Playlist: Deadpool Valentine’s Day – Best Pound Town Tunes

Welcome to Playlist, a bi-weekly feature that strives to determine what music popular characters from the geekosphere would listen to.

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Whenever I think of Deadpool, there is only one depiction of the character that always comes to mind: a bald Ryan Reynolds, mouth sown shut, facing off against Wolverine in X-Men Origins Wolverine (2009). Of course, that is an out right lie. No one thinks of that version of Deadpool, at all. It was an abomination that Twentieth Century Fox’s live-action film Deadpool (2016) made sure to rectify. Naturally, the only Deadpool worth thinking about is the one that clads the testicular looking Ryan Reynolds in a gorgeous red and black skin tight suit. This version of the character is the only one that could possibly serve as inspiration for this Deadpool Valentine’s Day playlist.

Valentine’s Day is all about adoring the ones you love. Showering them with affection and extra goodies to make sure they know they are loved. Granted, you should appreciate the people you have in your life on a daily basis. Not just on Valentine’s Day. This is something that Deadpool knows all too well, and it is why he is the best choice for this weeks Playlist.

In the 2016 live-action film, Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds) falls in love with a prostitute known as Vanessa Carlysle. It just so happens that she becomes the love of his life. Unfortunately, bad things always happen to good people, and Wade is diagnosed with terminal cancer. All it not lost, however, as he is recruited into participating within a secret research program that may cure his cancer. A lot of torture ensues. Thankfully the cure works, but it leaves Wilson looking like a rotten avocado. It also bestows the mercenary with a healing factor that effectively renders him immortal and indestructible. Overall, not a bad tradeoff; but it does warrant that he seek revenge on those who disfigured and abused him. I should also add that those very same villains eventually kidnap Vanessa… and so this Deadpool Valentine’s Day playlist begins.

Deadpool Valentine’s Day Playlist

1. Heart – Alone 

Since Wade was dishonourably discharged from the special forces, he has had to make a life for himself as a mercenary. Given how dangerous his job is, it did not make sense for him to settle down in any meaningful way. Thus he would often be more than happy to pay for the privilege of being in the company of beautiful women. Most of which have always been more than willing to satisfy his physical needs, and then be on their way. That is, until he meets Vanessa.

Heart by Alone perfectly describes the feelings Wade experiences after his first encounter with Vanessa. A spark ignites between them both. Alas, Vanessa’s career as a prostitute and Wade’s as a mercenary initially prevents their unrequited love from blooming. Neither are able to stop thinking about the other, prompting the lyrics “‘Til now I always got by on my own; I never really cared until I met you; And now it chills me to the bone; How do I get you alone”. No doubt his is a song Wade would listen to as he ponders what to do next.

2. The Power of Love – Celine Dion

Love is one of the most powerful emotions. From a tender embrace, to a full on meltdown, the power of love must never be underestimated. It is the very emotion that allows Wade and Vanessa to overcome their sensibilities, and to realise that they are meant to be together. Thus their world wind relationship begins.

No Deadpool playlist would be complete without a few ballads from Celine Dion. The woman is absolutely sensational and has written and performed some of the world’s greatest love songs. There is no better song to illustrate the love experienced between Wade and Vanessa than ‘The Power of Love’. It beautifully describes the sensual and often metaphysical feelings that they share for each other. How the world could burn, but as long as they are together everything will be alright. That is, until cancer decided to come around and screw everything up.

3. I Will Survive – Gloria Gaynor

A year after confessing their love for each other, Wade was diagnosed with cancer. A terminal cancer without a known cure. The news was devastating. Thankfully, a mysterious researcher arrived to offer Wade an experimental cure. Upon accepting the offer, Wade was subjected to brutal torture, severe abuse and permanent disfigurement. During this time, I am 100% certain that Gloria Gaynor’s “I will survive” is the song that kept him going. That and Vanessa’s love, of course.

“I will survive” is an iconic anthem. It tells of a woman who found the strength to get over the lover who jilted her. How she overcame the severe loneliness to be even stronger than she was before. In the case of Wade, the song can be applied to his cancer and the people who caused him pain: “Do you think I’d crumble? Did you think I’d lay down and die? Oh no, not I, I will survive; Oh, as long as I know how to love, I know I’ll stay alive”. His love for Vanessa gets him through the process, allowing him to ‘survive’ and to seek revenge.

4. I Will Always Love You – Whitney Houston

Despite being cured of cancer, Wade is no longer the man he used to be before the treatment. Horribly disfigured, he feels that he will be nothing more than a burden for Vanessa and her life. As such, he chooses to let her believe that he is dead. Despite the fact that he loves her more than life itself.

In a macabre way, Wade’s love for Vanessa is so strong that he would rather she be happy with another man than, in his mind, be hobbled by someone like him. This is obviously a very one sided decision. One that does not give enough credit to Vanesa’s character – who we know would (and eventually does) love him regardless. Nevertheless, Wade lets her believe he is dead. Whitney Houston’s utterly iconic “I Will Always Love You” is a song that Wade would have on repeat to remember his decision, because it perfectly sums up how he feels about the situation that he is in. A moment that leads him to become Deadpool. 

5. Angel of the Morning – Juice Newton

Deadpool rises from the ashes of the lab that made him what he is, like an angel from a storm cloud. This angel, however, is not here to keep watch or to protect. No, this angel is here for a purpose, and that purpose is revenge. Sweet, sweet, revenge.

Juice Newton’s ‘Angel of The Morning’ is a sensational ballad about loving someone who may not love you back. How even though you have succumbed to your carnal desires, that you will not force them into loving you if they are not willing. It serves as an allegory for his job, which he loves even if those he kills may not find it that appealing. In many ways, it is the perfect song for Deadpool. I can imagine Wade playing this song at full blast whilst slicing and dicing through villains, left, right and centre. As he belches out “Just touch my cheek before you leave me, baby”.

6. Talking to You – Izzy Bizu

Deadpool is well known for breaking the ‘fourth wall’ – often speaking directly to the audience. These moments happen fairly frequently and are often humorous in nature. For the most part, the other characters he is with are not aware of his fourth wall antics, making the scenes just that much more bizarre.

Izzy Bizu’s “Talking to You” is a relatively unknown pop song, which is why I am certain Deadpool would be aware of it. More so because he would probably play it during fourth wall breaking moments, whereby other characters would not be aware of what he is doing, yet the audience would bop their heads along in unison. All whilst he shouts “Yeah, I’m talking to you”.

7. It Wasn’t Me – Shaggy

In the Marvel universe, Deadpool is always getting into trouble. Most of the time it is intentional, but there are other times when it is not. Given his abilities, he often resorts to extreme measures when needing to deal with a situation. Unlike the X-Men, Deadpool is not concerned with ‘keeping things clean’. He will do what he needs to in order to get the job done. Naturally, that does not sit well with the X-Men, prompting Wade to come up with some interesting excuses for his actions.

‘Deny, deny, deny’ – a phrase often used by lawyers when advising guilty clients in movies and television. Deadpool is no stranger to breaking the law, and you can bet that he would cite “it wasn’t me” at every accusation. It is why I can imagine Wade playing this song during court proceedings, without a care in the world for what is going on around him. He is not guilty, after all (at least in his mind).

8. Work It – Missy Elliot

We have all seen Ryan Reynolds. That man is both handsome and sexy. Blue eyes, light hair, chiselled abdominals. Well, that was him as Wade Wilson before the character was diagnosed with cancer. Thereafter, the man basically resembles a healthy scrotum. Despite this, Deadpool is completely in sync with his body. He loves how he looks and what he is able to do. He is the epitome of body positivity, and it is one of the reasons why I adore his character so much. In the Marvel Universe, his brand of beauty allows him to “Work It” – everywhere, and anywhere.

There is no doubt in my mind that Missy Elliot’s ‘Work It’ is one of Deadpool’s primary anthems when on the job. With his skin tight uniform, one that shows his tight tush, front bulge, and decidedly limber musculature; he oozes physical sex appeal. He knows what he has, and he is not afraid to use it. After all, we know that he will take every opportunity to shove his Crown Jewels into the faces of his villains; possibly even teabagging them to death.

9. Because I Got High – Afroman

Once Wade Wilson realised that he was bestowed with incredible regenerative abilities, he made sure to push his body to the absolute limit. Trying everything and anything to see if he is able to kill himself. It is why Deadpool is one of the most feared anti-heroes in the Marvel Universe. Not much is scarier than someone who is literally willing to do anything to achieve his goal. Especially when they are near immortal. With that said, Deadpool is also once of the most chilled characters in the comics, always willing to lend a hand and to simply be involved – because why not?

Afroman’s “Because I Got High” was a positively massive song in the early 00’s. It was one of the very first songs to spearhead the movement toward socially accepting marijuana as a recreational drug. I am also incredibly confident in the notion that Deadpool is often “high” on life whenever he is on the job. Therefore ensuring that this song would most likely have been one of his favourites to listen to, especially whilst dismembering a new foe or laughing at watching one of his compatriots die violently. Such is the Deadpool way.

10. Work Bitch – Britney Spears 

As a trained mercenary, Wade was already a deadly opponent. Now imbued with an advanced healing factor and additional physical prowess, he was even deadlier. His new found abilities ensure that he can do what no other mercenary can. Thus making him the best bang for your buck if you have a score to settle with someone. Naturally, Deadpool does not work for free. After all, the man has needs. Whether that is purchasing materials for a new suit, or ensuring he has the latest Unicorn Belt Buckle, he needs money to fulfil those requirements.

In Marvel’s universe, Deadpool is known to be a little unhinged. He is often portrayed as “the bad bitch, the bitch that you’ll never know”. As such, there is no doubt in my mind that Deadpool would own that. However, despite having abilities that allow him to take whatever he wants, the man does have a work ethic. It is how he is able to run a successful mercenary business, and even hire employees like Sandi Brandenberg – who helped manage Deadpool’s business for some time. Hence why I believe he would not only play, but also sing along to Britney’s ‘Work Bitch’ whilst on the job.

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Did you enjoy this Playlist? Do you have a different suggestion for this list? Reckon you have an idea for a better musical choice for any of the aforementioned spots? Whatever the case may be, let us know in the comments below, and be sure to check back fortnightly for a brand new Playlist featured article.