The People We Meet on Vacation soundtrack plays a central role in shaping how the film moves through time, memory, and emotional shifts.
Rather than functioning as background texture, the music is placed deliberately within specific moments, often tied to travel, routine, and the evolving dynamic between Poppy Wright and Alex Nilsen.
Below is a complete, chronological breakdown of every song featured in People We Meet on Vacation, including where each track appears and how it connects to the scene.
Every Song in the People We Meet on Vacation Soundtrack
“Nanã” – Polo & Pan
Poppy narrates a bright travel montage before her boss, Swapna, cuts in to criticize Poppy’s writing, which has grown darker and less inspired.
“Who Says (Bolivard Remix)” – DOPAMOON
While dealing with dead houseplants, Poppy talks with her friend David, who tells her about Alex’s breakup and urges her to come to his wedding in Barcelona.
“Forever Your Girl” – Paula Abdul
In a flashback, Poppy and Alex confront how different they are as they argue about music preferences and life outlooks during their first car ride together.
“That’s How I Got to Memphis” – Tom T. Hall
Alex and Poppy sit together at a diner.
“Ani Kuni” – Polo & Pan
Poppy attends a spin class.
“Hang With Me” – Robyn
A montage follows Poppy at the airport as she sings along to the song playing through her headphones.
“It All Feels Right” – Washed Out
In Squamish, Canada, a groggy Alex recovers from beta blockers as Poppy pushes him to drop his strict itinerary and go off-script, ending with them struggling to set up their tent.
“Nantucket Island” – Willie Wright
While wandering through a local market, Poppy becomes fixated on an oversized chainsaw sculpture and insists on buying it, despite Alex’s concerns about luggage space and transport.
“Genesis” – Grimes
Poppy and Alex catch a ride on a water taxi with Buck, a former finance worker turned outdoorsman, who invites them to camp at a secluded spot near McNab Creek.
“Esperar Pra Ver” – Evinha
Daisy encourages the group to go skinny-dipping, leading Alex to jump into the water. Later, Buck explains the meaning behind his “Memento Mori” tattoo to Poppy as they make out in the tent.
“I Don’t Know What I Can Save You From” – Kings of Convenience
During a stifling heatwave in Linfield, Poppy and Alex reflect on adulthood as Alex talks about his settled life and home renovations in Ohio.
“Feel Like Funkin’ It Up (Live)” – Rebirth Brass Band
In a flashback to six summers earlier in New Orleans, Poppy revels in the return of “Vacation Alex” as they explore the city’s food scene, drink together, and revisit their long-running summer tradition.
“Hello Hello Hello” – Remi Wolf
A montage shows Poppy and Alex moving through New Orleans together.
“Take What’s Given” – BADBADNOTGOOD
Poppy and Alex manage to convince a neighboring couple that they are a CIA agent and an oil rig worker.
“Forever Your Girl” – Paula Abdul (Reprise)
The two perform a playful dance to “Forever Your Girl” at the bar.
“august” – Taylor Swift
Alex explains why he ended his relationship with Sarah, and the scene shifts into a warm, nostalgic family dinner in Linfield.
“Cool About It” – boygenius
The dinner scene continues.
“L-O-V-E” – Nat King Cole
In a flashback to two summers earlier, Alex and Sarah are together as they meet Poppy and Trey at a villa.
“Bella Roma (Remastered 2001)” – Bruno Martino
During the Tuscany group trip, Trey talks about his glamorous lifestyle, while unspoken tension between Poppy and Alex makes the atmosphere uneasy.
“Plage isolée (soleil levant)” – Polo & Pan
Late at night in the pool, overwhelmed by the group dynamic and her unresolved feelings for Alex, Poppy leaves Trey to spend the evening alone.
“When I Get My Hands On You” – The New Basement Tapes
In Barcelona, Alex becomes playfully distracted while Poppy tries to get ready for the wedding, kissing her neck and shoulders instead of helping her dress.
“Stumblin’ In” – CYRIL
At the wedding reception, Poppy joins the grooms on the dance floor as Alex watches from a distance, caught between admiration and longing.
“X’s” – Cigarettes After Sex
While slow-dancing at the reception, Poppy and Alex talk about their future. The mood darkens when Alex admits he fears their connection may not last.
“Higher Ground” – ODESZA
Poppy says that Alex is her “home,” leading into a final montage of them traveling together again, closing the loop on their decade-long story. End credits.
