Let’s be real for a second. Animated sequels usually feel like a tired cash grab. You get the same jokes, a slightly bigger budget, and a soundtrack that’s basically a "Now That’s What I Call Music" compilation from three years ago. But somehow, the songs in Sing 2 managed to dodge that bullet entirely.
It’s been a few years since Buster Moon and his chaotic theater troupe hit the big screen in Redshore City, yet the soundtrack has some serious staying power. Honestly, it’s because the movie didn’t just throw random hits at a wall. It used music to actually tell a story about grief, stage fright, and the literal terror of meeting your idols.
The Bono Factor: More Than Just a Cameo
Most people talk about Clay Calloway first, and for good reason. Getting Bono to voice a reclusive, grieving lion was a massive flex. But the way they used U2's catalog wasn't just about name-dropping.
When Ash (voiced by Scarlett Johansson) sits on that porch and starts an acoustic, stripped-back version of "Stuck in a Moment You Can’t Get Out Of," it’s genuinely emotional. It’s not a "pop" moment. It’s a conversation. That leads us to the big finale, where they perform "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For." Hearing Bono’s weathered, gravelly voice mix with Johansson’s raspy rock tone? It works. It shouldn't, but it does.
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Taron Egerton and the Coldplay Redemption
Johnny’s arc in the first movie was great, but his performance of "A Sky Full of Stars" in the sequel is a masterclass in tension. If you’ve seen the movie, you know the scene. He’s dealing with that nightmare of a dance instructor, Klaus Kickenklober, and the pressure is basically boiling over.
Taron Egerton has this incredible ability to sound like he’s actually acting while he’s singing. You can hear the nerves in the beginning and the pure, unadulterated release by the time the beat drops.
Other standouts from the core cast include:
- Tori Kelly (Meena): Her duet with Pharrell Williams on "I Say a Little Prayer" is vocal gymnastics. She’s arguably the best singer in the entire franchise, and they finally gave her a song that lets her run.
- Halsey (Porsha): She basically stole the show with "Could Have Been Me." It’s a high-energy anthem that perfectly fits her character’s "spoiled but talented" vibe.
- Reese Witherspoon and Nick Kroll: They took on Ariana Grande’s "Break Free" and somehow made it a techno-pig-ballet masterpiece. It’s ridiculous, but the energy is infectious.
The Songs in Sing 2: What You Might Have Missed
While the big radio hits get the glory, the "Audition Medley" is where the writers really had some fun. It’s a rapid-fire sequence of blink-and-you’ll-miss-it covers. We’re talking everything from Billie Eilish’s "bad guy" to System of a Down’s "Chop Suey!" (Yes, really).
That’s the secret sauce of the Sing franchise. It’s the weird juxtaposition of a cute animal singing a heavy metal or alternative track that keeps adults from losing their minds while their kids watch it for the 40th time.
There’s also the original track "Your Song Saved My Life" by U2. It was the first new music from the band in several years at the time. It’s a sweeping, cinematic ballad that basically sums up the entire theme of the film: music isn't just entertainment; it’s a lifeline.
Why It Still Ranks
If you’re looking to curate the perfect family playlist or just want to relive the Redshore City vibes, the soundtrack is surprisingly deep. It spans decades of music history—from Elton John's "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" to Shawn Mendes's "There's Nothing Holdin' Me Back."
The production quality is also worth noting. Harvey Mason Jr., who has worked with everyone from Aretha Franklin to Beyoncé, produced the music. You can hear that "prestige" in the arrangements. These aren't just karaoke tracks; they’re fully realized reimagining of classic songs.
Practical Tips for Fans
If you're diving back into the music, check out the Japanese version of the soundtrack if you can find it. The localizations for these films often feature incredible J-Pop talent that gives the songs a totally different energy.
Also, for those who use music for workouts or motivation, the Johnny and Porsha tracks (the Coldplay and Struts covers) are peak "get moving" music.
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To get the most out of the experience, try watching the live performances from the movie alongside the studio tracks. The visual storytelling—like Johnny’s battle with the sticks or Meena’s imaginary romance—adds layers to the lyrics that you miss when you’re just listening on Spotify. Go back and watch the "Could Have Been Me" sequence again; the sheer scale of the animation during that number is still impressive even years later.
Next Steps for Your Playlist:
- Cross-reference the soundtrack: Compare the movie versions of the tracks to the original artists (like The Struts for "Could Have Been Me") to see how the arrangements were changed for the characters.
- Look for the Bonus Tracks: Don't miss out on the bonus track "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" featuring the whole cast—it’s one of the better modern covers of that holiday staple.
- Check the Lyrics: Pay attention to how the U2 lyrics were woven into the dialogue of the film; it's a clever bit of scriptwriting that makes the songs feel earned rather than forced.