Often, the fear with sequels of beloved movies is that the second go-around won't be as great as the first. Fortunately for Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, their source material, ABBA's vault, is full of entertaining songs that make for great musical numbers. In the heads of the filmmakers, they went with the thought that bigger truly is better in of glorious sequences, getting more camp and over-the-top than the previous movie.
The film's soundtrack includes new numbers as well as different versions of some songs from the first movie to give them new light and life in the sequel. While Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried are featured less, Lily James as young Donna brings great singing ability and enthusiasm.
"Dancing Queen"
This song from the first film is sung after a moment of doubt when Sophie (Seyfried) confesses that she is unsure of her future. After receiving a pep talk, she looks out at the sea and finds Harry (Colin Firth) and Bill (Stellan Skarsgård) and multiple boats full of people heading towards the island singing "Dancing Queen".
Much like in the original, the song acts to lift the spirits of the characters. It ultimately succeeds at its purpose as Sophie sings along. It also matches the original in of scale, with a large ensemble of different Mamma Mia characters coming together in song. There's nothing new about the performance, but it's still fun.
"Knowing Me, Knowing You"
This epic breakup song is sung after young Donna (James) confronts young Sam (Jeremy Irvine) about his fiancé. The scene starts with strong emotion and lots of tears. It then ends with Sam leaving the island. It's a rather short performance but the drama of the scene makes it memorable.
Although Irvine's voice isn't the strongest, he is still able to convey sadness through his singing. He ends up providing a contrast to James' strong vocals.
"Angeleyes"
"Angeleyes" finds Rosie (Julie Walters) and Tanya (Christine Baranski) singing about their hatred for men, particularly Rosie's hatred for Bill.
The best part of the song is the beginning in which Tanya interrupts Rosie as she tries to tell Sophie a story about a particular encounter with Bill. The arrangement of the song displays Rosie and Tanya's strong bond through their finishing of each other's sentences. Like in the previous film, it has them spreading words of female empowerment.
"Super Trouper"
The final song in the film, which takes place during the closing credits, brings the entire cast together on a stage for a large musical number. Most notably, it brings together the two trios that play Donna, Rosie, and Tanya at two different stages in life.
Through the facial expressions of all those involved, it is evident that this was a fun scene to shoot. The joy just sort of spills off the screen and into the audience. Topped off with iconic disco costumes, ensemble choreography, and some fun lighting and confetti, this musical number is one big party.
"Mamma Mia"
After young Rosie (Alexa Davies) and young Tanya (Jessica Keenan Wynn) arrive on the island, young Donna takes them to a local bar where they are set to perform. However, Donna is still grieving from her breakup with Sam and is not in the mood to perform their upbeat songs.
The song starts soft and low before Donna begins to feel better and is ed on stage by her friends. From there, it becomes a great makeshift performance that showcases the trio's friendship and just how in sync they are with each other.
"Fernando"
One of the ways in which Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again makes up for its lack of Streep scenes is the addition of Cher as Sophie's grandmother, Ruby. Cher brings her diva persona and commanding presence into the role, making it memorable.
This incredibly romantic song is sung when Ruby lays eyes on her long-lost love Fernando (Andy Garcia) who has been hired by Sophie to help with the hotel. Although Cher and Garcia don't move as well as they did when they were younger, there is a tenderness to their slow movements that brings a feeling of deeper love to the scene.
"One of Us"
Sophie and Sky's duet is a complete 180-degree turn from their flirty beach rendition of "Lay All Your Love On Me" from the first film. "One of Us" is an emotional song about loneliness and distance. The once hot and heavy couple is now an ocean apart with Sky working in New York, and it has taken an obvious toll on their relationship.
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Seyfried's sweet and soft voice and wide eyes make the song feel particularly heartbreaking. Though Dominic Cooper definitely keeps up irably to her talent.
"Why Did It Have To Be Me?"
After missing the ferry, young Donna meets young Bill (Josh Dylan), the handsome owner of a sailboat who agrees to take her to the island. Bill expresses his attraction towards Donna right away, entering into a literal dance regarding their intentions with each other.
The song is incredibly flirty and is aided by the upbeat tempo and comical performances of James and Dylan. The chemistry between the two actors also helps make the scene believable and more enjoyable.
"When I Kissed The Teacher"
The first performance from young Donna and the Dynamos starts the film off on a high note with its theatricality and playfulness. The song takes plays in place of Donna's graduation speech. In a surprise to the faculty and graduating class, she rips off her robe to reveal a disco outfit and her friends her on stage to sing.
The energy within the song is infectious, and Donna can persuade every character in the scene to in. The music is fun and the dancing is great. The number just seems like everyone is having the best graduation they could have hoped for.
"Waterloo"
Audiences were robbed in Mamma Mia! when "Waterloo" was pushed to the end of the film as an end credit performance. Fortunately, the sequel takes advantage of the song's fun lyrics and upbeat tempo, giving it its important scene.
The song takes place in a cafe during a date between young Donna and young Harry (Hugh Skinner) as he professes that he is falling in love with her. It's a very out-of-character moment for the seemingly by-the-book Harry, who gives it his all.
