The Force is Strong with Pop Music: Exploring the Unexpected Sounds of Star Wars
The galaxy far, far away might be best known for its orchestral scores and iconic soundtracks, but Star Wars has a surprisingly diverse music scene that goes beyond the traditional “space opera” sound. Recently, fans were treated to an unexpected surprise: a pop-inspired end-credits song, “Power of Two,” in the Disney+ series The Acolyte. While many might associate Star Wars with the sweeping melodies of John Williams, the track, by artist Victoria Monét, is an actual pop song that fits surprisingly well within the canon, adding a fresh twist to the Star Wars musical landscape.
This isn’t the first time a pop song has graced the Star Wars universe. The immersive experience at Disney’s Galaxy’s Edge and the now-defunct Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser have introduced a pop singer named Gaya, a Twi’lek character established in the canon post- Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Gaya’s music, like “Power of Two,” is inspired by the Star Wars mythology, encompassing themes of resistance, rebellion, and iconic figures from the galaxy. Her music is a clear example of pop music thriving in the Star Wars universe, providing a glimpse into the diverse musical tastes of the galaxy’s inhabitants.
“Power of Two,” however, goes beyond a simply catchy tune. It’s a thematic song that explores the duality and destiny shared by the twin characters, Osha and Mae, whose story is revealed in the flashback episode of The Acolyte. It’s a poignant song that could easily exist within the canon, perhaps as a popular song celebrating the legendary duo’s journey during the High Republic era.
“Power of Two” highlights the expanding musical landscape of Star Wars, demonstrating that the franchise is not afraid to experiment with different genres and musical styles. The song also serves as a reminder that the universe is teeming with diverse cultures and musical traditions, a testament to its rich and ever-expanding lore.
Beyond the recent pop additions, a closer look reveals that Star Wars has a surprisingly extensive history of incorporating pop and rock music into its canon. Star Waver, a rock band featured in the animated anthology Star Wars: Visions, plays “Galactic Dreamer” in the episode “Tatooine Rhapsody”, demonstrating that rock music holds a place within the galaxy.
The infamous and often-mocked Star Wars Holiday Special may be a controversial piece of Star Wars history, but it also makes a strong case for pop’s existence within the universe, featuring original songs performed by cast members such as Carrie Fisher (“A Day to Celebrate”), Bea Arthur (“Good Night But Not Goodbye”), and the musical guest Jefferson Starship (“Light the Sky on Fire”). This chaotic and sometimes cringe-worthy TV special actually reflects the diverse musical tastes of the Star Wars universe, showing that even the galaxy can have its share of questionable musical choices.
While the Star Wars Holiday Special may have embraced camp and kitsch, certain musical numbers have become iconic, such as Max Rebo’s Band‘s rendition of “Lapti Nek” in Return of the Jedi. This performance, a blend of jazzy and funky sounds, solidified the band’s status as a beloved part of Star Wars lore.
Despite the presence of various musical genres across the franchise’s history, Star Wars continues to surprise with its willingness to explore new sounds. “Power of Two” is a testament to Lucasfilm’s embrace of diverse musical styles, a decision that aligns with the ever-expanding universe’s rich and complex worldbuilding. It’s not just about the music itself; it’s about the stories these songs tell, the cultures they represent, and the emotions they evoke.
The most important takeaway is that Star Wars, with its iconic orchestral scores and John Williams’s unforgettable melodies, isn’t just a universe of cinematic grandeur but a vibrant musical tapestry that encompasses numerous genres. From the soulful pop ballads of Gaya to the energetic rock tunes of Star Waver, the galaxy far, far away is teeming with a symphony of sounds, offering a unique glimpse into the musical tastes and cultural landscapes of its diverse inhabitants.
The future of Star Wars music is full of exciting potential. With the franchise exploring new territories, introducing fresh characters and concepts, the possibility of more unexpected musical collaborations seems almost inevitable. Fans are undoubtedly looking forward to the next musical surprise, the next pop song that blends seamlessly with the Star Wars universe, revealing that the Force is truly strong with pop music.
