So we’ve finally arrived at Greta Gerwig’s master stroke: Barbie. Be it the perfectly-timed coincidence that was last year’s ‘Barbiecore’ movement or the glamourous allure of its most recent press tour, it’s been an absolute joy ride waiting on the film. It’s clear the marketing team absolutely knew what was up when they turned in their candy-coloured proposals to upper management. Another fabulous marketing hit? The announcement of artists we could expect on Barbie The Album: the sweet, sparkly accompanying package to the 114-minute silver screen effort, executively produced by Mark Ronson.
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First came Dua Lipa’s groovy dance anthem ‘Dance The Night’, for which, ‘this Barbie (made) a music video’ for too. Then came Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice’s modern day answer to Aqua’s 1997 highly-contentious ‘Barbie Girl’—a popping It-girl rendition titled ‘Barbie World’. A surprising swerve was henceforth delivered when Billie Eilish dropped ‘What Was I Made For?’, a guaranteed tear-jerker both on and off-screen. As for the other tunes on the 18-strong tracklist? The drop of the hotly-awaited summer flick only means the complete entity of Barbie The Album is finally here—including a more-than-welcome cover of Indigo Girls’s ‘Closer to Fine’.
Suffice to say, we’re not missing out on this chance to drown ourselves in every single audio delivery from the dreamy, fuschia-hued package, whilst picking out our favourites too. Our rankings of every song on the Barbie soundtrack, below.
18. ‘Forever & Again’ by The Kid LAROI
The Kid LAROI has a dependable sound, to say the least. Where it matters in the film, the track enters with its crooning melodies and guitar-led verses—reminiscent of Post Malone and The Kid LAROI’s radio hit ‘Without You’.
17. ‘Pink’ by Lizzo
Indeed, it’s a befitting track for pink queen Lizzo to take on and undeniably synonymous with the satisfyingly-choreographed opening scene for the film. Encapsulating the dreamy, magical quality of Barbieland, our only gripe is that it’s one we see falling through the cracks amidst this 18-strong album—which is a pity considering Lizzo’s true range.
16. ‘Silver Platter’ by Khalid
This one’s for the Kens out there. A well-paced track filled with his typical R&B and soul infusions, Khalid’s husky tonality sums up Ken’s experience of being ignored by the girl he loves most in the world.
15. ‘Barbie Dreams’ by Fifty Fifty and Kaliii
When it comes to a catchy, addictive tune, it seems Fifty Fifty can be counted on to deliver. Think sugar, spice and everything nice. Yet the shining armour happens to be Kaliii’s turn on the track—where her rap bridge powers through.
14. ‘Choose Your Fighter’ by Ava Max
Much like The Kid LAROI, Ava Max doesn’t steer far from her usual sound but in Max’s case, her electronic dance fantasy just happens to be a popping hit for Gerwig’s Barbie.
13. ‘Barbie World (with Aqua)’ by Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice
We needed a contemporary rendition for Aqua’s ‘Barbie Girl’, so Ice Spice and Nicki Minaj brought it home. The original soundtrack was sampled, and the dangerous duo served a confident, cheeky update led by a strong trap beat.
12. ‘WATATI’ by KAROL G and Aldo Ranks
The mostly English-led soundtrack was definitely in need of some Latin panache—for which Karol G and Aldo Ranks came through and gave to a swinging disco track that makes you want to get on the dance floor yourself.
11. ‘Hey Blondie’ by Dominic Fike
We’ll be honest: here’s where it already begins to get difficult to rank the rest of the tracks. Dominic Fike’s vocals shine through on this lilting surprise—dreamt out of sweet sunshine and pitter-patter beats that simply take you on a ride worth a breezy drive along the beachside.
10. ‘I’m Just Ken’ by Ryan Gosling
Well into the film, Ryan Gosling’s musical-like vocals made an entrance, for a theatrical rendering of the twist in the film. At the halfway mark, the song explodes into an ’80s rock opera effort, with hard-hitting guitars and drums.
9. ‘Home’ by HAIM
If there’s one that we think will continue to grow on us slowly, it’ll be this transformative package by HAIM. Coupled with their signature rock synths, the sisters’ stirring track seeks out a new journey for the independent girl at heart, and its rousing tunes are one we find to be softly sparkling in the corner of a room.
8. ‘Dance The Night’ by Dua Lipa
Lipa’s track was the first one we got from the album—packaged with a music video to beat. And it’s what she does best: a perfectly paced disco track for when the night comes. Doesn’t hurt that this scene in the film is a true joy to watch too.
7. ‘Journey To The Real World’ by Tame Impala
As far as alternative genres go, Tame Impala surely was one we might have least expected to be on the Barbie soundtrack but they surprised us. The track’s entrance is the most timely of the lot—depicting the fantastical, imaginary quality of the scene via its psychedelic sound and lyrics.
6. ‘Closer to Fine’ by Brandi Carlile and Catherine Carlile
A true nostalgia moment. The final track of Barbie The Album was never revealed nor teased till the film’s drop and perhaps it makes the inclusion all the more special. A rhythmic cover of the Indigo Girls’s recognisable folk anthem, the Carliles opted for a pared-back version that serves as a lighter substitute to the original.
5. ‘butterflies’ by GAYLE
Already poised to be our next favourite hit from GAYLE, this hard-hitting remake of Crazy Town’s ‘Butterfly’ chimes in with just the right amount of verve in the film and is a wild, spinning alternative to the overall bubblegum-leaning record.
4. ‘Man I Am’ by Sam Smith
Sam Smith comes in with a shocking serve; the first line instantly telling of the power trip the Kens take at this point in the film: ‘This one is for the boys/With your greased up and heavy metal toys’. But it’s a banging track nonetheless, filled with just the right amount of seductive vocals and addictive refrains.
3. ‘Angel’ by Pink Pantheress
We’ll say it first: this would have ranked higher on our list if more of it was actually used in the film. No matter, for this two-minute package by Pink Pantheress will work its magic off-screen just as well. Beautifully designed with her sweet, airy vocals and a bubbly melody carried on violin string symphonies, it’s one that perfectly captures both sides of the film: the dreamy, pink-hued world of Barbieland and the inherent longing for the bittersweet realities of the Real World.
2. ‘What Was I Made For?’ by Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish’s breathy vocals—notably reminiscent of Happier Than Ever—ultimately make for one of the album’s masterpieces and the most intriguing inclusion on the album, especially if you haven’t already caught the film. Amidst the singer’s shaky, airy falsettos, ‘What Was I Made For?’ makes you seek out a tight, comforting hug—and is one you’ll hold close to heart post-film.
1. ‘Speed Drive’ by Charli XCX
As in the name, Charli XCX received the brief for this track and assisted in delivering the film’s most punchy, feel-good scene for the girls in the crowd. We’re talking funky electro pop, a delicious chorus you can’t erase from your mind and that necessary dose of Charli XCX spunk. We especially loved how the song took a little break in the film, before ascending into its prime. The verdict? We’ll gladly go for one more ride, Barbie.
