Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell ignited screens in ‘Anyone But You’, a rom-com that quickly became a global box office hit, grossing $219 million and breathing fresh air into the genre. Beyond the on-screen chemistry, the film’s soundtrack played a crucial role in its success, perfectly capturing the lighthearted and fun spirit of this modern Shakespearean adaptation. For those captivated by the film’s musical backdrop, we delve into the complete ‘Anyone But You’ soundtrack and score, highlighting the contributions of Este Haim and Christopher Stracey.
The movie, which premiered on Netflix on April 23, 2024, is not just a visual treat but an auditory one as well. Director Will Gluck, known for his savvy use of music in films like ‘Easy A’, once again demonstrates his talent for soundtrack curation. This time, he ingeniously weaves Natasha Bedingfield’s anthemic ‘Unwritten’ into the narrative fabric of ‘Anyone But You’, alongside a vibrant mix of contemporary tracks and an original score crafted by the talented Este Haim and Christopher Stracey.
Ben’s Serenity Anthem: The ‘Unwritten’ Effect
‘Unwritten’, Natasha Bedingfield’s 2004 hit, takes center stage as Ben’s (Glen Powell) “serenity song”. Its repeated appearances throughout the film, culminating in an unforgettable ensemble sing-along during the end credits, have solidified its place in rom-com history once again.
Gluck’s choice of ‘Unwritten’ was deliberate. As he explained to The Hollywood Reporter, the song carries a certain nostalgic weight and undeniable appeal. “Everyone knows ‘Unwritten’,” he noted, emphasizing its universal recognition and feel-good vibe. This strategic musical choice echoes Gluck’s earlier success with Bedingfield’s ‘Pocketful of Sunshine’ in ‘Easy A’, proving his knack for reviving beloved tunes through cinema. The resurgence of Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s ‘Murder On The Dance Floor’ after ‘Saltburn’ further underscores the potent impact of music in film, a phenomenon ‘Anyone But You’ undoubtedly benefits from with its use of ‘Unwritten’.
‘Anyone But You’ Soundtrack: A Melodic Mix
The ‘Anyone But You’ soundtrack is a carefully curated collection of indie pop, alternative, and feel-good tracks, perfectly complementing the film’s playful and romantic atmosphere. Here’s the complete list of songs that feature in the movie:
- Didn’t I – Darondo
- The Spins – Mac Miller
- Photo ID – Remi Wolf, Dominic Fike
- Unwritten – Natasha Bedingfield
- Sick – Dominic Fike
- The Vacationer – Hungry Kids of Hungary
- Bang Bang – Hippo Campus
- Steppin’ On Me – Fitz and The Tantrums
- Sympathy – Declan McKenna
- Dummy – Portugal. The Man
- Got Me Started – Troye Sivan
- Anyone But You – Still Woozy
- Loving You – Wet Leg
- Connecting Dots – Kate Bollinger
- Outta My Head – Mel Wesson
- Lancaster Nights – Charlie Burg
- Bottle Rocket – Jimi Somewhere
This diverse selection of songs adds layers of emotion and energy to key scenes, enhancing the viewing experience and making the soundtrack a standalone listening pleasure.
Sydney Sweeney spider bite scene in Anyone But You
The Original Score by Este Haim and Christopher Stracey
Complementing the soundtrack is the original film score, composed by Este Haim, known for her musical prowess as part of the band HAIM, and Christopher Stracey. Their collaborative score provides an instrumental backdrop that amplifies the film’s emotional beats, from romantic moments to comedic interludes. The ‘Anyone But You’ score tracklist includes:
- Starry Eyed and Falling in Love
- Wedding Weekend
- My Heart Beats to These Stick Clicks
- This is Not a Drill
- What Does Love Sound Like?
- Running So Fast I Can’t Catch My Breath
- I’m Not Blushing
- Funk On
- I Love You, You
- I Hear a Symphony
- Couldn’t Find a Moving Train
Este Haim’s involvement brings a unique sensibility to the score, blending her indie-pop background with cinematic storytelling. Together with Christopher Stracey, they have crafted a score that is both contemporary and timeless, perfectly mirroring the movie’s modern take on a classic romantic comedy narrative. For fans wanting to fully immerse themselves in the soundscape of ‘Anyone But You’, exploring both the soundtrack songs and the original score by Este Haim and Christopher Stracey is essential. Discover the music that made ‘Anyone But You’ a rom-com sensation.
