"GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY" REDEFINES WHAT MUSIC MEANS TO MOVIES

The Marvel Universe has played a huge part in our culture for decades. The Guardians of the Galaxy franchise is a big part of that universe, director/writer James Gunn's carefully curated soundtrack is a big part of the Guardians galaxy.

The conceit of the film is that the hero, Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) carries a mix tape of ancient pop tunes wherever he travels in space. His Awesome Mix tapes have broken out of the film series and become a staple in pop culture.

Quill's Awesome Mix Vol. 1, a gift from his long-deceased mother, is the soundtrack to his life. It helps him navigate loss, homesickness, and love. It also helps Pratt's Quill connect with the audience. The songs convey his thoughts and emotions, which can run deep even though these films are comedies.

When I think of Awesome Mix Vol. 1, my mind jumps to “Come and Get Your Love,” by Redbone, and “Escape (The Pina Colada Song),” by Rupert Holmes. When I hear these songs on shuffle or on the radio, they take me right back to the first movie, in which they play big roles. Each song bridges the gap between Peter’s past, present, and future. Quill ties most of the songs to his mother and his feelings of loss. But he also shares these tracks with his new friends as he looks to the future and their adventures together.

Fans, critics and movie insiders loved Awesome Mix Vol. 1. It won Best Soundtrack in November of 2014 at the Hollywood Music in Media Awards. It was nominated for Best Soundtrack at the American Music Awards that same year, and for

Billboard Music Awards in 2015 and 2016 and a Grammy 2015.

The success of the first soundtrack drove Gunn to curate something even better for the sequel. Gunn's selections -- of diverse songs everyone already knows and loves -- for this film uncovered emotional layers of Quill and of some supporting characters.

Awesome Mix Vol. 2 brings us tracks such as “The Chain,” by Fleetwood Mac, and “Mr. Blue Sky,” by Electric Light Orchestra. These songs pile on top of the nostalgia established in the first Guardians of the Galaxy movies, even as they deepen the emotional challenges the adventurers face while fighting enemies on another planet.

In the most recent film, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, music takes on an even more prominent role. In the first movie, music was near and dear to Quill. As story arc unfurls over all three films, the musical arc takes in the whole team. These songs express the emotions, themes, and growth of the guardians in both in their personal lives and in their group dynamics as they work to overcome whatever challenges they encounter. “In The Meantime,” by Spacehog, and “Dog Days Are Over,” by Florence + The Machine, for example, reflect the feelings of redemption and unity the characters experience redemption and unity on their journey.

In addition to the pre-existing songs, Tyler Bates composed underscoring for the film. Bates and Gunn joined forces to use the power of music to appeal to a wide range of audiences across the globe. They mixed popular and niche artists and new material to cover all the bases when curating the soundtrack and producing the score.

Without the soundtrack, Guardians of the Galaxy wouldn’t leave its mark the same way. Sure, it would still be an award-winning film, but the emotional impact of each scene would be significantly different without the musical support it.

The Guardians of the Galaxy soundtrack has served its purpose: To enhance the films' nostalgia, connections among characters, connections between characters and audience, sense of adventure, and humor. I watched all three films to understand the value of music to the franchise. Fans love the soundtrack, and I can see and hear why.