The Tracklist

Why is it so hard to get Mad World out of your head? This week on The Tracklist, we’re tumbling down the rabbit hole with producer, songwriter, and manager Derek Cruz (@bandit0ntherun) to break down the haunting, synth-heavy, and iconic soundtrack of the 2001 cult classic Donnie Darko.

From Tears for Fears and Echo & the Bunnymen to Michael Andrews’ mesmerizing original score, Derek joins us to dissect how 80s post-punk and atmospheric soundscapes crafted one of the most unforgettable film soundtracks of all time.

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In this episode of The Tracklist, we're scaling the Cliffs of Insanity and diving into the iconic soundtrack and film The Princess Bride! Joining us for the journey is our friend, Producer Jennifer Kim, to talk about Mark Knopfler's legendary score, classic lines, and why this movie remains fundamentally indestructible. Inconceivable? Hardly.

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Put on your conservatory shoes—we’re honoring the late, great Tim Curry on The Tracklist! This week, we’re breaking down the score and music of 1985’s Clue, celebrating Wadsworth’s frantic monologues, and diving into why this whodunit soundtrack still slaps 40 years later!

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This week on The Tracklist, co-hosts Daron Jenkins and Chris Saunders dive deep into the soundtrack and documentary behind one of the most iconic pop duos in music history: WHAM!

From teenage best friends in North London to global superstardom, Daron and Chris unpack the high-octane triumphs and personal tribulations of Andrew Ridgeley and George Michael at the absolute height of 1980s pop mania. We explore the sonic evolution from "Young Guns (Go for It!)" and "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" to the bittersweet farewell at Wembley Stadium. Plus, the guys pay tribute to the incredible life, incomparable voice, and enduring musical legacy of George Michael following his tragic passing in 2016 at the age of 53.

Whether you're a lifelong Wham! fan or discovering their chart-topping story for the first time, queue up the tracklist and press play.

In this episode, we cover:

• The rapid rise of WHAM! and how two teenagers reshaped '80s pop culture

• Andrew Ridgeley’s essential, often underrated role as the heartbeat of the duo

• George Michael's undeniable songwriting genius and transition into solo stardom

• Standout tracks, hidden gems, and the emotional weight of their final bow

Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠@thedaronjenkins⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠@chrissaunders_music⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠@tracklistshow⁠⁠

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We’re heading into deep space for our latest episode of The Tracklist, where we break down the music and memorable tracks behind the movies we love.

This time, we’re taking on Project Hail Mary—the sci-fi adventure based on Andy Weir’s bestselling novel. We dig into the film’s tracklist, the songs that help shape its world, and how the music works alongside the story’s big ideas, emotional moments, and interstellar stakes.

From the soundtrack choices to the moments that stick with you after the credits roll, we’re asking the question we always do: Does the tracklist make the movie better?

Press play and join Daron Jenkins and Chris Saunders as we listen our way through Project Hail Mary.

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This week on Tracklist, Daron and Chris revisit Trolls (2016) - the DreamWorks animated hit that turned pop optimism into a full-blown movement. We break down the film's music, the characters, and its story. Tune in for our honest take on what worked, what didn't, and where Trolls lands in animated movie history.

Follow us on Instagram: @thedaronjenkins | @chrissaunders_music | @tracklistshow

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Ever wondered how a modest film budget turned into a cultural phenomenon? Let’s dive into the magic of #TheFullMonty!

Tag someone who needs a good laugh and a dose of inspiration!

This classic comedy isn’t just about striptease; it’s a story of resilience, friendship, and breaking societal norms. Released in 1997, it grossed over $257 million on a $3.5 million budget! How’s that for a return on investment?

From its unforgettable characters to the powerful message about masculinity and vulnerability, this film resonates with audiences even today.

Remember, sometimes the underdogs can surprise us all. What’s your favorite underdog story?

Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@thedaronjenkins⁠ | ⁠@chrissaunders_music⁠ | ⁠@tracklistshow⁠

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Is streaming the new straight-to-video? Let’s dive into this disappointing flick that missed the mark.

Tag a friend who needs to hear this!

We just wrapped up a discussion on the film "Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice" and let me tell you, it was a letdown. With a star-studded cast including Vince Vaughn and James Marsden, expectations were high.

What went wrong? The writing felt off, and while the performances had their moments, they couldn’t save the film from being boring. It’s a missed opportunity with so much potential in the cast.

The dialogue didn’t escalate, and many scenes lacked payoff. If we hadn’t been watching for the podcast, we might have enjoyed it more—but even then, it just didn’t deliver the laughs.

What’s your take on films that don’t live up to the hype?

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This week on The Tracklist, Daron and Chris are strapping in for the loudest, most ridiculous, and somehow most earnest rock soundtrack ever committed to film: This Is Spinal Tap (1984).

Rob Reiner's mockumentary masterpiece didn't just parody '80s heavy metal — it became it. The music in this film is the joke AND the heart, and that's a genuinely hard thing to pull off. From Big Bottom to Hell Hole to the haunting, Stonehenge-adjacent opus Stonehenge, Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer wrote and performed every track themselves — and somehow made songs that are both hysterically bad and undeniably catchy.

We're breaking down the score, the songs, the performances, and asking the real question: Is this a Cult Classic?

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Two gangsters, one woman, and a time machine walk into the most chaotic night of their lives — and The Tracklist is talking about it.

This week, we're reviewing the film/tracklist for Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice (2026), the R-rated action-comedy starring Vince Vaughn, James Marsden, and Eiza González. We discuss whether the film/tracklist holds up under the film's wild premise.

Follow us on Instagram: @thedaronjenkins | @chrissaunders_music | @tracklistshow

Rep the show and grab some Tracklist merch at tracklist-shop.fourthwall.com

If you enjoy the episode, leave us a rating, subscribe, and follow the show wherever you listen — it means the world and helps more people find us!