By: Zoey Martinez
Contains Spoilers!
At the height of the seasonal depression season, I have lived vicariously through my favorite summer show – The Summer I Turned Pretty. Although I am well aware it is not an award-winning drama, I read the books when I was younger which led to an immediate connection to the show. Jenny Han, the series’ author and show creator, was recognized for her unique soundtrack. However, opinions on Han’s soundtrack were polarizing. Unlike most streaming shows today, she chooses to use a decent amount of mainstream artists and songs that some people find off-putting. Nonetheless, her on-the-nose approach has garnered many conversations about the show.
With that being said, it is clear that Han knows her audience – a crucial aspect of any show’s success. A book about a teenage girl in a love triangle will inevitably gain an audience of teenage girls. So, although this soundtrack is not the most artistic, Han caters to the majority of her audience by gifting them their favorite scenes paired with their favorite songs, from their favorite artists. They uniquely connect with these scenes and characters in a way that most shows do not prioritize.
Here are 5 of the best moments in the series:
S1 EP3 (39:55) Beach Baby – Bon Iver
Although this moment goes under the radar for most viewers, it subtly but powerfully uplifts the tenderness of the scene. The song fades in at the end of a memorable conversation between Steven and Belly, a rare interaction. Then, Belly is alone on her birthday, making a wish. Finally, it plays as the camera flies over the water and lands on Laurel and Susannah sitting on the beach – and we learn about Susannah’s cancer. The peaceful crescendo of “Beach Baby” by Bon Iver perfectly highlights each character’s solace during their scene, despite the harsh reality of their future.
S1 EP5 (48:34) Are We Still Friends? – Tyler, The Creator
While I am die-hard Team Conrad, it is difficult to deny the perfection of Jeremiah and Belly’s first kiss. The song itself simultaneously picks up volume and speed as the scene peaks. The summer night swims paired with Tyler, the Creator create unmatched vibes. Not to mention, the lyrics mirroring the impact of their actions are obvious, yet still classy.
S1 EP7 (34:14) Funeral – Phoebe Bridgers
The moment this song started playing, I knew it would be a fan favorite. The prolonged guitar intro permits the characters to express their dialogue before allowing the lyrics to speak for them. Then, as each character has their most vulnerable moment in the series, Bridgers’ lyrics mimic their heartache toward the news they just received.
S2 EP3 (35:15) Silver Springs – Fleetwood Mac
Although this may be one of the ‘on-the-nose’ moments, it tremendously strengthens the scene’s hostility. The tension between Belly and Conrad is at a high, and the anger in Stevie Nicks’ voice perfectly portrays the turbulent dynamic of their relationship. Like most of the other scenes, the song starts quieter and gains both speed and volume as emotions are heightened as well. Belly’s anger and selfishness are on full display coupled with Nicks’ screams.
S2 EP 8 (45:15) Exile – Taylor Swift (ft. Bon Iver)
I am the most biased by this choice, but this scene stood out to me from its release. Taylor Swift’s ‘Exile’ featuring Bon Iver perfectly showcases the hardship that Conrad experiences. Belly and Conrad are saying goodbye, and although they have been in this situation previously, it feels wholly different. The lyrics capture Conrad and Belly’s sadness together, while also transitioning to the scene of Conrad having a panic attack. Thus, Conrad lets go because he has to, not because he wants to.
