Featuring a stellar combination of classic hit songs and a powerful score by Robert A.A. Lowe, Candyman (2021) is a haunting follow-up to the original 1992 movie. Directed by Nia DaCosta, Candyman (2021) continues the legend of the killer spirit by going back to the roots of the now-gentrified Cabrini-Green Chicago neighborhood through the eyes of Anthony McCoy (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), who played a significant role in the original Candyman movie. According to NPR, composer Robert Lowe actually lived a few blocks away from the real-life Cabrini-Green in Chicago, so he incorporated his real experience into scoring the conflict of Candyman (2021).

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As with most classic horror movies, the songs in the background and score are extremely important to driving home the chilling tone of Candyman. The original Candyman (1992) featured a notable soundtrack, with certain Philip Glass themes like “Music Box” and “It Was Always You, Helen” becoming synonymous with the film. Jordan Peele’s previous horror films have been notable for their thrilling soundtracks, and his production on Candyman (2021) is no exception.

Candyman (2021) actually features relatively few notable songs on its soundtrack, as most of the film features a chilling score by Robert A.A. Lowe, who has taken up the music from famed composer Philip Glass. In preparing for Candyman’s (2021) scary new score, Lowe revealed that he went back and listened to the original Candyman (1992) soundtrack, receiving much inspiration from the Philip Glass score. Paired with the striking visual filmmaking by Nia DaCosta, Candyman’s sound and film design make the movie a hauntingly thrilling experience. Here’s a breakdown of every song in Candyman (2021), and where within the movie they play.

“The Candy Man” by Sammy Davis Jr.: Candyman (2021) opens with a chilling rendition of the classic Willy Wonka song “The Candy Man,” performed by Rat Pack musician Sammy Davis Jr. The song plays over Candyman’s opening credits up until the actual movie begins. “The Candy Man” playing in the film is probably the least surprising song on the soundtrack, though the specific rendition adds to the not-so-family-friendly premise of Candyman (2021).

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“Gotta See Change” by L. Young: “Gotta See Change” plays in the background as Candyman (2021) first introduces young William Burke walking around Cabrini-Green in 1977.

“Sticky” by Ravyn Lenae: When the four core Candyman characters Anthony, Brianna, Troy, and Grady are first seen together in the first couple’s apartment, “Sticky” scores the scene.

“Music Box” by Philip Glass: Those who have seen the original Candyman movie will instantly recognize this theme, which was the breakout score for the 1992 film. The song fittingly plays while Troy is telling Brianna, Anthony, and Grady the story of the Daniel Robitaille Candyman and Helen Lyle, which recounts the events of the original Candyman through shadow puppetry.

“Like the Moon” by The Adults: This plays while Anthony McCoy is researching articles about Helen Lyle and the history of Cabrini-Green online.

“Shameika” by Fiona Apple: The hit “Shameika” plays in the background on a record player while Anthony is visiting the art critic Finley Stevens’ apartment who now explains she understands his piece in the gallery. It continues to play while she is murdered by the Sherman Fields version of Candyman.

“Kadia Blues” by Orchestre de la Paillote: The song scores the scene where Brianna and Troy talk together in her living room.

“Lonely” by Jamilla Woods (featuring Lorine Chia): This song plays in one of the terrifying kill scenes when four white teenage girls are killed in a high school bathroom while conjuring Candyman. “Lonely” is heard through the headphones of the young Black girl who sits in the bathroom stall while the other girls are being slain.

“Resurrection” by Death: To round out Candyman’s haunting tale, “Resurrection” plays as the final song that approaches Candyman’s (2021) ending.

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Jordan Williams
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Jordan Williams is a Movie/TV Feature Senior Staff Writer for Screen Rant. She graduated from the University of Oregon in 2020 with a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Media Studies.

Jordan is based in Seattle, Washington and enjoys exploring the natural beauty the PNW has to offer. She runs on coffee and classic movies, taking pride in having watched every film on AFI’s 100 Greatest Films list and every Best Picture Oscar winner.

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