The soundtrack for The Rhythm Section includes '60s-era rock songs, American standards, and a touch of international flavor. Directed by Reed Morano, the spy thriller takes place all over the world, so the selection of music complements the geographical settings and unique character situations. After production delays and pushed release dates, The Rhythm Section finally received a wide release in January 2020.
Based on Mark Burnell's 1999 novel, The Rhythm Section stars Blake Lively as the assassin-in-the-making Stephanie Patrick. After the death of her entire family in a plane crash, she spirals out of control and becomes addicted to drugs while working as a prostitute. But when a journalist informs her of a political conspiracy connected to the plane crash, she sets off to find some answers. However, Patrick needs some help, and a whole lot of training. Fortunately, Jude Law's enigmatic Iain Boyd offers assistance, but only after a series of grueling tests. The Rhythm Section co-stars Sterling K. Brown, Max Casella, and former Game of Thrones Night King actor Richard Brake.
Overall, The Rhythm Section soundtrack doesn't include that many pop songs. And when they are heard, it's only in bits and pieces to underline Patrick's mentality or current mission. Here's every song on The Rhythm Section soundtrack. [Note: Two songs on The Rhythm Section soundtrack have unidentified titles - we'll update this as soon as information is available.]
“Dream a Little Dream of Me” - The Mamas and the Papas
"I'm Waiting for the Man" - The Velvet Underground
“Straight Shooter” - The Mamas and the Papas
"I'm Sorry" - Brenda Lee
"It's Now or Never" - Elvis Presley
[Title Unconfirmed] - Madrid Brujo
[Title Unconfirmed] - Suavecito
"Where Did You Sleep Last Night?" - Sleigh Bells
The Rhythm Section begins with "Dream a Little Dream of Me" as Patrick confronts a mark in Tangier, with the narrative then jumping back eight months to explain the protagonist's backstory. Later, when Patrick is working as a prostitute, "I'm Waiting for the Man" plays after she meets a journalist who offers to help unravel a conspiracy.
Once Patrick begins training with Iain Boyd, "Straight Shooter" is briefly heard during a car sequence. When The Rhythm Section's storyline returns to Tangier, "Dream a Little Dream of Me" plays for the second time, and sets up a nasty fight sequence. When Patrick arrives in Marseille to track down a mark, "It's Now or Never" scores the moment.
During the final moments of The Rhythm Section, Sleigh Bells' cover of "Where Did You Sleep Last Night?" plays as the next chapter in Patrick's life begins.