounds reflected in [the film]". [18] The use of only female artists was praised by Crimson, who noted that they "exhibit a broad range of musical genres and styles" and "despite drastic differences amid the artists", the songs "flow perfectly into the next in terms of style, genre, and lyrical content". [1] AllMusic wrote, "while the album whips around genres at breakneck speed, everything fits together nicely", commending the "blend of energy, menace, and danger from a team of badass women". [16] Clash praised the soundtrack, calling it an "incredible sonic companion to the [film], both of which show the world the power of an all-female roster, exploding with creative dexterity". [17]

Tracklist

Track listing for Birds of Prey: The Album
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Boss Bitch" (Doja Cat)
  • Royal
  • Adams
2:14
2."So Thick" (Whipped Cream featuring Baby Goth)
  • Caroline Cecil
  • Brianna Miller
  • Sean Turk
Whipped Cream2:11
3."Diamonds" (Megan Thee Stallion and Normani)
  • MD$
  • Bell
  • Arrow
3:19
4."Sway with Me" (Saweetie and Galxara)
2:48
5."Joke's on You" (Charlotte Lawrence)
  • Pemberton
  • Royal
3:04
6."Smile" (Maisie Peters)
 Two Inch Punch 2:38
7."Lonely Gun" (Cyn)
Mora2:38
8."Experiment on Me" (Halsey)
  • Fish
  • Sykes
3:35
9."Danger" (Jucee Froot)
  • Pemberton
  • Royal
  • Terrica Alexander
  • Pemberton
  • Royal
2:27
10."Bad Memory" (K.Flay)
  • Dahlquist
  • Morrissey
2:55
11."Feeling Good" (Sofi Tukker)
  • Hume
  • Sofi Tukker
3:03
12."Invisible Chains" (Lauren Jauregui)
3:20
13."It's a Man's Man's Man's World" (Jurnee Smollett-Bell)
  • Royal
  • Andrew Orkin
2:56
14."I'm Gonna Love You Just a Little More Baby" (Summer Walker) Barry White London on da Track 2:53
15."Hit Me with Your Best Shot" (Adona) Eddie Schwartz
2:51
Total length:42:52

Personnel

Charts

Original Motion Picture Score

Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) – Original Motion Picture Score
Birds of prey.jpg
Film score by
Daniel Pemberton
ReleasedFebruary 14, 2020 (2020-02-14)
Genre Film score
Length61:52
Label WaterTower Music
Producer Daniel Pemberton
Daniel Pemberton chronology
Motherless Brooklyn
(2019)		Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) – Original Motion Picture Score
(2020)		 Enola Holmes
(2020)
DC Extended Universe soundtrack chronology
Shazam!
(2019)		Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)
(2020)		 Wonder Woman 1984
(2020)

The separate film score titled Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) – Original Motion Picture Score composed by Daniel Pemberton was released on February 14, 2020, by WaterTower Music. [4]

Track listing

No.TitleLength
1."Flying High (Birds of Prey)"1:53
2."The Fantabulous Emancipation Explosion"1:32
3."Harley Quinn (Danger Danger)"3:06
4."Birds of Prey"2:16
5."Harley Gogo Agogo"1:56
6."The Black Mask Club"1:54
7."Stolen Diamond"1:55
8."Bad Ass Broad (Whistle MF)"3:07
9."Lonely in Gotham"0:50
10."Black Canary Echo"1:08
11."The Bertinelli Massacre (The Huntress Story)"2:29
12."Bump It!"2:19
13."Roman Sionis"2:42
14."Lockdown"2:27
15."Bruce and the Beaver"1:26
16."Lotus Flower"1:40
17."Femme Fatale"0:19
18."Breakout!"4:20
19."The Bertinelli Revenge"1:57
20."I Want To Kill You Because I Can"3:13
21."Zsasz Showdown"2:30
22."Work Together"2:05
23."Battle Commence"2:33
24."Flight Together (Birds of Prey)"4:59
25."Founders Pier"1:46
26."Roller Vs Rollers"3:27
27."The Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn"2:03
Total length:61:52

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Normani</span> American singer (born 1996)

Normani Kordei Hamilton, known mononymously as Normani, is an American singer. She rose to fame as a member of the American girl group Fifth Harmony, which became one of the best-selling girl groups of all time. While in Fifth Harmony, she competed in Dancing with the Stars (2017). She also released her debut solo single "Love Lies" (2018), a duet with Khalid. The song was certified 5× platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lauren Jauregui discography</span>

American singer Lauren Jauregui has released two extended play, fourteen singles, and two promotional single as a featured artist. In 2012, Jauregui auditioned as a solo artist in the second season of The X Factor. After being eliminated as a solo performer, Jauregui was brought back into the competition along with four other girls to form the girl group Fifth Harmony. During her time in the group, Jauregui and her bandmates released the albums Reflection (2015), 7/27 (2016), and Fifth Harmony (2017).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Doja Cat</span> American rapper and singer (born 1995)

Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini, known professionally as Doja Cat, is an American rapper and singer. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she began making and releasing music on SoundCloud as a teenager. Her song "So High" caught the attention of Kemosabe and RCA Records, with which she signed a joint record deal before releasing her debut EP, Purrr!, in 2014.

<i>Birds of Prey</i> (2020 film) Film by Cathy Yan

Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) is a 2020 American superhero film directed by Cathy Yan and written by Christina Hodson, based on the DC Comics team, the Birds of Prey. Produced by Warner Bros., DC Films, LuckyChap Entertainment, Clubhouse Pictures, and Kroll & Co. Entertainment, it is the eighth installment in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), and serves as a spin-off and sequel to Suicide Squad (2016). It stars Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn alongside Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Jurnee Smollett-Bell, Rosie Perez, Chris Messina, Ella Jay Basco, Ali Wong, and Ewan McGregor. The film follows Harley Quinn, who, after breaking up with the Joker, is threatened by Gotham City crime lord Roman Sionis, and joins forces with Helena Bertinelli, Dinah Lance and Renee Montoya (who go on to form the Birds of Prey) to save Cassandra Cain.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Megan Thee Stallion</span> American rapper (born 1995)

Megan Jovon Ruth Pete, known professionally as Megan Thee Stallion, is an American rapper. Originally from Houston, Texas, she first garnered attention when videos of her freestyling became popular on social media platforms such as Instagram. Megan Thee Stallion signed to 300 Entertainment in 2018, where she released the mixtape Fever (2019) and the extended play Suga (2020), both of which reached the top ten of the Billboard 200.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Megan Thee Stallion discography</span>

American rapper Megan Thee Stallion has released two studio albums, one compilation album, three mixtapes, three extended plays, thirty-eight singles, and two promotional singles. In her early career, Megan Thee Stallion released the non-commercial, SoundCloud-exclusive mixtapes Rich Ratchet (2016) and Megan Mix (2017). She made her official solo debut by commercially releasing her first professional EP, Make It Hot, on September 18, 2017, which was followed by her second EP Tina Snow on December 21, 2018.

<i>Woptober II</i> 2019 studio album by Gucci Mane

Woptober II is the fourteenth studio album by American rapper Gucci Mane. It was released on October 18, 2019, by Atlantic Records and GUWOP Enterprises. The album features guest appearances from YoungBoy Never Broke Again, DaBaby, Megan Thee Stallion, Lil Baby, Kodak Black, London on da Track, Migos members Quavo and Takeoff, Peewee Longway, Kevin Gates, Yung Mal, OJ da Juiceman, among others. Production is handled by TM88, Southside, Metro Boomin, Lex Luger, and London on da Track, among others.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Diamonds (Megan Thee Stallion and Normani song)</span> 2020 single by Megan Thee Stallion and Normani

"Diamonds" is a song by American rapper Megan Thee Stallion and American singer Normani. It was released on January 10, 2020, by Atlantic, as the lead single from the soundtrack to the film Birds of Prey. The song samples "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" by Marilyn Monroe, making this the first song to directly sample the jazz classic according to the music blog Idolator.

<i>Suga</i> (EP) 2020 EP by Megan Thee Stallion

Suga is the third extended play by American rapper Megan Thee Stallion. It was released on March 6, 2020, by 1501 Certified Entertainment and 300 Entertainment. It features guest appearances from Kehlani and Gunna. The project's release was preceded by legal troubles between the rapper and the label, following a contract renegotiation attempt, which led to the filing of a temporary restraining order towards the label. Megan had initially intended for it to be her debut studio album, but instead released it as an EP as a result.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Savage (Megan Thee Stallion song)</span> 2020 single by Megan Thee Stallion

"Savage" is a song by American rapper Megan Thee Stallion. It was released on March 6, 2020, as part of her EP Suga and later sent to US contemporary hit radio on April 7, 2020, by 1501 Certified Entertainment and 300 Entertainment as the third single from the EP. The song was written by the artist with Bobby Sessions, Akeasha Boodie, and producer J. White Did It. It went viral on video-sharing app TikTok, with people performing the "Savage" dance challenge during the song's chorus.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boss Bitch</span> 2020 single by Doja Cat

"Boss Bitch" is a song by American rapper and singer Doja Cat, featured on the Birds of Prey soundtrack Birds of Prey: The Album (2020). It was released as the soundtrack's third single on January 23, 2020. The song was written by Doja Cat alongside Ashnikko and producers Adam Sky & Imad Royal.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">WAP (song)</span> 2020 single by Cardi B

"WAP" is a song by American rapper Cardi B featuring guest vocals from fellow American rapper Megan Thee Stallion. It was released through Atlantic Records on August 7, 2020, as the lead single from Cardi B's upcoming second studio album. Musically, it is a hip hop song driven by heavy bass, drum beats, and a sample of Frank Ski's Baltimore club single "Whores in This House" (1993). In the lyrics, Cardi B and Megan discuss how they want to be pleased by men, specifically referencing numerous sexual practices.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Don't Stop (Megan Thee Stallion song)</span> 2020 single by Megan Thee Stallion featuring Young Thug

"Don't Stop" is a song by American rapper Megan Thee Stallion featuring fellow American rapper Young Thug. It was written alongside Ricky Remedy and producer Buddah Bless. The song was released on October 2, 2020 by 1501 Certified Entertainment and 300 Entertainment as the second official single from her debut studio album Good News (2020). Musically, it is a sex-positive hip hop song with production inspired by electronic and industrial music.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">34+35</span> 2020 single by Ariana Grande

"34+35" is a song recorded by American singer Ariana Grande, included as the second track on her sixth studio album, Positions (2020). It was written by Grande, Albert Stanaj, Courageous Xavier Herrera, Scott Nicholson, Steven Franks, Tayla Parx, Victoria Monét, and its producers Peter Lee Johnson and Tommy Brown. The song was released through Republic Records on November 3, 2020, serving as the second official single from Positions. The song's title and chorus reference the 69 sex position, while the rest of its lyrics feature several sexual puns, double entendres, and sex jokes.

<i>Good News</i> (Megan Thee Stallion album) 2020 studio album by Megan Thee Stallion

Good News is the debut studio album by American rapper Megan Thee Stallion. It was released on November 20, 2020, by 300 Entertainment and 1501 Certified. The album features guest appearances from DaBaby, City Girls, Lil Durk, SZA, Popcaan, Mustard, Big Sean, 2 Chainz, Young Thug, and Beyoncé. The music was written and produced with a host of musicians, including D.A Got That Dope, LilJuMadeDaBeat, Juicy J, J. White Did It, and Scott Storch.

Sean Bankhead is an American dancer and choreographer. He served as a judge on the American music competition series Becoming A Popstar.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wild Side (Normani song)</span> 2021 single by Normani featuring Cardi B

"Wild Side" is a song by American singer Normani, featuring American rapper Cardi B. It was released through Keep Cool and RCA Records on July 16, 2021, as the lead single from Normani's upcoming debut solo album. The song marks her first radio single since 2019's "Motivation". It was written by the two artists alongside Keynon Moore, Pardison Fontaine, Starrah, Dave Cappa, Jonah Christian, June Nawakii, Taylor Ross, and Tyler Rohn, and was produced by the latter six and Normani.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Handstand (song)</span> 2021 single by French Montana and Doja Cat featuring Saweetie

"Handstand" is a song by Moroccan-American rapper French Montana and American rapper and singer Doja Cat featuring fellow American rapper Saweetie as the fourth single from the former's fourth studio album They Got Amnesia (2021). It was written by the rappers, Darryl Clemons, Kevin Price, Jaucquez Lowe, and Hitmaka, with the latter serving as the track's producer alongside Pooh Beatz, Go Grizzly, and London Jae. Described as "bouncy", the song interpolates Big Pun's 2000 single "It's So Hard".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sweetest Pie</span> 2022 single by Megan Thee Stallion and Dua Lipa

"Sweetest Pie" is a song by American rapper Megan Thee Stallion and English-Albanian singer Dua Lipa, released on March 11, 2022 through 1501 Certified and 300 Entertainment. The song serves as the lead single from Megan Thee Stallion's second studio album Traumazine.

<i>Traumazine</i> 2022 studio album by Megan Thee Stallion

Traumazine is the second studio album by American rapper Megan Thee Stallion, released on August 12, 2022, by 300 Entertainment and 1501 Certified.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Harrigan, Annie. "'Birds of Prey: The Album' is Nothing but BoPs" . Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  2. ↑ Callwood, Brett (January 21, 2020). "Album of the Week: Birds of Prey: The Album". LA Weekly.
  3. ↑ Shafer, Ellise (November 22, 2020). "American Music Awards 2020: The Full Winners List". Variety. Retrieved November 23, 2020.
  4. 1 2 Davidson, Arianna (October 2, 2020). "'Spider-Verse' composer Daniel Pemberton to score 'Birds of Prey'". Deseret News.
  5. 1 2 3 "How The Badass, All-Female Birds of Prey Soundtrack Came Together". Entertainment Weekly . Retrieved July 26, 2020.
  6. ↑ "Megan Thee Stallion and Normani Share New Song "Diamonds": Listen". Pitchfork. January 10, 2020. Retrieved January 10, 2020.
  7. ↑ @charlottelawr (January 16, 2020). "JOKES ON YOU IS OUT FRIDAY #birdsofprey" (Tweet). Retrieved January 16, 2020– via Twitter.
  8. ↑ @GALXARA (January 15, 2020). "was HONORED to ride beside the icy queen & baddest 13 year old in the game @birdsofprey LETS GO #swaywithme @Saweetie @ellajaybasco" (Tweet). Retrieved January 16, 2020– via Twitter.
  9. ↑ ""Experiment on Me" from the "BIRDS OF PREY" soundtrack is out Feb 7th at Midnight Local Time"". Halsey. February 6, 2020. Archived from the original on December 24, 2021. Retrieved February 7, 2020– via Instagram.
  10. ↑ "Listen to the 'Birds of Prey' Soundtrack f/ Megan Thee Stallion, Halsey, Summer Walker, More". Complex. February 7, 2020. Retrieved February 9, 2020.
  11. ↑ "Sway with Me (GALXARA Version)" . Retrieved May 8, 2020– via Apple.
  12. ↑ @billboardcharts (February 18, 2020). "Debuts on this week's #Billboard200" (Tweet). Retrieved February 19, 2020– via Twitter.
  13. ↑ @billboardcharts (February 18, 2020). "This week's most-sold albums (via @billboard's #TopAlbumSales chart)" (Tweet). Retrieved February 19, 2020– via Twitter.
  14. ↑ "Doja Cat Chart History". Billboard . Retrieved August 18, 2020.
  15. ↑ "Chart History Diamonds". Billboard. Retrieved October 20, 2020.
  16. 1 2 Yeung, Neil Z. "Birds Of Prey: The Album - Various Artists". AllMusic. Retrieved March 4, 2020.
  17. 1 2 Abousetta, Ramy (February 10, 2020). "Birds Of Prey - OST". Clash. Retrieved February 14, 2020.
  18. ↑ Tangcay, Jazz (February 7, 2020). "Album Review: 'Birds of Prey' Soundtrack" . Retrieved May 8, 2020.
  19. ↑ "ARIA Australian Top 50 Albums". Australian Recording Industry Association. February 17, 2020. Retrieved February 15, 2020.
  20. ↑ "Austriancharts.at – Soundtrack – Birds of Prey" (in German). Hung Medien. Retrieved February 20, 2020.
  21. ↑ "Ultratop.be – Soundtrack – Birds of Prey" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved February 15, 2020.
  22. ↑ "Ultratop.be – Soundtrack – Birds of Prey" (in French). Hung Medien. Retrieved February 15, 2020.
  23. ↑ "Eminem Has No. 1 Album For 4th Week". FYIMusicNews. Retrieved February 18, 2020.
  24. ↑ "Top Albums (Week 7, 2020)" (in French). Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique. Retrieved February 18, 2020.
  25. ↑ "Offiziellecharts.de – Soundtrack – Birds of Prey" (in German). GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved February 14, 2020.
  26. ↑ "NZ Top 40 Albums Chart". Recorded Music NZ. February 17, 2020. Retrieved February 15, 2020.
  27. ↑ "Swisscharts.com – Soundtrack – Birds of Prey". Hung Medien. Retrieved February 19, 2020.
  28. ↑ "Debuts on this week's #Billboard200 (1/2)". Billboard on Twitter. Retrieved February 19, 2020.
  29. ↑ "Soundtrack Chart History (Soundtrack Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved August 20, 2021.
  30. ↑ "Soundtracks – Year-End 2020". Billboard. Retrieved August 20, 2021.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.