Aziz Ansaris Good Fortune Features Two Classic Australian Songs
In 2025, Aziz Ansari’s debut feature Good Fortune flips back the clock, weaving 1980s Australian pop into its modern comedy‑fantasy narrative. The film uses two classic tracks—The Go‑Betweens’ “Streets of Your Town” and Real Life’s “Send Me An Angel”—to deepen its nostalgic feel.
Ansari not only writes and directs the movie, he also plays the lead, while Keanu Reeves takes on a low‑ranking guardian angel, joined by Seth Rogen, Keke Palmer and Sandra Oh. The picture premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on 6 September 2025 and hit U.S. theaters on 17 October 2025 through Lionsgate.
The choice of the two songs came from their emotional weight and their ability to anchor the film’s shifting moods. “Streets of Your Town” underscores a scene that contrasts the protagonist’s modest life with the affluent world he temporarily inhabits, while “Send Me An Angel” highlights a moment that brings the film’s angelic premise to life.
Neither track appears on the official Good Fortune soundtrack album, which instead showcases contemporary artists such as Beck, Salt‑N‑Pepper, Buzzcocks, Deee‑Lite and Frankie Knuckles. The inclusion of the Australian songs follows a long tradition of classic Australian recordings gaining new audiences through cinema.
The Go‑Betweens and “Streets of Your Town”
Released in 1988 as the lead single from the album 16 Lovers Lane, “Streets of Your Town” was penned by Grant McLennan. The song blends melodic guitar pop with lyrical references to suburban life’s hidden realities. It reached No. 68 on the Australian Kent Music Report and No. 80 on the UK Singles Chart. Over time the track has become one of Australia’s most celebrated recordings, appearing in the film The Black Balloon and in television campaigns.
Real Life and “Send Me An Angel”
Real Life’s “Send Me An Angel” debuted in 1983 as the Melbourne band’s first single from Heartland. The song achieved Top 10 status in Australia, topped the charts in Germany and New Zealand, and entered the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. A 1989 re‑recording further boosted its U.S. popularity. The track had previously appeared in films such as Rad, Teen Wolf Too and The Wizard, making it a familiar 1980s synth‑pop reference for Hollywood music supervisors.
Production background
Good Fortune is Ansari’s feature directorial debut after the 2022 suspension of his earlier project Being Mortal. Production began in late January 2024 in Los Angeles after a Writers Guild of America strike delayed filming. The majority of principal photography wrapped before April 2024, with additional scenes shot after a brief injury to Reeves.
The film’s ensemble cast and its use of period‑specific music reflect Ansari’s intent to blend contemporary comedy with nostalgic elements. By selecting well‑known Australian songs, the film connects its narrative to a broader musical heritage while appealing to international audiences.
Industry implications
The placement of “Streets of Your Town” and “Send Me An Angel” demonstrates how older tracks can be revitalised through film placements, offering licensing opportunities for rights holders and renewed exposure for the artists’ catalogues. It also highlights the continued relevance of 1980s music in contemporary soundtracks, a trend that benefits both filmmakers and music publishers.
Good Fortune has earned $26 million at the box office against a $30 million budget, indicating a solid commercial performance for a comedy‑fantasy release. The film’s soundtrack choices, while not featured on the official album, have already sparked renewed interest in the two Australian songs among viewers.
Current status
As of now, the film remains in theatrical release, and the soundtrack album continues to feature contemporary artists. The inclusion of the two Australian tracks is noted in the film’s credits and has been highlighted by music‑industry outlets. No further releases or licensing deals have been announced.
The use of “Streets of Your Town” and “Send Me An Angel” in Good Fortune illustrates the enduring power of classic Australian music to enhance modern storytelling and reach new audiences worldwide.
