The Operation Christmas Drop soundtrack includes numerous holiday songs but with an island vibe to match the Western Pacific setting. Unlike most romantic comedies, the featured music doesn't steadily underline character motivations, but rather celebrates the spirit of the focal mission. Directed by Martin Wood, Operation Christmas Drop released in November 2020 on Netflix.
Operation Christmas Drop stars Kat Graham as congressional aide Erica Miller. She arrives at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam to assess its overall value, along with a yearly humanitarian mission known as Operation Christmas Drop. Erica feels pressure from her boss, Angie Bradford (Virginia Madsen), to write a negative report, but her island experiences with Captain Andrew Jantz (Alexander Ludwig) reveal that he's found efficient ways to support the community without using up valuable resources. Incidentally, Erica grows to appreciate Andrew and his selfless acts that make life more enjoyable for others, especially during the holiday season.
Overall, the Operation Christmas Drop soundtrack feels like a light sprinkle of holiday music. The featured songs don't drive each and every scene (which is a good thing), as many of the tracks emerge during performance sequences. Plus, a couple non-holiday tunes add a little extra flavor, much like the official score by Hamish Thomson (Chesapeake Shores).
"Carol of the Bells" - Ne-Yo feat. Candace
"White Christmas" - CeeLo Green
"Coconut Christmas" - The Lost Fingers
"Christmas in the Sand" - Colbie Caillat
"I Love You" - The Dolls
"Paluma" - The Dolls
"I Saw Three Ships" - Bethany Brown
"The First Noel" - Bethany Brown
"Joy to the World" - Bellringer
"I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" - Echosmith
Operation Christmas Drop on Netflix opens with "White Christmas" playing over a Guam beach sequence, which transitions to an establishing shot of Andersen Air Force Base. When Erica and Andrew grow closer, "Christmas in the Sand" scores an extended snorkeling sequence.
During a party scene in Operation Christmas Drop, Erica lets her guard down while grooving to "I Saw Three Ships," only to have her Christmas boogie stopped by a well-intentioned Andrew. Moments later, Erica and Andrew share a special moment and discuss their families while dancing to "The First Noel." Both party songs are sung by cast member Bethany Brown (Sunshine).
The final act of Operation Christmas Drop includes an uncredited performance of "Jingle Bells" during an operation prep moment, and "Joy to the World" plays once again during a climactic cargo drop sequence. Operation Christmas Drop ends with "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day."