John Murphy wrote the score for the special simultaneously while working onGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.[5] As like previousGuardians of the Galaxy films, Gunn had chosen music for the special "very early".[6] He wrote the lyrics to the opening song "I Don't Know What Christmas Is (But Christmastime Is Here)" and had approachedRhett Miller of theOld 97's to help him compose it, as Gunn has been a fan of the band, since the 1990s.[7][8] "Here It Is Christmastime", an existing song of the Old 97's, was also used and re-recorded withKevin Bacon providing vocals for the end of the special. Bacon said "[James] has got such a great ear for needle drops [...] I love this song, it's really hard to write a fresh Christmas song at this point. I started playing it, and I really was having a good time playing it and singing it."[7]
"When I got the script, [Gunn] had referenced all the tunes, so I immediately made myself a playlist just to feel the vibe of the whole thing and listen to it a lot. And it's great, and I love the Old 97s song. It's really hard to write a new Christmas song, and I think it's got a really nice combination of sweetness and sentimentality without being a corny take on Christmas. And it rocks, and I loved it."
— Kevin Bacon on contributing to theHoliday Special soundtrack, besides appearing in the film.[9]
The music has been reviewed and analysed by the critics as one of the "positive aspects of the special".[16] Praising the musical tracks picked for the special, Joe George ofDen of Geek said "the soundtrack is exactly what you'd expect if you asked your cooler older sibling to make a playlist for your Christmas party. It's a pleasing mix of familiar tracks and deep cuts, effectively balancing downbeat numbers with upbeat songs to make for a good party."[17] "the special's soundtrack is on-brand, forgoing the usual standards for a playlist".[18] Reviewing the score, Shubham Kulkarni ofKoimoi wrote "The music by John Murphy combined with the vibrant visuals appropriate for Christmas celebration is such a vibe that you will immediately surrender to it."[19]
TheOld 97's single "I Don't Know What Christmas Is (But Christmastime Is Here)" debuted at number 4 onBillboard Holiday Digital Song Sales,[20] number 5 on the Rock Digital Song Sales,[21] and number 15 on theDigital Song Sales chart.[22][23] The album further debuted at number 25 onBillboard Soundtracks.[24]
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Guardians of the Galaxy: The Official Mixtape presents all of the songs that are heard in the TV special,Spotify playlist created by James Gunn
