The Searching for Sugar Man soundtrack includes music by Sixto Rodriguez and Johannes Kerkorrel. This info article contains spoilers and song details for Malik Bendjelloul’s 2012 documentary on Max. Check out Vague Visages’ Soundtracks of Cinema section for more music guides.

Searching for Sugar Man documents the life and times of a mysterious singer known as Rodriguez. In South Africa, fans of the featured musician recall their formative experiences with his songs. The storyline chronicles a quest to learn the subject’s fate. The 86-minute film spotlights original music by Rodriguez; music supervisor Sandy Wilson (Your Sister’s Sister) assisted with the featured needle-drops. Here’s every song in Searching for Sugar Man.

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Searching for Sugar Man Soundtrack: Every Song in the 2012 Documentary

• “Sugar Man” by Sixto Rodriguez (00:00:00): The Searching for Sugar Man soundtrack song scores the opening sequence. Stephen “Sugar” Segerman drives a vehicle in Cape Town and sings along to the music. The track plays again at 00:10:00 and 01:23:00.
• “Crucify Your Mind” by Sixto Rodriguez (00:06:00): Interviewees discuss Rodriguez’s writing skills. The track accompanies a transition sequence. It’s featured again at 01:21:00.
• “Cause” by Sixto Rodriguez (00:14:00): Music producer Steve Rowland talks about his collaborations with Rodriguez. He plays a track. Rowland says, “Oh, man.”
• “I Wonder” by Sixto Rodriguez (00:17:00): The Searching for Sugar Man soundtrack song scores a Cape Town sequence. Segerman moves a sign outside Mabu Vinyl. The track plays again at 01:08:00.
• “Jane S. Piddy” by Sixto Rodriguez (00:19:00): Willem Möller talks about Rodriguez’s cultural persona in Cape Town. The track continues during a transition scene. Segerman recalls listening to Rodriguez’s music during the mid-70s.
• “This Is Not a Song, It’s an Outburst: Or, the Establishment Blues” by Sixto Rodriguez (00:21:00): An Apartheid-themed sequence begins. Segerman talks about South African record companies. He recalls the “heart of Apartheid.”
• “Sit Dit Af” by Johannes Kerkorrel (00:23:00): Segerman remembers how Rodriguez inspired an Afrikaans movement. He recalls a musical revolution. The Searching for Sugar Man soundtrack song continues during archival footage.
• “Can’t Get Away” by Sixto Rodriguez (00:26:00): A Cape Town sequence begins. The camera spotlights various cityscapes. Segerman recalls a “pivotal” experience.
• “I Think of You” by Sixto Rodriguez (00:43:00): Craig Bartholomew Strydom remembers finding out about Rodriguez’s true fate. Steve M. Harris talks about a possible hoax. Segerman recalls locating Rodriguez.
• “Sandrevan Lullaby — Lifestyles” by Sixto Rodriguez (00:47:00): Segerman talks about his first phone call with Rodriguez. The Searching for Sugar Man soundtrack song continues during a landscape visual. The track is featured again at 00:58:00.
• “Inner City Blues” by Sixto Rodriguez (00:55:00): Rick Emmerson remembers working with Rodriguez. He talks about his colleague’s artistic drive. Emmerson recalls Rodriguez’s mayoral campaign.
• “Street Boy” by Sixto Rodriguez (00:51:00): Rodriguez talks about navigating Detroit. The music continues during a transition scene. Rodriguez walks in downtown Detroit.
• “A Most Disgusting Song” by Sixto Rodriguez (00:55:00): Eva Rodriguez discusses her working class family. The Searching for Sugar Man soundtrack song plays in the background. Eva talks about class differences.
• “Forget It” by Sixto Rodriguez (01:11:00): Regan speaks about her father’s musical identity. The tune sets in during a transition scene. Rodriguez performs during archival footage.
• “I’ll Slip Away” by Sixto Rodriguez (01:18:00): An exterior scene begins. Rodriguez walks down a sidewalk. He carries a black backpack.

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Searching for Sugar Man released theatrically in 2012. Rodriguez passed away on August 8, 2023 at age 81.

Q.V. Hough (@QVHough) is Vague Visages’ founding editor.