The music at the heart of 'Ghostbusters: Afterlife'

Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021) is a supernatural comedy and one of the latest installments in the Ghostbusters franchise. Directed by Jason Reitman, son of the original Ghostbusters director Ivan Reitman, it brings back the spirit of the original films, blending nostalgia with a fresh perspective. Technically, this wasn't Jason's first bit of involvement with the film franchise, as he appeared as a child in Ghostbusters 2, telling the Ghostbusters: "You know, my dad says you guys are full of crap."

As we delve into the music of this venture, you might want to also consider Elmer Bernstein's score for the first Ghostbusters film. This time, the story follows the financially struggling Spengler family, who move to a small town in Oklahoma and uncover their connection to the original Ghostbusters, due to inheriting Egon Spengler's property. When strange phenomena start occurring, they realize they must pick up their late grandfather’s ghostbusting legacy to save the town from a supernatural threat.

The film stars Carrie Coon, Finn Wolfhard, Mckenna Grace, and Paul Rudd. Mckenna Grace plays Phoebe, the granddaughter of Egon Spengler (originally portrayed by Harold Ramis), whose character serves as a bridge between the original Ghostbusters team and the new generation (she is just as prominent in Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire).

The plot delves into Phoebe’s discovery of her grandfather’s ghostbusting equipment and introduces the younger characters to the proton packs, Ecto-1, and other iconic tools from the original series. It’s a family-centered story that honors the legacy of the original team while introducing younger fans to the franchise, and it a way that at least many fans don't consider "played out." In addition to its fresh cast, the movie features cameos from original Ghostbusters actors Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, Annie Potts, and Sigourney Weaver, connecting the film back to its 1984 origins.

The score of Ghostbusters: Afterlife

The score for Ghostbusters: Afterlife was composed by Rob Simonsen, known for his work on films like The Spectacular Now and Love, Simon. Simonsen’s approach to the score honors the original themes by Elmer Bernstein, incorporating nostalgic cues and familiar motifs that fans of the 1984 film will recognize. When asked to score the film, Simonsen says he was like, "Alright! Let's give it a whirl."

This includes ghostly, eerie compositions blended with upbeat, action-oriented themes, reflecting the film's mix of adventure, family bonds, and supernatural elements. Simonsen worked to capture both the playful and suspenseful spirit of the franchise, using elements like synthesizers and orchestral arrangements to echo Bernstein's iconic work, adding a layer of continuity between the films. The soundtrack also includes popular songs that enhance the film’s retro feel and family adventure vibe.

While the full tracklist features some nostalgic music callbacks, the film doesn't rely heavily on hit songs from the ‘80s, as was common in previous entries; instead, it uses its score and select tracks to create a sense of both legacy and discovery, fitting the movie’s themes.

Reception

Ghostbusters: Afterlife received a warm reception from fans who appreciated its dedication to the original films and its respectful tribute to Harold Ramis (though that depends on who you ask). The film balances humor, heart, and spookiness, drawing on the best elements of the original Ghostbusters while giving younger audiences an accessible entry point to the franchise (including, of course, The Real Ghostbusters cartoon). It certainly has more appeal than a certain other film in the franchise.

The soundtrack

These songs in the soundtrack were chosen to enhance Ghostbusters: Afterlife’s nostalgic and eclectic feel, each bringing a unique mood that aligns with the story’s blend of humor, mystery, and adventure. Here’s a breakdown of the tracks and their original context, which adds layers to their use in the film:

1. "The Clapping Song"
by Shirley Ellis
Release Year: 1965
Style: R&B/Novelty Song
About: Known for its catchy rhythm and playful lyrics, "The Clapping Song" became a hit for its infectious beat and unique clapping pattern, and is a fun song similar to Ellis's other hit, "The Name Game" (the song that goes like "Shirley, Shirley Bo-ber-ley
Bo-na-na fanna Fo-fer-ley…").

It’s a fun, light-hearted track that adds energy and a sense of whimsy, reflecting moments of playfulness in Afterlife.

2. "Baby It's You"
by The Shirelles
Release Year: 1961
Style: Soul/Pop
About: This soulful ballad, a blend of heartache and longing, was a hit for The Shirelles and later covered by The Beatles. Its tender and emotional vibe could be used to underscore scenes that touch on family bonds or memories, tying into the film's themes of legacy and connection to loved ones.

3. "Can You Get to That"
by Funkadelic
Release Year: 1971
Style: Funk/Rock
About: Known for its blend of funk and rock with a gospel-infused chorus, this Funkadelic track talks about karma and reflection, and is from their classic album, Maggot Brain.

It brings an upbeat, groovy energy to the film, possibly highlighting moments of discovery or action as the characters uncover their ghostbusting legacy.

4. "Boredom"
by Buzzcocks
Release Year: 1977
Style: Punk Rock
About: A classic punk anthem, and a great song to cite as exemplifying punk rock, "Boredom" by Buzzcocks is edgy and sarcastic, representing youthful rebellion and restlessness. Its inclusion adds a raw, energetic punk element, perhaps resonating with younger characters who may feel out of place or are looking to break free from ordinary life.

What makes "punk" punk? It's still tricky to define, but just play this track for someone and they'll get a rough idea.

5. "All Your Love (I Miss Loving)"

by Otis Rush
Release Year: 1958
Style: Blues
About: A deep, soulful blues track, this song features Rush’s intense guitar playing and emotive lyrics. Known for its powerful blues riffs, it brings a somber, reflective tone, which might highlight moments in the film where characters are dealing with loss or nostalgia.

6. "Muddy Water"
by The Delmore Brothers
Release Year: 1940s
Style: Country/Blues
About: As a pioneering country-blues song, "Muddy Water" has a raw, rustic feel that evokes the American South. Its use could underscore scenes of exploration or the small-town setting, adding an authentic, rural vibe that complements the film’s backdrop.

7. "Wait a Minute Girl"
by The Newday
Release Year: 1967
Style: Soul/Pop
About: This lesser-known soul track captures the sweet, catchy sounds of ‘60s pop with its upbeat melody. It adds a warm, nostalgic feel to the film, fitting for moments that evoke past eras or highlight the innocence and curiosity of younger characters.

8. "Foolish Try"
by Kelly's Lot
Release Year: 2000s
Style: Blues/Rock
About: Kelly’s Lot is a blues-rock band known for emotional, bluesy tracks. "Foolish Try" brings a modern blues rock sound that pairs well with scenes where characters may be striving or struggling, offering a contemporary counterpoint to the classic tracks used in the film.

9. "On the Road Again"
by Willie Nelson
Release Year: 1980
Style: Country
About: Willie Nelson’s

"On the Road Again" is an upbeat classic about travel and adventure, and perfect for the "grab bag" soundtrack. This song might highlight the family’s journey, both literal and metaphorical, as they embark on their ghostbusting path and embrace the unknown, symbolizing the joy of exploration and finding one’s purpose.

How it all works

Each song complements Ghostbusters: Afterlife by adding emotional resonance and layers of nostalgia, with some tracks emphasizing adventure and others hinting at deeper emotional currents in the story. The soundtrack skillfully mixes genres, mirroring the film’s interplay of humor, suspense, and heartfelt moments, while celebrating the legacy of the original Ghostbusters and introducing it to a new generation.