Best TV Shows With Unforgettable Soundtracks
Music is an integral part of the viewing experience, setting the mood, enhancing emotional impact, and even becoming iconic in its own right. A well-curated soundtrack can elevate a good TV show to a great one, and some shows are particularly celebrated for their exceptional musical selections. This article delves into the best TV shows with the best soundtracks, exploring how their music enhances storytelling and resonates with audiences.
The Power of a Great TV Soundtrack
The best TV show soundtracks do more than just fill the silence between dialogue. They act as a powerful storytelling tool, adding layers of meaning and emotional resonance to the narrative. Music can foreshadow events, highlight character development, and create a lasting impression on the viewer. Think of the soaring orchestral scores that accompany epic battles in Game of Thrones, or the carefully curated indie rock tracks that define the angst and excitement of The O.C. These soundtracks become synonymous with the shows themselves, shaping our memories and emotional connections to the characters and storylines.
The selection of music in a TV show is a crucial process, often involving music supervisors who work closely with the show's creators and directors. They consider the tone of the scene, the emotional state of the characters, and the overall narrative arc when choosing the right music. The goal is to find tracks that not only complement the visuals but also deepen the viewer's engagement with the story. A great soundtrack can introduce viewers to new artists and genres, sparking a broader appreciation for music. Shows like Stranger Things, with its synth-heavy 80s soundtrack, have revitalized interest in retro sounds, while others, like Atlanta, use music to explore specific cultural landscapes and communities. The impact of a well-chosen song can linger long after the credits roll, prompting viewers to seek out the music and relive the emotional experience of the show.
Moreover, the use of original scores plays a significant role in crafting a show's unique identity. Composers like Ramin Djawadi (Game of Thrones, Westworld) and Bear McCreary (Battlestar Galactica, The Walking Dead) have become renowned for their ability to create memorable and evocative musical themes that define the sound of their respective shows. These original scores often blend seamlessly with licensed music, creating a cohesive and impactful sonic landscape. The best TV show soundtracks are those that strike a balance between original compositions and carefully selected existing tracks, resulting in a rich and immersive auditory experience for the viewer. Ultimately, the power of a great TV soundtrack lies in its ability to enhance the narrative, evoke emotions, and leave a lasting impression on the audience.
Iconic Soundtracks: Shows That Set the Bar
Several TV shows have achieved legendary status for their exceptional soundtracks, setting a high bar for musical curation in television. The O.C., for instance, became a cultural phenomenon in the early 2000s, thanks in part to its carefully selected indie rock tracks. The show's music supervisor, Alexandra Patsavas, was instrumental in introducing many now-iconic indie bands to a wider audience, including Death Cab for Cutie, The Killers, and Phantom Planet (whose song "California" became the show's memorable theme). The soundtrack of The O.C. captured the teenage angst, romance, and drama of the show's characters, becoming a defining element of its identity. The strategic use of music at crucial moments in the narrative amplified the emotional impact of the scenes, cementing the show's reputation for musical excellence.
Miami Vice, a stylish crime drama from the 1980s, was another pioneer in the use of music as a narrative device. The show's soundtrack featured a mix of new wave, synth-pop, and rock hits, creating a vibrant and energetic backdrop for the high-stakes action and neon-lit visuals. Artists like Phil Collins, Jan Hammer, and Glenn Frey contributed to the show's iconic sound, and many episodes were structured around specific songs, integrating the music seamlessly into the storyline. The Miami Vice soundtrack not only reflected the cultural zeitgeist of the 80s but also helped to establish the show's distinctive visual and auditory style. Its innovative use of music influenced countless other television programs and continues to be celebrated for its groundbreaking approach.
More recently, shows like Stranger Things have demonstrated the power of a well-curated soundtrack to transport viewers to another time and place. The show's synth-heavy score and carefully selected 80s hits evoke a sense of nostalgia and enhance the supernatural mystery at the heart of the story. The use of iconic songs like Kate Bush's "Running Up That Hill" has become a cultural phenomenon, highlighting the enduring impact of music in television. Other shows, such as Peaky Blinders, have similarly used music to create a distinct atmosphere, blending contemporary rock and alternative tracks with the show's historical setting. The carefully chosen music in Peaky Blinders underscores the gritty and intense nature of the narrative, adding another layer of depth to the characters and their world. These iconic soundtracks not only enhance the viewing experience but also become integral to the show's identity, shaping how audiences remember and connect with the stories being told. The legacy of these shows proves that a thoughtful and well-executed soundtrack can elevate a TV program from good to unforgettable.
Genre-Bending Soundtracks: Breaking the Mold
Some TV shows stand out for their willingness to push boundaries and explore diverse musical genres, creating soundtracks that are as unique and compelling as the narratives they accompany. Atlanta, created by Donald Glover, is a prime example of a show that defies categorization, both in its storytelling and its musical choices. The show's soundtrack seamlessly blends hip-hop, R&B, soul, and experimental sounds, reflecting the vibrant cultural landscape of Atlanta and the experiences of its characters. Music is not merely a backdrop in Atlanta; it's an integral part of the storytelling, often used to comment on social issues, explore emotional complexities, and enhance the show's surreal and dreamlike atmosphere. The show's music supervisors have a keen ear for emerging artists and underground sounds, introducing viewers to a diverse range of musical talent and broadening their understanding of contemporary music.
Euphoria, another standout example of genre-bending soundtracks, has garnered critical acclaim for its raw and unflinching portrayal of teenage life. The show's music, curated by music supervisor Jen Malone, features a mix of electronic, hip-hop, pop, and indie tracks, creating a sonic landscape that mirrors the characters' emotional turmoil and experiences. Euphoria's soundtrack is known for its bold and experimental choices, often pairing unexpected songs with powerful visuals to create moments of intense emotional impact. The show has also showcased original music by artists like Labrinth, whose score adds a layer of haunting beauty to the narrative. The willingness to take risks and embrace diverse genres has made Euphoria's soundtrack a defining feature of the show's identity, resonating with audiences who appreciate its authenticity and emotional depth.
Another show that deserves recognition for its genre-bending approach is Mr. Robot, a psychological thriller known for its complex characters and mind-bending plot twists. The show's soundtrack, composed by Mac Quayle, is a blend of electronic, ambient, and industrial sounds, creating a tense and unsettling atmosphere that reflects the protagonist's fractured psyche. Mr. Robot also incorporates carefully selected licensed music, often using unexpected song choices to subvert expectations and enhance the show's themes of paranoia and social alienation. The soundtrack's dark and atmospheric tones contribute to the show's overall sense of unease, making it a crucial element in the show's storytelling. These shows demonstrate the power of genre-bending soundtracks to enhance a TV show's unique identity and resonate with audiences who appreciate innovative and unconventional musical choices. By breaking the mold and embracing diverse sounds, these shows create a richer and more immersive viewing experience.
The Role of Music Supervisors
The unsung heroes behind the best TV show soundtracks are often the music supervisors, the individuals who curate and select the music that enhances the storytelling. Their role is multifaceted, involving everything from licensing songs to working with composers on original scores. Music supervisors must have a deep understanding of music across genres and eras, as well as a keen sense of how music can evoke emotions and underscore narrative themes. They work closely with show creators, directors, and editors to find the perfect musical accompaniment for each scene, ensuring that the music aligns with the overall tone and vision of the show. The process of selecting music can be both creative and logistical, requiring music supervisors to navigate complex licensing agreements and budget constraints while still delivering a soundtrack that meets the artistic needs of the production.
One of the key responsibilities of a music supervisor is to identify and secure the rights to use existing songs in a TV show. This involves researching the ownership of a song, negotiating licensing fees with publishers and record labels, and ensuring that all legal requirements are met. The licensing process can be time-consuming and expensive, especially for well-known songs, so music supervisors must be adept at finding creative solutions and alternatives when necessary. They may also work with independent artists and emerging talent, providing a platform for their music to reach a wider audience. In addition to licensing existing music, music supervisors often collaborate with composers to create original scores for TV shows. This involves providing the composer with a brief that outlines the musical style and themes desired for the score, as well as providing feedback and guidance throughout the composition process. The goal is to create a score that seamlessly integrates with the licensed music and enhances the emotional impact of the show.
The impact of a skilled music supervisor can be seen in the success of many critically acclaimed TV shows. Alexandra Patsavas, for example, is renowned for her work on shows like The O.C., Gossip Girl, and Grey's Anatomy, where she helped launch the careers of numerous indie artists. Jen Malone, the music supervisor for Euphoria and Atlanta, has been praised for her innovative and genre-bending musical choices. These music supervisors, and many others like them, play a crucial role in shaping the sound of television, and their contributions are essential to creating memorable and impactful viewing experiences. Their ability to blend artistic vision with practical considerations makes them invaluable members of the creative team, ensuring that the best TV show soundtracks continue to elevate the art of storytelling.
Conclusion
The best TV show soundtracks are more than just a collection of songs; they are carefully curated musical landscapes that enhance storytelling, evoke emotions, and leave a lasting impression on viewers. From the iconic indie rock of The O.C. to the genre-bending sounds of Atlanta and the synth-heavy nostalgia of Stranger Things, the shows discussed in this article demonstrate the power of music to elevate a TV program from good to unforgettable. The unsung heroes behind these soundtracks, the music supervisors, play a crucial role in shaping the sonic identity of these shows, blending artistic vision with practical considerations to deliver exceptional musical experiences. As television continues to evolve, the importance of well-curated soundtracks will only grow, ensuring that music remains an integral part of the viewing experience. Ultimately, the shows with the best soundtracks are those that recognize the transformative power of music and use it to create a richer, more immersive world for their audiences.