Blowing through box office milestones, Twisters has turned out to be the true-blue blockbuster of the summer. A sequel to the 90s classic Twister, this film follows new characters as they face peril and adventure while storm chasing in tornado alley. The striking landscape of Oklahoma is a character in itself as Twisters’ protagonists contend with nature, and the soundtrack is pure Americana. The full throttle track list sounds like a weekend of country rock radio, broadcasting straight from the heartland.

Universal Production Music has a dense library of similar songs for use in media. If you’re looking for music that evokes the same hard-edged modern cowboy vibe of Twisters, learn more about our licensing solutions. It’s a classic sound that plays to a broad audience for emotionally charged, action-packed projects, and with Universal Production Music’s range of track offerings, it’s easy to replicate.

 

Appeal to the Heartland

Twisters actor Glen Powell spoke to Telegraph about Twisters’ homegrown appeal and Americana aesthetic. As a rising movie star in the old-school tradition, Powell called for Hollywood to tell more stories that are relatable to middle America.

“Having grown up in and around Texas, I’m aware there are vast parts of America that have been underserved in terms of movies that they want to see,” Powell said. “You sort of have New York and Los Angeles making the decisions about what gets made, but there’s a whole lot more audience out there you need to think about.”

Of the original Twister, Powell recalled his childhood awe at watching an “enormous movie that looked and felt like it had been shot in my backyard.”

The sequel delivers on telling a classic tale of American heroics. A self-made storm chaser of the people (Powell) and dedicated scientist (Daisy Edgar-Jones) battle not only nature but the greedy machinations of big business exploiting hard-working folks.

Bringing emotionally resonant narratives to the screen requires music that hits all the right notes. Find the sound you're looking for with our extensive library. Check out our action movie playlist and take your action set pieces to the next level.

Southern Rock Revival

The centerpiece of Twisters’ soundtrack is Luke Combs’ “Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma.” With heavy electric guitars that get the blood pumping, the country superstar dips into the muddy sounds of southern rock. Bleak, anthemic, and gritty, the lyrics are broad – but that’s the point.

“High-energy, high-octane, I think the song really musically matches that vibe. It’s really sort of abstract, lyrically speaking, I think that was done intentionally,” Combs told Audacy. “We were really just trying to sonically match the vibe that they were looking for with this film.”

The song’s narrator is a man who’s done things he’s not proud of but keeps chasing the highs and what glory he can still eke out for himself. He’s on a lonely journey across the harsh frontier. This character will sound familiar to fans of classic bands Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Allman Brothers Band.

Shades of the southern rock greats color other tracks from the movie, like Warren Zeiders’ “The Cards I’ve Been Dealt” and The Red Clay Stray’s “Caddo County.”

If you’re soundtracking a nostalgic adventure that needs some edge, our southern rock playlist has what you need. The murky guitars, powerful drums and bluesy spirit will tug at the heartstrings of even the most life-weary outlaw.

The Many Flavors of Country

The wide-ranging Twisters soundtrack traverses the many moods and textures of modern country. Fun, light bro-country bops like Thomas Rhett’s “Feelin’ Country” and Kane Brown’s “Country Classic” sing the praises of Levi’s jeans, country gals, and good times on the river.

The genre’s gentle, tender-hearted side is shown on Sam Barber’s “Tear Us Apart,” illuminating the all-American love story at the center of the film.

Twisters’ track list is also infused with sweet nostalgia. Young crooner Mason Ramsey’s “Shake Shake (All Night Long)” and Tanner Ursey’s “Blackberry Wine” bring verve and energy with a do-woop swing. The talk-singing of Charley Crockett’s narrative epic “(Ghost) Riders of the Sky” would fit right into a 1963 TV cowboy lineup.

The soundtrack isn’t all about country throwbacks and stereotypes, though. The diversity of the genre is clear on Tanner Adell’s “Too Easy.” Adell, who was featured on Beyoncé’s album Cowboy Carter, blends country and R&B in her signature style. The soulful Leon Bridges also incorporates R&B elements in his track, “Chrome Cowgirl.”

Country music is no monolith, so find the right country song using our playlists. Universal Production Music’s tracks reflect the depths of the genre, so register to find your next sound today. If Twisters’ box office is any indication, audiences are hungry for media with some extra twang.