The Boys in the Band soundtrack features R&B slow jams and several jazz standards. Set primarily within a New York City apartment, the Netflix adaptation of Mart Crowley's eponymous 1968 play has an easy-going vibe, with several of the main characters picking and choosing certain records for nighttime tone-setters. As such, the film's music is intrinsically linked to the moods of the primary players; however, the latter half of the production consists mostly of conversations.
In the Boys in the Band, several gay men discuss life and love while anticipating the arrival of their friend Harold (Zachary Quinto). Michael (Jim Parsons) reflects about getting older, and Donald (Matt Bomer) plays it cool while listening to his roommate vent. Meanwhile, Larry (Andrew Rannells) and Hank (Tuc Watkins) try to figure out what's next in their relationship, and Emory (Robin de Jesús) entertains his peers as the undeniable life of the party. When Michael's college roommate Alan (Brian Hutchison) suddenly arrives, the energy in the room changes significantly due to homophobic remarks and even a physical altercation. As it turns out, Alan's aggression may indeed link to repressed feelings about his sexuality.
Most of the featured songs in The Boys in the Band emerge during the first act. The characters have friendly conversations and play their favorite records, but ultimately turn the music off when situations become intense. The friends also play an extended phone call game, and so the music naturally dips out then, too. Here's every featured song in The Boys in the Band on Netflix.
"Hold On I'm Coming" - Erma Franklin
"Good Lovin' Ain't Easy to Come By" - Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
"Get Happy" - Jim Parsons
"Samba De Uma Nota So" - Stan Getz and Charlie Byrd
"96 Tears" - Aretha Franklin
"(Love Is Like A) Heat Wave" - Martha Reeves & The Vandellas
"Round Midnight" - Miles Davis
"I Heard It Through the Grapevine" - Gladys Knight & The Pips
"The Look of Love" - Som Três
"This Guy's In Love with You" - Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass
"Dream a Little Dream of Me" - Doris Day with Paul Weston & His Music from Hollywood
"Alone Together" - Chet Baker
"Cantaloupe Island" - Herbie Hancock
The Boys in the Band on Netflix opens with a needle drop visual, as "Hold On I'm Coming" plays over the introductory montage. At home, Michael briefly performs "Get Happy" when his roommate Donald exits the shower. When a birthday party begins, "96 Tears" establishes the mood as Michael and Donald discuss the whereabouts of Alan.
Larry plays "(Love Is Like A) Heat Wave," which sparks a dance party before Alan's arrival, and "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" kicks in just before the Cowboy shows up for a birthday party surprise.
"This Guy's In Love with You" scores a moment when Donald and Larry connect, and just before rain starts to fall. During a post-party montage, "Alone Together" complements life updates for each of the main characters. The Boys in the Band on Netflix ends with "Cantaloupe Island" playing over the credits.