Every Song in Da 5 Bloods Soundtrack

The soundtrack for Da 5 Bloods aligns with a specific time in history, as director Spike Lee uses the Vietnam War as the narrative backdrop. Loaded with several Marvin Gaye classics and R&B hits, the movie’s songs channel the cultural energy of the early ’70s while the protagonists explore Vietnam in the present day. Now streaming on Netflix, Da 5 Bloods released in June 2020.

In Da 5 Bloods, four American veterans return to Vietnam to look for a deceased soldier’s remains, and to also find gold they’d hidden decades prior. Chadwick Boseman portrays the ill-fated Stormin’ Norman, who haunts the memories of his buddies, in particular a man named Paul (Delroy Lindo). In supporting roles, The Wire alums Clarke Peters and Isiah Whitlock Jr. co-star as Otis and Melvin, respectively. Norm Lewis rounds out the main group of “Bloods” as Eddie.

Da 5 Bloods begins and ends with music by the aforementioned Gaye, with one of the tracks being entirely a cappella. In between, soul classics enrich the feel of Lee’s movie and smoothen out the pacing; an ideal way to set up the chaotic and violent final act. Here’s every featured song in Da 5 Bloods on Netflix.

• “Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)” – Marvin Gaye
• “Got to Give It Up” – Marvin Gaye
• “Bring the Boys Home” – Freda Payne
• “I’m Coming Home” – Spinners
• “HOJOTOHO! HOHOTOHO!… Ride of the Valkyries” – Various
• “Time Has Come Today” – The Chambers Brothers
• “(Don’t Worry) If There’s a Hell Below, We’re All Going to Go” – Curtis Mayfield
• “What’s Happening Brother” – Marvin Gaye
• “Wholy Holy” – Marvin Gaye
• “God Is Love” – Delroy Lindo
• “Flyin’ High (In the Friendly Sky)” – Marvin Gaye
• “What’s Going On” – Marvin Gaye

Da 5 Bloods opens with “Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)” as the track plays over a ’60s montage. With the historical context established, the mood takes a more upbeat tone when the protagonists dance to “Got to Give It Up” at a Vietnamese club.

When the Bloods intensify their quest for gold and head down-river, “HOJOTOHO! HOHOTOHO!… Ride of the Valkyries” scores the moment. For a brief departure from the main storyline, Lee uses “Time Has Come Today” to complement the first meeting between David (Jonathan Majors) and LAMB founder Hedy Bouvier (Mélanie Thierry).

The four remaining Bloods collectively sing “What’s Happening Brother” while exploring a trail. Soon after, a vocal-only version of “What’s Going On” plays as Paul strays from the pack. Da 5 Bloods ends with “What’s Going On” playing shortly before a speech by the late Martin Luther King Jr.

About The Author

Q.V. Hough
(1892 Articles Published)

Q.V. Hough is a senior writer at Screen Rant. He’s also the founding editor at Vague Visages, and has contributed to RogerEbert.com and Fandor.

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