The Melancholy of Superheroes: How 'Invincible' Uses Music to Humanize the Invincible
There’s something profoundly moving about seeing superheroes cry. Not in the literal sense, of course—though with the right CGI, even that could be compelling. I’m talking about the emotional vulnerability that breaks through their invulnerable exteriors. In the season 4 premiere of Invincible, this vulnerability is laid bare not through dialogue or action, but through a song: “If I Get High” by Nothing but Thieves. It’s a choice that, on the surface, feels incongruous—a melancholic rock ballad paired with a montage of superheroics. But personally, I think this is where Invincible shines brightest: in its ability to humanize the superhuman through unexpected artistic choices.
The Power of Contrasting Soundtracks
One thing that immediately stands out is how Invincible uses music to subvert expectations. Superhero shows often lean into bombastic scores or adrenaline-pumping tracks during action sequences. But here, the show opts for a song that feels almost mournful. The lyrics “If I get high enough, will I see you again?” aren’t just about loss; they’re about the desperate search for connection in a world that feels increasingly fractured. What makes this particularly fascinating is how it mirrors the emotional state of the characters. Mark Grayson, Atom Eve, and even Oliver aren’t just fighting villains—they’re grappling with the trauma of past battles, the weight of responsibility, and the fear of losing each other.
From my perspective, this is a masterclass in storytelling. The song doesn’t just accompany the scene; it amplifies it. The repetitive line “And we run, and we run…” feels like a metaphor for the relentless cycle of violence and sacrifice these characters are trapped in. It’s a detail that I find especially interesting because it highlights a truth often overlooked in superhero narratives: even the invincible are exhausted.
Nothing but Thieves: The Unlikely Heroes of the Soundtrack
What many people don’t realize is that Nothing but Thieves, despite their name, are anything but thieves of emotion. Their music is raw, introspective, and deeply human. Conor Mason’s vocals, often compared to Thom Yorke, add a layer of fragility that feels oddly fitting for a show about superheroes who are anything but invulnerable. In my opinion, the band’s ability to convey complex emotions through simple lyrics is what makes “If I Get High” such a perfect fit for Invincible.
This isn’t the first time the show has leaned into this kind of musical contrast. Remember Leonard Cohen’s “Avalanche” in season 2, or Billie Eilish’s “when the party’s over” in season 3? These aren’t just needle drops; they’re emotional anchors. They force us to pause and reflect on the humanity behind the heroics. If you take a step back and think about it, this is what sets Invincible apart from other superhero shows—it’s not afraid to let its characters (and its audience) feel.
The Duality of Sound: From Melancholy to Mayhem
What this really suggests is that Invincible understands the duality of its characters. They’re not just heroes; they’re people. And their soundtrack reflects that. While “If I Get High” captures their emotional turmoil, tracks like Doechii’s “Crazy” in season 4, episode 3, showcase their unyielding determination. The shift from soft, melodic songs to intense rap beats isn’t just a stylistic choice—it’s a narrative one. It reminds us that these characters are capable of both profound sadness and explosive action.
A detail that I find especially interesting is how the show uses hip-hop and rap to underscore its most intense moments. Films like Black Panther and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse have already proven that these genres can elevate superhero action, but Invincible takes it a step further by weaving these tracks into its emotional fabric. It’s not just about the beats; it’s about the energy they bring to the characters’ struggles.
Why This Matters: The Broader Implications of Invincible’s Soundtrack
This raises a deeper question: What does it mean for a superhero show to prioritize emotion over spectacle? In a genre often dominated by CGI and quippy one-liners, Invincible dares to slow down and let its characters (and its audience) feel. Personally, I think this is why the show resonates so deeply. It’s not just about saving the world; it’s about the cost of doing so.
What this really suggests is that superhero stories, at their core, are human stories. They’re about love, loss, fear, and resilience. By using music to amplify these themes, Invincible doesn’t just entertain—it connects. It reminds us that even the invincible are, in their own way, searching for something more.
Final Thoughts: The Art of Emotional Superheroics
If there’s one takeaway from Invincible’s use of “If I Get High”, it’s this: superheroes don’t need to be invulnerable to be compelling. They just need to be human. The show’s soundtrack isn’t just a collection of songs; it’s a narrative tool that deepens our understanding of its characters.
In my opinion, this is the future of superhero storytelling. It’s not about bigger explosions or flashier costumes—it’s about emotional depth. And as Invincible continues to push the boundaries of what a superhero show can be, I can’t help but feel excited for where it’s headed. Because if a song like “If I Get High” can make us feel this much, imagine what’s next.