10 Best Star Wars Songs of All Time, Ranked: The Galactic Tracks Fans Remember
Music heard across the galaxy
The Star Wars films are closely associated with John Williams’ scores, but the franchise also features music playing within scenes. Characters hear and respond to these tracks, which draw on a range of real-world genres and create sounds specific to the galaxy.
Among the examples described are jazz, EDM, punk rock and heavy metal. Several have become recognizable in their own right across films, television and games.
Sounds from Tatooine and Bracca
In The Book of Boba Fett, bassist Stephen “Thundercat” Bruner appears as the owner of a Mos Espa mod parlor. He co-wrote “The Mod Parlour” with Joseph Shirley and Ludwig Göransson, and played on the track.
In Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, Cal Kestis listens to “Sugaan Essena” while working on Bracca. The Hu wrote its lyrics in an original language; the title means “The Black Thunder,” and the song combines throat singing with heavy metal.
Songs in familiar film scenes
“Jabba Flow” plays as Han Solo, Rey and Finn enter Maz Kanata’s castle in The Force Awakens. Lin-Manuel Miranda and J.J. Abrams co-wrote it, and its Huttese lyrics refer to Jabba the Hutt. Miranda said the words translate as “No, lover, lover. It wasn’t me,” echoing Shaggy’s song “It Wasn’t Me.”
In Solo: A Star Wars Story, “Chicken in the Pot” plays when Han first enters Dryden Vos’ yacht. John Powell wrote the track, whose lyrics describe a couple discussing what they will eat; its inspiration included concept art for performer Luleo Primoc.
Celebrations and changing versions
The Gungan marching band performs “Augie’s Great Municipal Band” during the Naboo celebration at the end of The Phantom Menace. The piece includes notes associated with the Emperor’s theme from Return of the Jedi, sung by a choir in a major key and at a faster tempo.
The Ahsoka premiere features Sabine Wren listening to “Igyah Kah” as she speeds along Lothal’s highways. Sarah Tudzin of Illuminati Hotties performs the punk song, which has Huttese lyrics and was written by Kevin Kiner, Deana Kiner, Ludwig Göransson and Noah Gorelick. The article notes that the 1997 Special Edition of Return of the Jedi replaced the Ewok celebration song “Yub Nub” with “Victory Celebration.” It says both tracks are excellent, but the provided text ends before completing its discussion of the song ranking.
Key points
- Star Wars diegetic music ranges from heavy metal and punk to jazz and EDM.
- The Hu’s “Sugaan Essena” features throat singing and lyrics in an original language.
- “Jabba Flow” was co-written by Lin-Manuel Miranda and J.J. Abrams.
- Return of the Jedi’s 1997 Special Edition replaced “Yub Nub” with “Victory Celebration.”