Despicable Me 2 (soundtrack)

Lore & Background

The co-director of Despicable Me 2, Chris Renaud, recalled the 'distinctive music of the first film' that came from the collaboration between Pereira and Williams, leading them to work on the sequel. Pereira attributed that for El Macho, a Mexican wrestler and the main antagonist, he had to implement 'full choir with a latin flair to emphasize his presence.' He also created new themes for the minions, which needed to be 'more threatening and menacing.' Williams and Pereira discussed several main themes and went with an overarching theme about the air of the film, with continuity based on 'lifting people up emotionally.'

Williams wrote three original songs, including 'Happy,' which was released as a single on November 21, 2013. In a 2014 interview with The New York Times, Williams recalled that the song was rejected nine times by producer Chris Meledandri before being approved, and he finished writing it within 20 minutes. The song was initially intended for CeeLo Green, but due to conflicts with his record company Elektra Records, Williams sang it himself. The track 'Just a Cloud Away' was released as the second single in March 2022 after gaining virality on TikTok.

Reader's Guide

The Despicable Me 2 soundtrack is significant primarily for launching Pharrell Williams' song 'Happy,' which became a global phenomenon. 'Happy' topped charts in over 19 countries, was the best-selling song of 2014 in both the United States and the United Kingdom, and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song at the 86th Academy Awards, losing to 'Let It Go' from Frozen. Its 24-hour music video, directed by We Are from LA and advertised as 'the world's first 24-hour music video,' went viral and contributed to the song's massive success. The soundtrack itself reached number 86 on the Billboard 200 and charted on the UK Soundtracks Chart. The collaboration between Heitor Pereira and Pharrell Williams continued the distinctive musical style of the first film, with Pereira creating new character themes and a Latin-flavored choir for the antagonist El Macho. The album's legacy is tied to the cultural impact of 'Happy,' which also won Grammy Awards for Best Music Video and Best Pop Solo Performance.

Did You Know?

• Pharrell Williams wrote 'Happy' in 20 minutes after it was rejected nine times by producer Chris Meledandri.
• The song 'Happy' was originally intended for CeeLo Green, but conflicts with his record company led Williams to sing it himself.
• The music video for 'Happy' was advertised as 'the world's first 24-hour music video' and went viral upon release.
• The soundtrack includes two tracks from the first Despicable Me film: 'Fun, Fun, Fun' and the titular track.