WELCOME TO PLAYLIST, A FEATURE STRIVING TO DETERMINE WHAT MUSIC
POPULAR CHARACTERS FROM THE GEEKOSPHERE WOULD LISTEN TO.


Cal Kestis is the main protagonist of the action-adventure game Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order (2019). The game follows Cal throughout his journey as a young Padawan who narrowly escaped the events of The Purge (known officially as Order 66) – the Emperor’s directive to eliminate all Jedi. In the game, Cal is portrayed as a skilled fighter with a strong connection to the Force. During his travels, he not only reconnects with early teachings from Jedi Master Jaro Tapal, but also grows as a learned Jedi of his own accord, and a formidable foe to the baddest of the bad.

Cal truly has a unique backstory and a distinct personality that is further highlighted by the music that accompanies him on his journey. The original game’s soundtrack features an eclectic mix of orchestral and electronic music, capturing the intensity and emotional depth of Cal’s journey. From the ominous “Inquisitorius” theme to the epic “Jedi Master” track, the franchise’s debut game music adds an extra layer of immersion to the player’s experience, making them feel like they are a part of Cal’s adventure.

Epic orchestral score aside, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order establishes Cal’s love for rock and pumped-up beats within the opening minute! As such, the question remains what Cal would be listening to throughout his odyssey?

For this edition of Playlist, we focussed on Cal’s personal choice of music based on Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and the sequel, Star Wars Jedi Survivor. Listeners of this Star Wars Jedi’s Cal Kestis Playlist can expect epic rock anthems and iconic metal beats worthy of any Jedi Journey. Here are ten songs the Jedi Survivor most likely has on his playlist


Star Wars Jedi’s Cal Kestis


1. “Master of Puppets” by Metallica

The song’s lyrics about being controlled by external forces could relate to Cal’s experiences as a Jedi Padawan under the control of the Jedi Order and later, being pursued by the Empire. The lyrics also touch on themes of power, manipulation, and corruption, which are all present in Cal’s journey to find and protect a data cube containing information that may lead the Empire to force sensitive children.

Master of Puppets is iconic, and so is Metalica. There is no denying that Cal would have a song of theirs in his playlist, and it would most likely be this one. It is a metal anthem of great renown, and one that not only features relevant lyrics, but also captures his journey as a Padawan-turned-Survivor.


2. “Breaking the Law” by Judas Priest

This song is about breaking the rules and doing what you want. It directly relates to Cal’s decision to disobey the Empire and hel rebuild the Jedi order. However, the lyrics do have some form of deeper meaning: At what cost? Cal’s journey through the first game is a constant reminder of his order’s failures. Would breaking the rules just a little bit aid him in his journey later on? Spoiler alert: it totes would.

Breaking the Law is a fast classic rock song about defying authority. It features an upbeat tempo that was highly unusual for songs of this type when it originally released — it set a trend (and a good one at that)! Similarly, Cal is a trendsetter for all Jedi of his generation: knighted in the field; a Jedi who makes their beloved “code” work for him, not the other way around; and one who, well, breaks the law… because sometimes doing a bad thing, might be the right thing.


3. “In the End” by Linkin Park

The song’s lyrics about struggling to overcome challenges and coming out stronger in the end could relate to Cal’s journey as a Jedi Padawan surviving Order 66 and facing various obstacles in his quest to rebuild the Jedi Order.

In The End’s blend of rap and rock elements resonates with Cal’s character, who is a skilled fighter with agility and athleticism. It is a high-energy poem about overcoming obstacles; where only what you believe in, matters.


4. “Warriors” by Imagine Dragons

Cal may be one man, but he’s part of a larger fight against the Empire. The song’s lyrics are about standing together and fighting for a common cause, which fits well with Cal’s mission to restore the Jedi Order and take down the Empire. The song’s anthemic quality and uplifting melody can also help inspire listeners to feel a sense of unity and determination, just like Cal.

The song has a grand, epic sound that feels like it could be the soundtrack to a battle scene in a Star Wars movie. The soaring vocals and pounding drums create a sense of excitement and energy that can help listeners feel like they’re right there alongside Cal as he faces off against the Empire.


5. “Immigrant Song” by Led Zeppelin

The lyrics of “Immigrant Song” describe a Viking conquest, and the driving energy of the song would be fitting for someone like Cal who has had to fight to survive and adapt to a new life on the run. As a Jedi on the run from the Empire, Cal has had to constantly be on guard and ready to defend himself, and the song’s intense energy would be a fitting accompaniment to his struggles.

Led Zeppelin‘s music has a timeless quality that transcends genre and era, and as such, it could be seen as a reflection of the enduring spirit and heroism that Cal embodies as a Jedi. The song’s message of overcoming adversity and fighting for what you believe in would be a fitting reminder of Cal’s own mission to restore the Jedi Order and defeat the Empire.


6. “Alive” by Pearl Jam

Alive is a song about survival and resilience, which would be fitting for Cal, who has had to overcome many challenges in his life as a Jedi. The lyrics describe a young man who learns that the man he thought was his father was actually his stepfather, and that his real father has passed away. Despite this revelation, the narrator finds the strength to carry on and “get away from here.” This theme of survival and moving forward in the face of adversity would resonate with Cal’s own struggles to survive and overcome the trauma of Order 66.

The energy and intensity of “Alive” make it a great addition to Cal’s playlist. The song’s powerful guitar riffs and driving rhythm would be fitting for a Jedi who has had to fight his way through dangerous situations and battles. Additionally, the song’s anthemic quality and sing-along chorus would make it a great pick-me-up for Cal when he needs a reminder of his own inner strength and resilience

7. “The Stage” by Avenged Sevenfold – 

This song is about the nature of reality and questioning what is real. The song’s lyrics explore themes of power, control, and corruption, which are all relevant to the Expanded Star Wars universe and Cal’s experiences as a Jedi Padawan. The lyrics also touch on the idea of living in a world where everything is staged or manipulated, which could relate to Cal’s journey to uncover hidden knowledge about the Force and his place in the galaxy.

The song’s epic and progressive sound could capture the grandeur and intensity of Cal’s journey, as well as his determination to overcome obstacles and rebuild the Jedi Order. Overall, “The Stage” is a great addition to the playlist for its powerful sound and relevant lyrics.


8. “The Writing on the Wall” by Iron Maiden

The song’s lyrics explore themes of change, uncertainty, and struggle, which are all relevant to Cal’s journey as a Jedi Padawan navigating a galaxy under the control of the Empire. The lyrics also touch on the idea of a hero’s journey and the need to face challenges in order to grow and evolve.

The song’s driving and energetic sound could capture Cal’s determination and fighting spirit, as well as the intensity of the battles he faces throughout the game. Overall, “The Writing on the Wall” is a great addition to the playlist for its powerful sound and relevant lyrics.


9. “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC

The song’s lyrics are about being on the move and seeking out adventure, which is a perfect fit for Cal’s journey as he travels across the galaxy. The sense of momentum and excitement in the song can help listeners feel like they’re part of Cal’s adventure, experiencing all the action and excitement alongside him.

The song has a high-energy, guitar-driven sound that can help get listeners pumped up and ready to take on any challenge. It is a great choice for a Jedi like Cal, who needs to stay focused and ready for action at all times. The upbeat tempo and catchy riffs can help listeners feel energised and motivated.


10. “Wolf Totem” by The Hu

Why not end the playlist with a banger we know for sure Cal likes? The song’s lyrics explore themes of strength, resilience, and survival, which are all relevant to Cal’s journey as a Jedi Padawan navigating a galaxy under the control of the Empire. The lyrics also touch on the idea of a wolf as a symbol of freedom and the need to fight for one’s independence and rights.

The song’s unique blend of traditional Mongolian music with modern rock elements could capture Cal’s own blend of traditional Jedi teachings with his own fighting style and determination. The song’s driving and powerful sound could also evoke the intensity of Cal’s battles and the grandeur of the Star Wars universe.


That is it for this edition of Playlist, folks. What did you think? While rock and metal are not the only genres Cal listens to (as evidenced by his tastes in Star Wars Jedi: Survivor), they are most definitely the genres he prefers to listen to whenever he has some down time.

Do you agree with our picks on this Star Wars Jedi’s Cal Kestis Playlist? If not, what would you have changed? We hope you enjoyed it. See you again soon!

Junior Editor at Vamers. From Superman to Ironman; Bill Rizer to Sam Fisher and everything in-between, Edward loves it all. He is a Bachelor of Arts student and English Major specialising in Language and Literature. He is an avid writer and casual social networker with a flare for all things tech related.