Incoming Transmission from Xandar to Disney's Epcot: Ranking Cosmic Rewind's Stellar Soundtrack

Over a year after Cosmic Rewind first sent Epcotians careening through the cosmos, I’m still enamored by its backward launch, rotating cars, and spectacular theming. However, a stellar soundtrack truly elevates this coaster. Every song offers a different experience, and after months of re-riding, I have heard each one. So, pull down your safety bar and raise your arms as we quest into the cosmos to rank Cosmic Rewind’s playlist.

Seven: "Run, Run, Rocket"

Cosmic Rewind’s holiday overlay isn’t as charming as Living with the Land’s glimmering greenhouses or Jingle Cruise’s yuletide puns. I had hoped the seasonal soundtrack would reflect the original’s glory, perhaps with tracks like The Kinks’ “Father Christmas” or Elton John’s “Step Into Christmas.” Instead, Disney shoved together a handful of holiday songs and inserted Guardians-themed lyrics to spawn “Run, Run, Rocket,” an unimaginative medley that clashes with the attraction’s theming and robs guests of a surprise song’s thrill. “Run, Run, Rocket,” like a student’s hastily completed project, is mediocre, lackluster, and lacking in effort.

Six: "One Way or Another" by Blondie

Blondie’s punk hit feels too heavy for Cosmic Rewind in lyric and sound. Although Star Lord tells Eson he “can’t stop rock and roll from existing,” and this is one of the ride’s only rock songs, it doesn’t have the Guardians’ playful spirit. While “One Way or Another” doesn’t ruin the ride experience, I never hope to hear it.

Five: "Disco Inferno" by The Trammps

“Disco Inferno” earns fifth place because of the virtue of its counterparts. It isn’t dull or off-theme; in fact, this disco ditty would be at home in a Guardians film. I’m never upset to hear The Trammps as I launch back to the “Ding Dang,” and it always makes me want to dance along, but it’s not my favorite.

Four: "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" by Tears for Fears

What “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” lacks in a high-energy tempo it makes up for in a unique perspective that boosts Cosmic Rewind’s allure. Synthetic instrumentals evoke feelings of gliding weightlessly through the stars, perfect for a space-themed coaster. It provides a calmer experience, which allows riders to focus on the Guardians’ banter and Drax’s distaste for milk.

Three: "Conga" by Gloria Estefan

Before I heard it on Cosmic Rewind, I decried “Conga” as unbefitting this attraction. However, after having heard it twice, I admit I love riding Cosmic Rewind to the tune of this boppy classic. It jives well with the attraction. The ride vehicles twist side to side, as if performing the conga, and Gloria Estefan’s energetic melody is electrifying.

Two: "September" by Earth, Wind, Fire

This was the last leg of my family’s journey to experience every Cosmic Rewind song, so we were overjoyed to finally hear “September”! This song is full of such infectious glee, how can one not wave their hands and dance along to the groovy beat? Sure, most Cosmic Rewind songs make me want to boogie, but more than the others, “September” transforms this attraction from a coaster into a galactic discotheque.

One: "I Ran" by Flock of Seagulls

Every time I hear the first reverberating note of “I Ran,” I get chills. This quintessential Cosmic Rewind track is an irreplaceable combination of epic thrill and hands-in-the-air fun. Perhaps I have a sweet spot for this song because I heard it my first ride on Cosmic Rewind, but nonetheless, “I Ran” is an iconic, totally 80s power anthem. I can’t think of a better backdrop for a celestial battle.

Although some are better than others, each Cosmic Rewind song assures brave Epcotians, in the words of Nova Prime Irani Rael, “an unforgettable experience.”