Next Goal Wins (soundtrack)

Next Goal Wins is the soundtrack album to the 2023 sports comedy-drama film of the same name, directed by Taika Waititi and based on the 2014 . The album features the original score composed by Michael Giacchino, as well as songs by Jerome Grey, LEAO, Tha Feelstyle, and others. The soundtrack was released by Lakeshore Records on November 17, 2023, the same day as the film's theatrical release.
==Background==
The score by Giacchino reflects the film's themes of sports, culture, and identity, as well as the humor and heart of Waititi's filmmaking style. Giacchino incorporated elements of Samoan music, such as percussion, chants, and ukulele, into his orchestral arrangements, creating a blend of traditional and modern sounds. The score also features a theme for the main character, Thomas Rongen, a Dutch-American soccer coach who takes on the challenge of leading the American Samoa national team, the worst-ranked team in the world. The theme is a variation of the Samoan national anthem, "The Banner of Freedom", which is also heard in the film.
The songs on the soundtrack album are mostly from Samoan artists, reflecting the film's setting and the cultural heritage of the team. The songs range from folk, pop, rock, and hip-hop genres, and are sung in Samoan, English, or a mix of both languages. Some of the songs, such as "We Are Samoa" by Jerome Grey and "Musika Malie" by LEAO, are also featured in the documentary that inspired the film. The songs serve as a backdrop for the team's journey, as well as a celebration of their spirit and pride.
==Track listing==
#"Their Better Half" (0:40)
#"Didn't Go As Planned" (0:40)
#"Enter the Rongen" (0:38)
#"Answered Prayers" (0:34)
#"Cacio e Pepe" (0:32)
#"Player Introductions" (2:06)
#"Rome Was Built in a Day" (0:39)
#"Doubting Thomas" (1:16)
#"Oh Nicky, You're So Fine" (0:27)
#"Coach of Blessing, Coach of Promise" (2:52)
#"Get This Bird in the Air" (1:14)
#"Kiss vs. Hiss" (0:37)
#"On Any Given Tuesday" (2:04)
#"Taking the Field" (4:28)
#"Be Happy" (2:35)
#"Tackling Demons" (1:55)
#"Extra Time" (1:09)
#"I'm Nicky Salapu" (1:59)
#"One Team is an Island" (1:22)
#"One Team, A Thousand Island" (1:46)
#"Next Goal Wins" (7:06)
#"We Are Samoa" – Jerome Grey (5:06)
#"Musika Malie" – LEAO (3:54)
#"Su'ga Ea!" – Tha Feelstyle (4:05)
Category:Next Goal Wins
Category:Searchlight Pictures films
Category:2023 albums