This captivating live-action film features stunning fashion and an impressive soundtrack that perfectly complements the movie's themes and era. Here are the top 10 songs that shed light on Cruella's character, revealing her humanity, her distinctive persona, and the unique significance of each track in her story. Disney truly nailed it with this soundtrack!
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Emma Stone
Emma Thompson
Joel Fry
Paul Walter Hauser
Mark Strong
Tipper Seifert-Cleveland
Kirby Howell-Baptiste
Emily Beecham
John McCrea
Kayvan Novak
Jamie Demetriou
Abraham Popoola
"Sympathy for the Devil" – The Rolling Stones
"Sympathy for the Devil" highlights how the movie explores moral uncertainty and what makes a villainous person. The song's thought-provoking lyrics, which explore the subtleties of moral judgment and sympathy, are an ideal complement to Cruella's own complex and gloomy personality. Using a song about compassion for someone who might not deserve it, the movie draws attention to Cruella's personal difficulty with empathy and understanding despite her evil persona. The energetic and rebellious tone of the song amplifies the chaotic and fierce essence of Cruella’s transformation, enhancing the film's dramatic and stylistic elements. Its presence in the movie also serves to challenge the audience’s perceptions of good and evil, echoing the film’s themes of embracing one's darker side. Overall, the song's unadulterated and rebellious spirit resonates with Cruella's journey, which makes it a memorable and appropriate selection for the movie's soundtrack.
“I Love Paris” - Georgia Gibbs
Georgia Gibbs' performance of "I Love Paris" enhances the film with its vibrant 1950s charm, aligning well with the 1970s setting. The song's upbeat and playful nature contrasts with the movie's darker themes, creating an ironic and engaging atmosphere. Its lively rhythm complements Cruella's extravagant and rebellious personality, reflecting her dramatic flair. The inclusion of this track underscores the film’s stylistic and thematic contrasts, enriching the overall experience. The song's nostalgic quality also evokes a sense of timeless glamor, fitting seamlessly with the film’s fashion-forward visuals.
“I Am Woman” - Helen Reddy
The song's feminist anthem vibe resonates with Cruella's journey of breaking free from societal constraints and asserting her individuality. Its powerful lyrics and bold delivery mirror Cruella's defiant and transformative attitude as she challenges the norms of the fashion world. The song's upbeat style adds to the overall excitement of the movie by creating a dynamic backdrop for Cruella's colorful and dramatic events. Furthermore, the iconic song by Helen Reddy adds a sentimental element that goes well with the 1970s backdrop of the movie. Cruella's character arc gains depth from its inclusion, representing her struggle and eventual success as a force for creative revolution.
"One Way or Another" by Blondie
Blondie's "One Way or Another" is a fantastic choice for Cruella because of its catchy tempo and intense lyrics, accurately conveying Cruella's unwavering will to succeed at any cost. The song’s upbeat tempo and energetic vibe amplify the film’s thrilling and high-stakes moments, adding to the excitement of Cruella’s wild adventures. Its theme of persistence mirrors Cruella’s determination to break boundaries and make a lasting impact. The punk rock edge of the song also complements the film’s edgy and stylish look, enhancing its rebellious spirit. In the end, "One Way or Another" provides a lively and spirited soundtrack to Cruella’s daring and dramatic journey.
"Call Me Cruella" – Florence + The Machine
The song’s dramatic and haunting quality echoes the film’s dark and stylish tone, highlighting Cruella’s transformation and inner turmoil. Its powerful lyrics and emotive delivery align with Cruella’s fierce self-expression and quest for identity and revenge. The song is a noteworthy addition to the soundtrack because of its intricate orchestration and evocative mood, which enhance the film's atmospheric and dramatic scenes. The song's brazen and rebellious spirit reflects Cruella's bold demeanor, giving her character more nuance and passion.
“The Wild One” - Suzi Quatro
The song's gritty rock vibe perfectly captures Cruella de Vil’s unruly spirit and her journey from misunderstood orphan to fashion icon. Suzi Quatro's powerful vocals and the track's energetic beat embody the raw, untamed essence of Cruella’s character. Furthermore, the song's vivid, fashionable image and period-appropriate 1970s rock style blend perfectly with the movie's historical backdrop. By including this soundtrack, the film highlights its theme of defying expectations and valuing uniqueness. This song elevates the mood of the whole album and becomes a standout highlight.
“Feeling Good” - Nina Simone
It is a powerful addition to the Cruella (2021) soundtrack, resonating deeply with the film’s themes of liberation and personal transformation. The song’s soulful and invigorating mood mirrors Cruella’s dramatic evolution into a confident, assertive character. Simone's profoundly felt performance heightens the mood of the movie, highlighting Cruella's journey's moments of empowerment and rejuvenation. The song's lyrics, which talk about starting over and finding strength again, go hand in hand with Cruella's defiance and confidence. Its eerie yet uplifting nature highlights significant turning points in Cruella's character evolution and gives a deep emotional element to the story. All things considered, the song enhances the movie's soundtrack and offers a gripping setting for some of its most important moments.
"I Wanna Be Your Dog" – The Stooges
Its gritty energy and rebellious spirit align perfectly with the film’s edgy and bold aesthetic. Cruella’s rebellious and unusual nature is encapsulated in the song’s raw, intense beat and thought-provoking lyrics. Its unadulterated, unrefined statement of revolt and passion goes well with the movie's examination of individual independence and defying social standards. The track’s punk rock intensity mirrors Cruella’s fierce and unrestrained approach to fashion and life. The song’s rebellious tone also enhances the film’s dramatic and dynamic moments, amplifying its overall impact. Ultimately, "I Wanna Be Your Dog" adds a powerful and rebellious edge to the soundtrack, perfectly fitting Cruella’s audacious and daring journey.
"Fire" - Ohio Players
Its energetic and rebellious vibe complements the film's high-octane fashion world. The song's funky, driving beat and bold lyrics mirror Cruella’s fiery personality and audacious approach to fashion and life. Cruella's most dramatic and audacious moments are perfectly set against the excellent backdrop of its rhythmic intensity, which enhances the film's elegant and dynamic scenes. The song's iconic 1970s vibe complements the film's retro backdrop and gives the soundtrack more character and authenticity. Cruella's fervent and occasionally disorganized pursuit of fame and fortune is reflected in the song's intensity and sense of urgency. Overall, "Fire" gives the movie vitality, elevating its chic and rebellious vibe.
"Whole Lotta Love" - Ike & Tina Turner
This track’s raw, powerful vocals and energetic rhythm reflect Cruella’s bold and defiant personality, making it a fitting backdrop for her most intense and dramatic moments. Cruella's unwavering determination and flamboyant style are complemented by the rebellious fury of Ike & Tina Turner's high-octane performance. The song's vivid and edgy mood is further reinforced by its powerful, driving beat and passionate delivery, which elevate the film's high-stakes scenes. Its authentic and thrilling touch is provided by its blend of 70s rock and soul, which complements the film's nostalgic style. All things considered, "Whole Lotta Love" gives the soundtrack a strong adrenaline boost while flawlessly encapsulating Cruella's persona and theatrical flair.
Check out the full Cruella soundtrack here.