Ever since it was dubbed Netflix’s most rewatched movie of 2018, The Kissing Booth has become something of a cultural phenomenon. Fans couldn’t get enough of Elle (Joey King) and Noah’s (Jacob Elordi) incredible chemistry and fun-loving relationship onscreen (and off). Since its release, King went on to star in–and receive an Emmy nomination for–Hulu’s The Act, and Jacob Elordi skyrocketed to fame on HBO’s Euphoria. In true Hollywood fashion, it’s no surprise that the teen rom-com has returned for a sequel, The Kissing Booth 2.

Back in the director’s chair is Vince Marcello, who assembled his original cast and crew, including composer Patrick Kirst. Fans will be thrilled to hear the nostalgic sound from the first film and we’re excited to premiere the soundtrack “Reunion,” which plays like a modern-day John Hughes rom-com drenched in romantic optimism.

Kirst explains, “Following Elle’s, Noah’s, and Lee’s journey led to further developing their themes from the first installment. I wanted to embody director Vince Marcello’s concept of recapturing a nostalgic, sun-kissed vision of late 1970/80s vintage Los Angeles. We, therefore, decided to give the score vintage retro charm through strings, 80s synths, beach drums, and guitars. The score embodies the soul of the movie: a fun, heartfelt, youthful, and sincere story about love, coming of age, and true friendships.”

As well as a film composer, Kirst also teaches a Screen Scoring course at USC’s Thornton School of Music. He says, “Mentoring the next generation of musicians is a wonderful challenge. I am trying to teach my students values in music, not just in film music.” Fun fact: Kirst first met The Kissing Booth director Vince Marcello when they were both film students at USC. It’s apparent in his music that Kirst pours his heart into his scores, and that passion is felt through and through in his latest.

Listen to “Reunion” in The Kissing Booth 2, out today on Netflix.