With Netflix constantly cranking out new original content, choosing the next show to binge-watch is no easy task. You have already gone through the classics like “Stranger Things” and “Orange is the New Black” and now you don’t know how to choose the next adventure. Picking one with an impressive soundtrack, however, is a good place to start.

Story by Zoe Judilla

Lovesick

At face value, you might not think a show about a guy getting diagnosed with chlamydia and having to inform his former partners of the news would be as moving as “Lovesick” is. But what the Britcom lacks in tasteful first impressions, it makes up for with surprising bouts of sincerity—and it owes much of its success to the music that accompanies it. The hopelessly romantic main character Dylan reflects on his past relationships throughout the show. Through his memories and the help of a perfect soundtrack, he gets a deeper understanding of what love really is. Each episode is jam-packed with music, from The Horrors’ “Still Life” evoking unrequited love to prominent features from Wilco, Slowdive, Kishi Bashi and Radiohead stealing the show. There’s even some Mura Masa, Chairlift and Craft Spells thrown in the mix when the main trio of the show are found partying or stuck in awkward situations.

Where the “Lovesick” soundtrack shines most is when the show is at the cusp of finally defining love, with standouts such as Alex Cameron’s “Happy Ending” and Todd Terje’s “Johnny and Mary" ringing throughout the endless streets of Glasgow.. The varied soundtrack remains not only cohesive, but poignant in its own right. In a way, it seems that’s what love and the search for it, is: complex, conflicting and a culmination of everything you would not expect it to be.

Dear White People

The wickedly amusing satire that is “Dear White People” follows students of color at Winchester University, a fictional, though not too far-removed, Ivy League, that is predominantly white. As the show tackles issues of social injustice, racial bias and the redefinition of activism through irony, humor and an almost brutal sense of honesty, the soundtrack uses the same tactics to push its overarching themes. The lead character, Sam, hosts a radio show, “Dear White People,” in which she utilizes the sounds of Tkay Maidza and J Dilla to boost her critical commentary.

Notable uses of Run the Jewels, Childish Gambino and A Tribe Called Quest also recur, along with well-placed songs from rising artists Rex Orange County and Shamir (who even makes an appearance. All the while, overly dramatic orchestral excerpts and a superb original score are weaved in, further elevating the show’s satirical nature.

GLOW

It is no secret that ‘80s nostalgia has been all the rage for some time now. That is largely what drew people towards the Alison Brie-starring “GLOW,” (short for Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling). The show is a comedy about a group of Hollywood misfits entering the undiscovered territory of televised and staged women’s fighting. While the spandex and high-volume hair are very much present, the soundtrack strays from those ‘80s cliches for a compilation of tunes that are more realistic to the period. Much like today, not everyone then listened to the latest radio banger. More obscure songs are given screen time, such as The Go Go’s “We Don’t Get Along” or The Jetzons’ “Angel.” Even when they cater to those whipped by the ‘80s frenzy, they manage to do so in a way that is tastefully hilarious.

Tears for Fears’ “Head Over Heels” backs a girl’s crush on the aptly-dubbed Billy the Pizza Guy and Journey’s “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” plays behind a fantasy wrestling match. Queen and David Bowie’s iconic “Under Pressure” even makes an appearance, but in an unexpected context. Whether or not you are a fan of popular ‘80s music, the way the show incorporates various bops throughout the period is impressive.

Love

Judd Apatow’s unfiltered romantic comedy “Love” follows the unlikely pairing of the shamelessly brazen Mickey and the awkward, people-pleasing Gus as they navigate the pitfalls of modern dating in Los Angeles. With music as wild and unpredictable as the couple, the viewers follow a range of artists from Queen, Beastie Boys, The Velvet Underground and Fleetwood Mac to Jamie xx, Beck and Yeah Yeah Yeahs. The Violent Femmes’ iconic “Blister in the Sun” serves as a significant token for fans as well. However, the soundtrack thrives most when the show confronts the loneliness in modern romance. Tom Brosseau’s “We Were Meant to Be Together” lingers, Fiona Apple’s “Werewolf” stings and the image of Mickey desperately driving around LA over Pete Townshend’s cover of “Save It For Later” has the power to break your heart.

The Get Down

The soundtrack of the ‘70s-set musical drama, “The Get Down,” is in its own league. Following a group of teenagers in the Bronx during the rise of hip-hop and disco, the soundtrack consists of a mixture of original songs performed by the cast, along with several hit songs from the ‘60s and ‘70s. The show centers on a talented young poet named Zeke who, along with his friends, creates a rap group with an aspiring DJ. As the group begins to create original content, their dreams of making it big as musicians become increasingly plausible. Zeke’s love interest, Mylene, also dreams of musical fame, representing the disco aspect of the series with numerous original songs.

Aside from the fresh new talent introduced in the show, some of the star power undeniably lies within Jaden Smith, a regular cast member. However, Smith isn’t the only famous cameo in the show, Zeke’s older self is voiced by none other than critically-acclaimed rapper Nas. In addition to original songs and performances, artists such as Nina Simone, The Temptations, James Brown and Earth, Wind & Fire are featured. Artists including Leon Bridges, Janelle Monae and Miguel contribute to the official soundtrack. While the show may have reached a premature end, its music has left a noteworthy mark.

The End of the F***ing World

The breakout British show following two teenagers on the run has quickly grown a dedicated following, with viewers enamored by the chemistry and chaos Alyssa and James share with one another. The soundtrack has drawn some attention, but not nearly enough. While the show is structured through the two main characters’ alternating narratives, the timeless music serves as a third omniscient presence that unites them. Whether the pair are dancing wildly with each other to Hank Williams’ “Setting the Woods On Fire” or beginning to feel love with Mazzy Star’s “Five String Serenade,” there is an excellent song to make the unsaid flourish.

The soundtrack especially excels when tapping into themes of suppressed emotion, using Janis Ian’s “At Seventeen” or Ricky Nelson’s “Lonesome Town.” Although the dark comedy is revealed to have a more profound message than its initial premise lets on, the music of the show makes it all the more heartfelt, resonating with viewers far past their binge.

Sense8

Watching “Sense8” can best be described as a cinematic experience in its own right, extending to multiple countries for viewers to immerse themselves. After news of the show’s cancellation, the sci-fi thriller’s fanbase lead to widespread backlash online, resulting in the making of a feature-length finale. As fans stressed over the return of their beloved show, many tended to overlook the strength of its music. Sure, the use of 4 Non Blondes’ “What’s Up?” remains an integral part of the series, but beyond that, its supporting sound is often forgotten. Unlike the previous mentions, the original score of “Sense8,” rather than a soundtrack, distinguishes it from the average show. The instrumentals have a staggering sense of urgency, which unites the physically-separated characters through shared high stakes. It is undeniable that the intensity of the show owes much to the care and attention placed upon its score, especially when layered over stunning shots of the various countries it portrays. As a whole, the global phenomenon of “Sense8” is remarkable. Nothing less could be expected of its music.

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