Ever since I finished Kpop Demon Hunters, it’s been the only thing on my mind. I can barely bring myself to listen, watch, or play anything else; it’s just Kpop Demon Hunters all the time. I’ve found this most when it comes to music, as I’ve been listening to the soundtrack for the film nonstop, and it’s easy to see why. Every single song on the soundtrack is an absolute banger that will get stuck in your head until the heat death of the universe. Maybe that’s being a tad dramatic, but you get the point; this shit slaps hard as fuck.So, the only reasonable thing to do after listening to these songs for the millionth time is to rank them from least favourite to most favourite (yes, that’s reasonable). Full disclosure, I adore all these songs, as they are all bangers; some just meet my own music tastes more than others. Also, spoiler warning for Kpop Demon Hunters, so if you haven’t seen the film, go and watch it right now, and then come back, and we can compare lists. And if you want to hear me gush about the rest of the film, you can check out my review here.
Yes, yes, I know, one of the catchiest songs ever invented is at the bottom of the list, but that just goes to show how phenomenal this soundtrack is. “Soda Pop” is our introduction to the Saja Boys in the film, and it leaves a strong first impression. The beat is catchy, the vocals sound almost angelic (the irony), and the general vibe just fits Summer time. I can’t help but do the lil shoulder dance whenever this song starts to play. And don’t even get me started on that pre-chorus from Jinu; it’s so good. The reason this song is at the bottom, though, is that it’s not normally what I would listen to for the most part. Sure, I’ll vibe with it occasionally, but it’s not one I have to replay multiple times in one sitting.
God, this one hits you in the feels and doesn’t stop destroying your heart even after the film’s over. “Free” is a duet between Rumi and Jiun that marked a turning point in both characters’ journeys. Rumi started to see demons like Jinu, and by extension, the demon half of herself, as deserving of hope and love. The first verse, sung by Rumi, and the second verse, sung by Jinu, perfectly encapsulate one of the main messages of the film, which is accepting yourself and being free from your shame. It’s a beautiful song, and the only reason it isn’t higher is due to it not being the best everyday song. But when I’m down in my feels, “Free” will be being played on loop.
“Your Idol” is the song where the Saja Boys show their true colours, and it’s low-key fire. This song happens towards the end of the film, when the Saja Boys have successfully destroyed the Honmoon and are releasing Gwi-ma. They are using this song to ensnare anyone within earshot. And after listening to this song, I can see why it worked so well. This is a much edgier and darker sound compared to “Soda Pop”. While that song was lighthearted and fun, “Your Idol” has messages of selling your soul to the Saja Boys, as well as that they’re the only people who will accept you, which isn’t the best. But the song is a banger, especially with that pre-chorus yet again. And when Baby Saja starts to rap after the chorus, it just hits differently.
“Takedown” is an interesting one because there are actually two versions of it on the soundtrack. The first is the one used in the film sung by HUNTRX (which does slap), and then there’s the second version sung by Jihyo, Jeongyeon, and Chaeyoung of TWICE (which also slaps). I adore both versions for different reasons. I really like the rap parts in the HUNTRX version, as it’s the song where Zoey and Mira get more of the spotlight. And in the TWICE version, Jihyo’s vocals are on point, especially with the pre-chorus and verses she sings.
The reason this song doesn’t crack the top three, though, is that I still haven’t emotionally recovered from the moment in the film where demons disguised as Mira and Zoey ambush Rumi with this song on stage and expose her half-demon secret to everyone. The following scene, where Mira and Zoey are scared of Rumi while she’s breaking down, had me in a ball of tears. The song might move up the ranking in the future, but not while this wound is still fresh.
The first song in the film and our introduction to HUNTRX is “How It’s Done”, and what an introduction it is. This is an all-around banger and just what the film needed to get people invested in the group of gals. Each member gets a chance to shine like Rumi in the chorus, Mira in the first verse, and Zoey in the second. It showcases each member’s vibe perfectly, making it one of the most memorable songs from the soundtrack. My favourite parts were Mira’s first lines, where she uses a kettle to smash a demon’s face into the beat and when Zoey is giving a demon a full makeover as they’re free-falling. Both for the comedic aspect, but also those sections go hard.
Ok, we are in the top two now, and these can easily switch depending on the day, but going with my gut has “What It Sounds Like” here as the runner up. This is the climactic song of the film where Rumi, after coming to terms with her demon half and reuniting with Mira and Zoey, join forces to finish off the Saja Boys and Gwi-ma. The slow start to the song, where it’s just Rumi with the piano, is the perfect vibe setter. And then, when the other two join in, they all meet in the middle as the tempo picks up, and it turns from a melancholy reunion into one of the most hopeful songs about acceptance I’ve heard. It’s just so good.
No one loves “Golden” like me. This has been playing in my head almost constantly since I finished watching the film. Everything about it is tailor-made to my music tastes. The intro starts with a low-key vibe before quickly upping the tempo as each member gets a chance to shine. Then bringing it back down a little for the pre-chorus to explode in the chorus. Rumi’s vocals are just so goddamn amazing in this song, especially in the second half of the chorus with that high note. Everything about this song is just perfection, and I don’t have the musical knowledge to properly explain in words how much I adore this song (which could be said for every song on this soundtrack). This song is just incredible, and I’ll keep having this song on repeat for a long time to come.
I fear Kpop Demon Hunters has ruined music for me for at least the next several months. It’s most likely that the only thing I’ll be listening to will be this soundtrack, but I ain’t complaining. Despite pitting them against each other in a ranking system, I love all these songs and can understand why some may prefer other songs at number 1. But regardless, we can all agree that this is the best soundtrack to a musical film in the past three decades (I stand by that).
Do you agree with the ranking? Anything you disagree with? What was your favourite song? Let us know in the comments where we can agree that HUNTRX and the Saja Boys need full albums now!
