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May the 4th is a day for Star Wars fans from all walks of life to celebrate their favorite franchise. While fans are often divided on nearly every aspect of the series, one thing that is mostly agreed on is the music. Whether exciting, hopeful, or dark, one can find music to match any mood. This Star Wars Day is a perfect excuse to play the films’ soundtracks on repeat. While working or just hanging out, here are ten of the best pieces of Star Wars music to blare at full volume today.
10. Victory Celebration – Return of the Jedi
The films were infamously altered in 1997 for what is known as the Special Editions. While many fans are still vocal about their distaste for these changes, there are some that fit better. In the original cut of Return of the Jedi, a song titled Yub Nub plays in the final moments. While the song is upbeat and has fans, the altered version is superior to many. Victory Celebration is a fun tune that makes one want to celebrate, but it is almost somber in a way. The Rebels may have won, but they lost so many along the way. This is a great song to play at the end of a work day, knowing you are now free to celebrate May the 4th in style.
9. Rey’s Theme – The Force Awakens
Nothing has split the fandom more than the sequels. Regardless of one’s opinion of the films, they still have some incredible music by legendary composer John Williams. One of the best pieces of recent Star Wars music comes from the theme of the trilogy’s main character. Rey is introduced as a scavenger. There seems to be nothing particularly special at first glance, but she still goes through the day with hope in her eyes. Her theme is a perfect analogy for that. The themes make one hope for something on the horizon that they can’t quite grasp. Rey’s Theme then becomes more involved, implying the grand adventure Rey goes on.
8. Anakin’s Dark Deeds – Revenge of the Sith
Some of the darkest and most upsetting songs come from the soundtrack of Revenge of the Sith. This is fitting, as it is arguably the darkest film in the series. Anakin’s Dark Deeds plays when the fallen Jedi commits various murders for his new master. This is one of the moments that cement Anakin is now Darth Vader, and the song showcases this. There are several moments in the song that almost feels like the light of Anakin Skywalker is trying to shine through. It is ultimately overtaken by the darkness of Darth Vader, as most of the song is somber. While this song seems like it is great to ruin one’s mood, it is still a fantastic example of how important Williams’ score is in telling the story.
7. Across the Stars – Attack of the Clones
While rewatching the films on May the 4th, fans may be forced to remember how corny the romance is in Attack of the Clones. As silly as it all is, one thing that isn’t is the love theme between Anakin and Padme. Called Across the Stars, the song is the perfect theme for a couple tormented by a forbidden love. This love ultimately causes Anakin to fall to the Dark Side, but it is all because of his strong feelings towards Padme. Across the Stars is one of the best songs from the prequel trilogy, and that is no small feat.
6. Imperial March – The Empire Strikes Back
Other than the main theme, Imperial March is likely the most iconic piece of Star Wars music. First introduced in The Empire Strikes Back, the song is the official Imperial theme and unofficial theme for Vader. This music is powerful and dark, just like the Empire itself. Even those who have never seen the movies imagine Darth Vader marching with a legion of Stormtroopers when this song plays. Imperial March demands attention, as everyone stops what they are doing and listens to it. If one wants to earn respect this May the 4th, just play this song whenever you walk into a room. You will either be respected, or an annoyance, but the risk is worth it.
5. Leia’s Theme – A New Hope
Arguably the heart of the Original Trilogy is Princess Leia Organa, played by the late Carrie Fisher. It is fitting, then, that Leia’s Theme is one of the most heartfelt tracks in the entire series. First heard in the original classic, the song is filled with, of course, hope. Many fans recall it playing when R2-D2 plays Leia’s message to Ben and Luke. It has played several times throughout the franchise, most recently in Kenobi. The song fills fans with nostalgia and hope for something greater. This is a great song to play on May the 4th but be warned, tears may form.
4. Battle of the Heroes – Revenge of the Sith
It is fitting that one of the most epic Lightsaber Duels in the franchise is accompanied by one of the most epic songs. The final fight between Anakin and Obi-Wan has several songs, but Battle of the Heroes is the most emotional. If one were to have to guess the tone of Revenge of the Sith based on one song, this would be the song to do it with. It is dark, showing the rapidly growing darkness within Anakin. It is emotional, hinting at the turmoil inside Obi-Wan for having to fight his closest friend. Listening to this song on May the 4th will bring all the emotions, but it will be worth it to listen to this masterpiece.
3. Main Theme – A New Hope
Any session listening to Star Wars music isn’t complete without listening to this legendary song. The song opens all nine films in the Skywalker Saga, but nothing beats the original. It starts strong and stays that way. For those who grew up with the films, it instantly transports them to childhood, seeing these incredible movies for the first time. For new fans, it is the perfect introduction to the wonder that lies in a galaxy far, far away. The Star Wars Main Theme is one of the most instantly recognizable songs in pop culture. Even those who have never seen one of the movies will recognize it. This is a great song to listen to today, but good luck listening to it once.
2. Duel of the Fates – The Phantom Menace
There was a time when The Phantom Menace was widely regarded as the worst movie in the franchise. As soon as it was released, fans bombarded it with insults. One aspect of the film fans did enjoy is the now iconic track Duel of the Fates. The song is as synonymous with Star Wars as the main theme is. Duel of the Fates will make any listener want to jump up and fight their mortal enemy, even if they don’t have one. The song symbolizes the first steps towards the rise of the Empire, and the epic nature proves that. Now, the film is more beloved than it once was, but the song will forever stand the test of time.
1. The Force Theme – A New Hope
Right from the first film, the overarching theme of the series is hope. No song perfectly encapsulates this more than the Force Theme. The song has several names, including Binary Sunset, but this is the one most fans recognize. The song first plays when Luke looks at the setting suns of Tatooine and longs for a life in the stars. Force Theme has become the unofficial theme for Luke and frequently accompanies the hero in his journey. Whenever the song is played, it fills the listener with a sense of hope and nostalgia. As epic as Due of the Fates is or as iconic as the Main Theme may be, The Force Theme is the best song to play on May the 4th.