Embrace '90s Music Nostalgia with 'Yellowjackets' - You Won't Want to Miss It!
Showtime’s hit series "Yellowjackets" is not only keeping audiences on the edge of their seats with its dark and eerie storyline, but also with its incredible use of throwback music that adds a whole new layer of nostalgia and emotion to the show. From Tori Amos to Papa Roach, the show's music supervisor, Nora Fielder, has curated a soundtrack that perfectly complements the storylines and characters of the show, making it a standout aspect of the series.
One of the most memorable musical moments in "Yellowjackets" came in the first episode of Season 2, when Warren Kole's character, Jeff, has a moment to himself in the car after a intense encounter with his wife. He cranks up Papa Roach's "Last Resort," a song that was released in 2000 but still carries a retro vibe that fits seamlessly with the show's 90s wilderness setting. Fielder explained that the song selection was scripted and served as a perfect outlet for Jeff's anxious feelings, adding a layer of depth to his character.
But it's not just the scripted moments that make the show's music so impactful. Fielder also interprets the script to find the perfect songs from the era to enhance the emotional beats of each scene. For example, in a recent episode, the placement of Tori Amos's "Cornflake Girl" was a reflection of young Shauna's state of mind as well as the past and present moods of other characters in Season 2. Fielder's approach is to let the story and the scene guide her in selecting the right music, and she believes there is no exact roadmap to merging songs with a story, stating, "Let the picture tell you what it needs."
The music in "Yellowjackets" is not only chosen for its thematic relevance, but also for its haunting and unsettling quality that adds to the show's overall atmosphere. In a recent episode, Radiohead's "Climbing By The Walls" from their iconic 1995 album "OK Computer" was used during a chilling scene where the characters undergo collective hallucinations while cannibalizing one of their own. Fielder noted that the song's lyrics about the monsters in one's head were a perfect fit for the scene, adding to its eerie impact.
Even the show's trailer is a testament to the importance of music in creating the show's unique ambiance. Florence + The Machine's rendition of No Doubt's "Just A Girl" is used in the trailer, adding a deeply unsettling tone to the iconic 90s hit. Florence Welch, the band's frontwoman, expressed her excitement to interpret the song in a way that fits the tone of "Yellowjackets," stating that it was a dream job for her as someone whose first musical love was pop punk and Gwen Stefani.
The show's music has also attracted notable musicians like Alanis Morissette, who debuts a version of the show's theme song, "No Return," in a recent episode and has released it as a single. Morissette expressed her admiration for the show's portrayal of dynamic and complex female characters and felt honored to be a part of the legacy of "Yellowjackets."
As "Yellowjackets" continues to captivate audiences with its thrilling storyline, the show's music serves as a powerful and evocative companion that heightens the emotional impact of each scene. Fielder's careful curation of throwback tunes from the 90s adds a nostalgic and haunting quality to the show, elevating it to new heights. Fans can't wait to see what other musical surprises await in the remaining episodes of this gripping series that seamlessly blends the past and the present, both in its storylines and its music.