After selling out movie theaters worldwide this past summer, “Barbie” (2023) has had its fair share of time in the spotlight. Yet, the “Barbie” hype isn’t over quite yet — “Barbie the Album,” the star-studded soundtrack for the movie, won a total of three Grammys on Feb. 4 at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles.
Featuring bops from Sam Smith, Tame Impala, Charli XCX, and HAIM, among countless others, it is no shocker that “Barbie the Album” was met with such success — the album had the most tracks nominated across all Grammy categories at the end of last year. “Barbie the Album” ultimately won Grammys for Song of the Year and Best Song Written for Visual Media, both for Billie Eilish’s emotional “What Was I Made For?” From a joint effort that involved all featured artists, the album most notably won Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media.
If the multiple Grammy wins weren’t enough, “Barbie the Album” also won a Golden Globe for Best Original Song, Motion Picture (“What Was I Made For?”) and a Critics Choice Award for Best Song (“I’m Just Ken”), all serving as testaments to Eilish’s musical genius and the impact that her song has had on women and individuals from all backgrounds.
Of course, this album could not have been brought to fruition or fame without Greta Gerwig’s blockbuster hit that sent hordes of people donning pink to the theaters all summer long. Behind the scenes of the album includes renowned DJ-producer Mark Ronson and Gerwig, who collaboratively produced the soundtrack, as well as Atlantic Records’ Brandon Davis and Kevin Weaver, the latter of whom is the label’s West Coast president. In the past, he has produced soundtrack albums for iconic films such as “Daisy Jones & The Six,” “The Greatest Showman” and “The Fault in Our Stars.”
All of the album’s tracks fit seamlessly into the movie, giving an immersive experience for viewers that truly made Barbie Land feel alive. After the film’s magically synchronized and glittery dance opening to Dua Lipa’s “Dance The Night,” the audience is transported to the beach for Ryan Gosling’s ironic anthem, “I’m Just Ken,” and later on is met with the emotions and weight of the patriarchy that women have struggled under for so long with Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?” alongside America Ferrera’s performance that is chock-full of girl power.
With over three billion streams since its release back in late July, the undeniable hype over “Barbie the Album” can be experienced firsthand here. For more information on the story behind the soundtrack album, visit the official website here. To experience the soundtrack with the film and relive the summer nostalgia, “Barbie” can currently be found on Max, Hulu and Prime Video.
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