Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie) is back and she’s here to remind all why she shouldn’t be messed with. Birds of Prey: And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn follows the aftermath of Suicide Squad, with Quinn’s departure from the Joker and reinventing herself as a vigilante. Alongside Huntress (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), Black Canary (Jurnee Smollett-Bell), and Renee Montoya (Rosie Perez), their mission is to save Cassandra Cain (Ella Jay Basco) from the evil clutches of Black Mask (Ewan McGregor).
From the producers of “Suicide Squad: The Album” comes “Birds of Prey: The Album.” In partnership with Atlantic Records, the movie soundtrack features a diversity of female artists including Doja Cat, Halsey, Lauren Jauregui and more. By having this group of talented women together in one album, one can feel the empowerment and confidence oozing, hinting at the Birds of Prey power group. Perhaps there are clues hidden the tracks that can tell audiences what to expect from the lovely Harley Quinn and her gang of powerful girlfriends.
Doja Cat – “Boss B*tch”
The first track on the album typically sets the scene for what the record is going to be about. Right as the music hits, the listener is strapped into a rollercoaster of fast-paced electronic dance beats accompanied by the witty lyricism of Doja Cat. Listening to this song truly makes one feel like a “Boss B*tch,” which can be what Harley Quinn exudes in the film. lyrics such as “I’m a b*tch and a boss and my shine like gloss” and “All of my bad pics been all my best ones,” indicate how Harley is a confident, independent woman who doesn’t need to rely heavily on the Joker, or really any man. When Doja Cat sings, “I don’t wanna go, go, go with the flow/ Backbend ‘til I touch my toes,” she’s embodying Harley’s nature to go against the norm. Even if you’re different from the rest of society, it’s important to stay true to yourself.
Megan Thee Stallion & Normani – “Diamonds”
“Diamonds” was the first single released from the album and it did not disappoint! Having the power duo of Megan Thee Stallion and Normani results in high-quality performance and musicality. By having these two artists collaborate, their similarities can be reflected upon the duality of Harley Quinn. On one hand, there’s Normani, a cool and sensual performer with a velvety voice. This is similar to how Harley can be collective and knows when to have fun. On the other hand, there’s Megan Thee Stallion who’s more tough, gritty and gives off the feeling that she shouldn’t be messed with. These qualities can be found in Harley, and most likely in the other Birds of Prey members since the group is not afraid to back down from a challenge and will fight for what they believe is right. In the track, Megan raps, “You want me to be a little more ladylike? Mmm/ Come through with my girls, then beat your a** on ladies night.” If that doesn’t make scream fearlessness, then what does?
Charlotte Lawrence – “Joke’s On You”
This James Bond-esque track by Charlotte Lawrence explains how Harley feels after her breakup with the Joker. From the events that occurred in Suicide Squad, audiences have been exposed to the unlucky couple’s unfortunate dating history from when they met up to the end of their relationship. Looking at the lyrics of “Joke’s On You,” audiences can understand the toxicity of the relationship and view the aftermath of the breakup. Lyrics such as “Drag me to death, like a lit cigarette/ Took my last breath, like the smoke from my lips/ I’ve lied for you and I liked it too/ But my knees are bruised from kneeling to you” demonstrate how the relationship was taking a toll on Harley’s physical health. When Charlotte Lawrence sings, “God knows I’ve tried to be kind / But I won’t just lay down and die/ Wearing a fake smile/ The joke’s on you,” it shows how a person tries their best to change and maintain a false image to make others happy but realizes that the most important person who should be happy is themselves. This is the anthem for those dealing with the aftermath of leaving a destructive relationship, and with the accompaniment of Charlotte Lawrence’s angelic voice, no more tears will be shed anymore.
An interesting detail included in the soundtrack is the presence of cover songs. There’s Black Canary’s (Jurnee Smollett-Bell) “It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s World,” a cover of the famous James Brown song, Summer Walker’s “I’m Gonna Love You Just A Little More Baby,” a Barry White song, and ADONA’s “Hit Me With Your Best Shot,” a song originally sung by Pat Benatar. It will be interesting to hear their takes on the song and whether additionally lyrics will be added that tie heavily on the film.
Songs that are not yet released but have been sneak-peeked are Saweetie & GALXARA’s “Sway With Me” and Halsey’s “Experiment On Me.” The songs have been teased in a trailer for the movie soundtrack and they sound incredible! The tracks that haven’t been released yet include WHIPPED CREAM (feat. Baby Goth) – “So Thick,” Maisie Peters – “Smile,” Cyn – “Lonely Gun,” Jucee Froot – “Danger,” K. Flay – “Bad Memory,” Sofi Tukker – “Feeling Good,” and Lauren Jauregui – “Invisible Chains.”
So far, what the movie soundtrack tells audiences is that major themes that will be explored in the film include heartbreak, female empowerment and identity. Birds of Prey is the unofficial sequel to Suicide Squad since the second installment of Suicide Squad is yet to be released. It is possible that whatever happens in this movie will be brought up again in the next DC Comics film. Birds of Prey: And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn is expected to hit theaters on February 7, 2020, alongside the release of “Birds of Prey: The Album.” Until then, band together with your girlfriends, uplift each other and stay fearless.