Suicide Squad: The Album | Album Review 💿

Like most soundtracks, Suicide Squad: The Album exemplifies the title of soundtrack. Still, it has its moments.

The hype surrounding film Suicide Squad has been elephantine.  The same can be said for the soundtrack, Suicide Squad: The Album.  Hype is one thing, but possessing substance that supports the hype is another.  So far, Suicide Squad has received mixed reviews. What about the soundtrack? One thing is for sure – it exemplifies the characterization of a soundtrack.  Suicide Squad: The Album has its moments, but as an album, it can’t ditch the fact that it is a soundtrack – a compilation.  Many film soundtracks suffer this fate, experiencing the same pitfalls.  More was expected of Suicide Squad given the hype surrounding film and the star-studded cast of musicians, but ultimately, it doesn’t exceed expectations.  At best, it meets them.

“Purple Lamborghini”

“Purple Lamborghini” isn’t to blame for slacking on Suicide Squad.  Rick Ross is at his best, clearly showing why he’s a “boss.” Skrillex ‘does his thing’ as well, given Ross an energetic, malicious backdrop to rap over.

“Sucker for Pain” & “Heathens”

While so much hype surrounds standouts “Sucker for Pain” and “Heathens,” “Purple Lamborghini” trumps them both.  “Sucker for Pain” arguably features one too many artists – Lil Wayne, Wiz Khalifa & Imagine Dragons with Logic and Ty Dolla $ign featuring X Ambassadors.  It’s fitting for the film and respectable aside from it, though not game changing.

Twenty One Pilots feature “Heathens” won’t threaten “Stressed Out” or “Ride.” Regardless, “Heathens” is enjoyable, with the clear, distinct tone of Tyler Joseph’s vocals being a selling point.  Arguably, the fact that Joseph’s vocals are so clear and innocent makes the vibe of “Heathens” creepier.

“Standing in the Rain” gives Suicide Squad another highlight.  The combination of Action Bronson, Mark Ronson, and Dan Auerbach screams hits. Soulful and old-school, Auerbach excels on the hook, while Action Bronson spits fire on the verses. Up-and-coming R&B singer Kehlani wants a “G” on edgy, slick “Gangsta.” “Gangsta” isn’t the crowning achievement, but as always, Kehlani flaunts her awesome set of pipes. Keeping it contemporary (and 100 of course), breakout southern rapper Kevin Gates spits convincingly on “Know Better.”  “Know Better” is sufficient, but no replacement for “Really Really” or “2 Phones.”

“You Don’t Own Me”

“You Don’t Own Me” never grows old.  The Grace/G-Eazy collaboration is clearly the gift that keeps on giving.  Grace sounds radiant and G-Eazy flexes like no other.  That gift, alas, doesn’t appear in Suicide Squad itself. After many contemporary performances, “Without Me” reappears from Eminem’s 2002 LP, The Eminem Show.

Following Eminem’s classic aggressiveness, Skylar Grey ‘goes hard’ on the jagged, loud “Wreak Havoc.” “Havoc” sounds uncharacteristic of Grey based on what she’s released up until this point.  All over the place, it’s fitting for a soundtrack.  Ambitious alternative artist Grimes brings her nonconformity to “Medieval Warfare.” “Medieval Warfare” is as “off-beat” as expected.  Neither “Wreak Havoc” or “Medieval Warfare” appear in the film.

Oldies dominate the remainder of Suicide Squad.  Panic! At The Disco (Brendon Urie) delivers a solid cover of Queen classic, “Bohemian Rhapsody.” The song, like three previous ones, doesn’t appear in the film. War gem “Slippin’ Into Darkness” seems fitting, as does the penultimate song, Creedence Clearwater Revival classic, “Fortunate Song.” “I Started a Joke,” performed by ConfidentialMX featuring Becky Hanson concludes Suicide Squad.  Unsurprisingly, the enigmatic closer doesn’t appear in the film.

Final Thoughts

How does Suicide Squad: The Album stack up? All in all, it’s enjoyable, not “the second coming.” There are clear highlights, and then there are good/average/okay moments. Not a game changer, Suicide Squad will likely be successful, thanks to the hoopla surrounding the film it supports.

Gems: “Purple Lamborghini,” “Sucker for Pain,” “Heathens,” “Standing in the Rain” & “You Don’t Own Me”

Various Artists • Suicide Squad: The Album • Atlantic • Release: 8.5.16

Photo Credit: Atlantic