Each song and when it plays

THE American Psycho the soundtrack features some classic rock and pop hits from the 1980s. Songs by New Order and Genesis have even become synonymous with the film, given the pivotal scenes in which they play. Based on the novel by Bret Easton Ellis and directed by Mary Harron, American Psycho revolves around a New York banker who also doubles as a serial killer by night. Rather than delving into familiar psychological thriller tropes, the highly quotable American Psycho takes a darkly comedic approach to decoding the consumerism and toxic masculinity that drives its twisted main character, Patrick Bateman.

Music plays a fundamental role American Psycho, since Patrick has a very interesting playlist. Despite the dark and homicidal things that boil in his mind, he listens to happy music as he walks to the office. When he receives visitors at his home, Patrick can also show off his record collection and perform monologues about various musical groups and the solo careers of its members. Like most films set in the 80s, American Psycho features the music of the time, but the film’s soundtrack also represents almost entirely the taste of its protagonist.

All American Psycho songs in order

More than 20 classic pop and rock songs appear in the film

When exactly does each song play on American Psycho

Many of the song’s lyrics contrast hilariously with the film’s dark themes.

“True Faith” by New Order – This 1987 synth-pop classic opens the American Psycho soundtrack and is the first song without a score that plays in the film. The setting is a nightclub where Patrick and his friends drink and dance. This moment also reveals Patrick’s misogynistic attitude when speaking badly about a bartender.

“Suicide” by John Cale – This solo track by John Cale of The Velvet Underground plays during Patrick’s narration as he tells the audience about his daily exercise and skincare routine. Cale also composed the original score for American Psycho.

“Walking in the sunlight” by Katrina and the Waves – This pop hit serves as a bright contrast to the other grimy tracks on the American Psycho soundtrack. It plays during Patrick’s entry scene into the office as he listens to the song on his Sony Walkman. The scene became a popular meme template, and an Instagram account called Patrick Bateman walking to music is exclusively dedicated to your entry into the office with different music.

“Simply irresistible” by Robert Palmer – Patrick still listens to music in his headphones when he’s in a taxi with his fiancée, Evelyn. The song he’s listening to is English rock singer Robert Palmer’s Grammy-nominated single, “Simply Irresistible.”

“Paid in full” by Eric B. & Rakim – The first single from hip-hop duo Eric B. & Rakim’s self-titled album can be heard playing when Patrick and Evelyn enter a restaurant.

“Music for 18 synthesizers” by Sheldon Steiger – This classic minimalist work is one of the most recognized songs in the world. American Psycho soundtrack. This appears eerily in the background when Bateman gives a speech about equal rights, feminism and consumerism.

“Secreil Nicht” by Mediaeval Baebes – True to their name, the British band Mediaeval Baebes has a discography rich in classic medieval-inspired ballads. One of those tracks, “Secreil Nicht,” appears in the scene just after dinner, when Patrick withdraws money from an ATM and follows his friend’s fiancée, Courtney, down the street.

“I touch the roses” from Book of Love – This synth-pop love song can be heard when Courtney and Patrick get into a taxi, revealing their affair.

“Eternal Love” by Crispin Merrell – The touch of romance in American Psycho the soundtrack continues as this 1967 soul pop love song plays as Patrick and Courtney have dinner at a restaurant.

“Decorate the hallways” by the OGM Orchestra – Evelyn’s Christmas Party opens with the classic Christmas song “Deck The Halls” in a version by the OGM Orchestra.

“Joy for the world” by the OGM Orchestra – The Christmas party continues with another Christmas carol performed by the OGM Orchestra.

“Ya Llegarón A La Luna” by Santiago Jimenez, Jr. – When Patrick has dinner with his co-worker Paul Allen at a Cajun-style restaurant, Tex-Mex music can be heard in the room. One of them is accordionist Santiago Jiminez Jr.’s gentle folk number, “Ya Llegaron A La Luna.”

“Four Milpas” by Francisco Gonzalez – O American Psycho the soundtrack includes another Spanish-language track during Patrick and Paul’s dinner scene: “Cuatro Milpas” by Los Lobos founding member Francisco Gonzales.

“Hip to be square” by Huey Lewis & The News – Patrick is an avid listener of ’80s pop rock bands, as evident from his record collection, which he displays in front of Paul. The first song Patrick plays for his guest is what he describes as “captivating” single “Hip to Be Square”. The scene is significant for Patrick’s long critique of Huey Lewis’ career and the hidden meanings behind this specific track. Halfway through the song, Patrick dons a raincoat and raises the ax for a defining scene of the film.

“The Lady in Red” by Chris De Burgh – Plenty of 80s love songs on American Psycho the soundtrack doesn’t stop as he listens to “The Lady in Red” sitting in his office.

“If you don’t already know me” by Simply Red – When Patrick invites two sex workers, Christie and Sabrina, to his apartment, he sets a lively mood by playing his cover of Simply Red’s R&B hit “If You Don’t Know Me By Now.”

“In Very Deep” by Genesis – Much like he did with Paul, Patrick gives another music history lesson to Christie and Sabrina by commenting on Phil Collins’ career this time. The needle in this scene is “In Too Deep” by Collins’ band Genesis.

“Sussudio” by Phil Collins – Another Collins song, this one from his solo album No coat requiredjokes while Patrick has sex with Christie and Sabrina.

“Turn up the volume” by M/A/A/R/S – While Patrick snorts cocaine in a nightclub bathroom, this bass-heavy hip-hop/house track plays. The song is unique in that it is the only single from the M/A/A/R/S collective, making the group a one-hit wonder.

“What’s on your mind? (Pure Energy)” for the Information Society – The second half of American Psycho the soundtrack includes more electronic-influenced tracks. After Patrick finishes sniffing the white powder, he leaves the bathroom as the dance plays “What’s On Your Mind? (Pure Energy)” plays at the club. The heavy beats accompany Patrick’s drugged euphoric state.

“Red Lights” by Curiosity Killed The Cat – This funk-inspired pop track plays when Patrick is entertaining Christie and Elizabeth at Paul Allen’s apartment.

“The greatest love of all” by the London Philharmonic Orchestra – As Patrick tells Christie and Elizabeth about his appreciation for Whitney Houston and specifically her cover of “The Greatest Love Of All”, this orchestral version plays during the scene.

“Try to Dismember” by MJ Mynarski – MJ Mynarski, another talented film composer, also appears in American Psycho soundtrack while his composition “Try to Dismember” plays when Patrick breaks up with Evelyn.

“Something in the Air (American Psycho Remix)” by David Bowie – After the shocking ending of American Psychoa remix of David Bowie’s 1999 single “Something In The Air” plays as the end credits roll.

“Who’s Feeling (Philip’s Psycho Mix)” by Tom Tom Club – The second song played during the American Psycho the end credits are also a remix of Tom Tom Club’s “Who Feelin’ It”.

“Watching Me Fall (Underdog Remix)” by The Cure American Psycho the soundtrack continues singing hits over the end credits with another remix, this one of “Watching Me Fall” by The Cure.

“Difficulty” by Daniel Ash – The final song in the end credits is “Trouble” by British alternative rocker Daniel Ash. American Psycho ends up offering a rather interesting mix of rock, pop and dance numbers to its shocked viewers.

Why the American Psycho Soundtrack Isn’t Available

Huey Lewis didn’t like the use of “Hip To Be Square” in the film

The soundtrack album American Psycho: music from the controversial filmwhich features the licensed songs used in the film and the original score by John Cale, is officially sold out. Shortly before its initial release in 2000, copies of the soundtrack were withdrawn from distribution because Huey Lewis suddenly denied the inclusion of “Hip to Be Square” after learning of its use in the film (via MTV News).

A new version of the soundtrack was released in 2006 without several songs represented, and even that version became unavailable. Currently, the American Psycho The soundtrack album is only found unofficially on music streaming platforms like Spotify. Each of the songs featured in the film can be streamed individually, while users have also created their own American Psycho soundtrack playlists.

Why American Psycho’s soundtrack is so important to the film

Patrick Bateman uses music to change his world

In many films, directors choose music that matches the mood of the scene or choose music that they love and want to hear in their films. However, for American Psychothe songs were added for a very different reason. The songs used in this film were all inspired by the characteristics of Patrick Bateman and remain authentic to the specific moment in your life that is happening on screen.

Although Huey Lewis was dissatisfied with the airing of “Hip to Be Square” as in the film, it was also vitally important to the moment. Seeing Patrick talk about how great Huey Lewis and the News are before brutally murdering Paul Allen shows his disconnect from reality. The song’s lyrics show how Bateman sees himself, even as he takes each lyric and sees it as a window into his soul. It also shows how he is struggling to succeed and at the same time dealing with his murderous rage.

Music also plays an important role throughout the film, as Bateman listens to his headphones and his favorite songs, once again seeing himself in the lyrics before going on his murderous rampage. Patrick uses music to understand what is around him and to transform and change it to fit the way he wants the world to look. American Psycho it also uses many instrumental tracks, which help to show the serial killer protagonist’s changing personality, allowing all of the music to help tell the story rather than playing it superficially.