Mild spoilers and toe-tappers for episode 1 & 2 ahead
One of the many memorable aspects of season 1 of Big Little Lies was the sublime (and improbable) music taste of Madeline’s (Reese Witherspoon) six-year-old daughter Chloe.
She would regularly pull out her iPod classic and spin a funky 1970s deep-cut, and she was, notably, one of the early champions of neo-soul singer Leon Bridges, all while juggling the pressures of the first grade (Year 2).
Thankfully, she’s back to her old tricks immediately in season 2, spinning some cracking tunes within the first few minutes.
- When is Big Little Lies season 2 on Sky Atlantic? Who’s in the cast and what’s it about?
- Where is Big Little Lies season 2 filmed?
- Meet the cast of Big Little Lies
Thematically-linked needle drops are key to director Jean-Marc Vallée’s style, which is seamlessly maintained by incoming director Andrea Arnold.
We’ve put together a list of all the songs featured in the season so far. Check out our playlist below (we’ll be updating it every week) followed by a breakdown of every song in the episode.
EPISODE 1
Michael Kiwanuka – Cold Little Heart
The show’s theme song, which plays over a new credits sequence – and what a banger it is. Glad to have it back.
The Spinners – I’ll Be Around
In a classic Big Little Lies moment, Chloe picks this funky r&b track out on her iPod on the drive to school.
Jimmy Ruffins – What Becomes of the Broken-hearted?
This plays as Renata pulls into her driveway.
Diana Ross – It’s My House
An ’80s pop classic, which plays during Renata’s magazine cover shoot in her house. (Get it?)
Sufjan Stevens – Mystery of Love
Fans of Luca Gaudagnino’s Call Me By Your Name will recognise this Oscar-nominated love song, written for the film by folk singer Sufjan Stevens. It plays as Jane dances joyously on the beach.
Portishead – The Rip
This plays as Madeline confronts Abigail about her decision to skip college.
The Avener & Phoebe Kildeer – Fade Out Lines
A house track which is playing in the background of a restaurant where Celeste and Jane meet.
Cassandra Wilson – Harvest Moon (Neil Young cover)
A haunting rendition of the classic from the Harvest album. It plays over a flashback to better times for Celeste and Perry, and as the family eat dinner together before Mary Louse screams.
Sinead O’Conner – All Apologies (Nirvana cover)
Another beautiful cover. This time the Irish singer slows down Kurt Cobain’s dark hit from Nevermind. It plays as Celeste sketches a man (who looks a lot like Perry) surrounded by snakes.
EPISODE 2
Neil Young – Down by the River
This track from Neil Young and Crazy Horse features as Celeste is drifting off in her car at the beginning of the episode.
Brenton Wood – Great Big Bundle of Love
This soul number plays as Bonnie and Skye are in the car on the way to school.
Charles Bradley Feat Menahan Street Band – Let Love Stand A Chance
Let Love Stand A Chance plays while Bonnie and Jane do yoga.
Alpha – Somewhere Not Here
This plays as Celeste reminisces about an early date with Perry.
Elle King – Good Thing Gone
The track plays as Abigail and Madeline chat in the kitchen.
Sufjan Stevens – Redford (For Yia-Yia and Pappou)
Sufjan’s mournful instrumental track plays over the final scene.
Villagers – Wonder of You (Elvis Cover)
You might remember this version of Elvis’ Wonder of You from season 1. Irish band Villagers were enlisted to supply a fresh version of the love song for Adam Scott to lipsync to at the trivia night show. Here, it plays over the closing credits to episode 2.
Big Little Lies continues on Sky Atlantic on Monday
from Radio Times http://bit.ly/2wTXPoG
