Whatever the precise plot machinations that led
Guardians of the Galaxy
to rely so heavily on the
Super Hits from the '70s
doesn't quite matter when it comes to regarding the soundtrack. Here, the record works as a sampler of the soft rock and yacht rock hits that are familiar not only from constant exposure on the radio, but also their use in movies. "Hooked on a Feeling" played a pivotal role in Reservoir Dogs, "Spirit in the Sky" opened up Miami Blues, "Fooled Around and Fell in Love" was in Boogie Nights, and "Escape (The Pina Colada Song)" has been in countless films and TV shows -- as has almost everything else here with the possible exception of
David Bowie
's "Moonage Daydream," which touches upon the space age futurism of this comic book caper. [The expanded double-disc set has a second CD containing
Tyler Bates
' big, sweeping score, but it's the "Awesome Mix" that offers a nostalgia trip that's potent even if you've never seen the film.] ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine