Music defines the cosmic journey of Star-Lord and his crew. James Gunn's final installment in the trilogy relies on a curated cassette tape full of 1970s, 80s, and 90s rock, punk, and alternative anthems. If you want the complete official song lineup for the movie, the full Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 soundtrack features seventeen distinct tracks spanning multiple decades, moving away from pure 70s nostalgia into 90s alternative rock.
The official album shifts tone dramatically compared to the first two films, reflecting the emotional weight and character growth in the final chapter. Every single track tells a story, matching specific action sequences, emotional flashbacks, and quiet character moments. Here is the complete breakdown of every song featured on the official release, along with context on how they fit into the movie.
Official Tracklist for Awesome Mix Vol 3
The physical and digital releases follow a specific order compiled by Peter Quill's new Zune. These songs form the emotional spine of the film, capturing everything from high-energy hallway brawls to tearful goodbyes.
- Creep (Acoustic Version) by Radiohead
- Crazy on You by Heart
- Since You Been Gone by Rainbow
- In the Meantime by Spacehog
- Reasons by Earth, Wind & Fire
- Do You Realize?? by The Flaming Lips
- We Care a Lot by Faith No More
- Koinu no Carnival (From "Minute Waltz") by EHAMIC
- I'm Always Chasing Rainbows by Alice Cooper
- San Francisco by The Mowgli's
- Poor Girl by X
- This Is the Day by The The
- No Sleep Till Brooklyn by Beastie Boys
- Dog Days Are Over by Florence + The Machine
- Badlands by Bruce Springsteen
- I Will Dare by The Replacements
- Come and Get Your Love by Redbone
Standout Musical Moments in the Film
Certain songs stand out because they anchor major narrative beats. James Gunn is known for syncing choreography and action directly to the rhythm of the music.
Radiohead's acoustic version of "Creep" opens the film, establishing a melancholic, introspective mood for Peter Quill as he deals with his grief over Gamora. It is a stark contrast to the upbeat openings of the first two movies, which featured "Come and Get Your Love" and "Mr. Blue Sky."
Later in the film, the Beastie Boys track "No Sleep Till Brooklyn" powers a frantic, single-take hallway fight scene. The energetic pacing of the song matches the chaotic melee as the team battles through High Evolutionary's guards. Another pivotal emotional peak occurs near the end when Florence + The Machine's "Dog Days Are Over" plays during a celebratory group dance, bringing a cathartic release to the entire trilogy.
Why the Zune Changes the Musical Era
In previous films, Peter Quill's soundtrack choices were strictly limited by his mother's cassette tapes, which only contained music released before 1980. At the end of the second movie, Kraglin gifts Peter a Microsoft Zune.
This tech upgrade allows the soundtrack to expand into the 1980s and 1990s. Tracks like Radiohead's "Creep" (released in 1992) and Spacehog's "In the Meantime" (released in 1995) enter the rotation. This shift symbolizes Peter entering a modern era and processing contemporary grief, moving beyond the nostalgic bubble of his childhood memories on Earth.
You can listen to the official compilation on major streaming platforms or check out the Marvel Official Soundtrack Details for further background on production and artist interviews. For physical media collectors, the album is widely available on vinyl and CD through outlets like the Disney Music Emporium.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is "Come and Get Your Love" in the third movie?
Yes, Redbone's classic track makes a return appearance near the end of the film during a nostalgic playback moment on the Zune, connecting the final movie back to the opening scene of the very first film.
Who composed the original score for the movie?
John Murphy composed the original orchestral score, separate from the licensed pop and rock songs on the Awesome Mix. Murphy also worked with James Gunn on The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker.
Why isn't every song from the movie on the official Awesome Mix CD?
While dozens of background tracks and source cues play throughout the runtime, the official Awesome Mix album only contains the specific songs compiled onto Peter Quill's music player and highlighted as primary soundtrack components.
Can I buy the soundtrack on vinyl?
Yes, Hollywood Records released the album on standard black vinyl as well as limited-edition color variants, such as purple and cobalt blue double-LP sets.