Hey everyone! If you're anything like me, you probably got totally hooked on Big Little Lies, especially season 2. And let's be real, the music in that show was just as captivating as the drama, right? So, I've put together the ultimate playlist inspired by Big Little Lies season 2, complete with all the iconic songs and the moments they made unforgettable. Get ready to dive back into the Monterey Five's world with these killer tracks!

The Music of Monterey: Setting the Scene

The music in Big Little Lies isn't just background noise; it's practically another character. It amplifies the tension, underscores the emotions, and gives us a peek into the inner lives of Madeline, Celeste, Renata, Bonnie, and Jane. Season 2 took it up a notch, with a mix of rock, soul, and blues that perfectly captured the complex relationships and simmering secrets of the Monterey crew. The music supervisors really nailed it, and I wanted to explore some of the standout tracks and how they enhanced the narrative. So, let's jump in!

Opening Credits Magic: "Cold Little Heart" by Michael Kiwanuka

Okay, let's start with the obvious one. Michael Kiwanuka’s "Cold Little Heart" is the Big Little Lies theme song, and it’s impossible to think of the show without it. This track sets the mood right from the start. The soulful, slightly melancholic vibe is perfect for hinting at the dark secrets and emotional turmoil that lurk beneath the surface of the seemingly perfect lives in Monterey. The lyrics themselves – “Did you ever know that I was a cold little heart?” – speak volumes about the inner struggles of the main characters. Seriously, every time I hear this song, I'm instantly transported back to those stunning opening shots of the Pacific coast and the unraveling lives of the Monterey Five.

Blues and Soul: Reflecting Inner Turmoil

Season 2 dove deeper into the emotional landscapes of its characters, and the music choices reflected that. Blues and soul tracks were heavily featured, adding layers of depth to the storytelling. Songs like "This Land is Your Land" by Gary Clark Jr. brought a raw, gritty edge to the show. Clark's powerful vocals and electric guitar riffs mirrored the intense confrontations and revelations that the characters faced. It's not just about the melody; it's the feeling, the angst, and the unapologetic truth that blues and soul music brings to the table. Other standout tracks included classics from artists like Irma Thomas and Etta James, whose voices carry the weight of experience and resilience, perfectly aligning with the themes of the show.

Rock Anthems: Empowering Moments of Truth

Of course, Big Little Lies wouldn't be complete without some rock anthems to amp up the drama. These tracks often accompanied pivotal moments of confrontation or empowerment. Think of moments when Renata Klein, played by the incredible Laura Dern, was taking no prisoners. A hard-hitting rock song in the background? Absolutely perfect! These songs weren't just about adding excitement; they were about highlighting the strength and determination of these women as they navigated their complex lives and fought for what they believed in. I always felt like these anthems gave the characters (and the viewers) that extra boost of confidence to face whatever challenges came their way.

Diving Deeper: Key Songs and Scenes

Alright, let’s get specific. Here are some key songs from Big Little Lies Season 2 and the scenes they amplified:

"Victim" by Sharon Van Etten

This song played during a particularly intense scene involving Celeste Wright (Nicole Kidman) as she grapples with the aftermath of Perry’s death and the arrival of his mother, Mary Louise (Meryl Streep). The haunting melody and Van Etten’s evocative vocals underscored Celeste’s vulnerability and inner turmoil. The lyrics, “I was a victim,” resonated deeply with Celeste’s struggle to break free from the cycle of abuse and reclaim her life. The song intensified the emotional impact of the scene, making it one of the most memorable moments of the season.

"The System Only Dreams in Total Darkness" by The National

The National’s brooding track accompanied scenes that highlighted the growing tension and paranoia among the Monterey Five as they tried to keep their secret buried. The song’s atmospheric sound and cryptic lyrics mirrored the characters’ anxiety and the feeling that they were being watched. It perfectly captured the weight of their collective guilt and the sense that their carefully constructed lives were on the verge of collapse. The song's dark, introspective vibe intensified the suspense and made those scenes even more gripping.

"What a Wonderful World" covered by Daniela Andrade

This cover is a stark contrast to the original by Louis Armstrong, Daniela Andrade's version is hauntingly beautiful and adds a layer of unsettling irony to the scene. The song underscores the deceptive facade of perfection that the Monterey Five try to maintain, even as their world crumbles around them. It's a brilliant juxtaposition that highlights the gap between appearance and reality, adding depth to the narrative.

Creating Your Own Monterey Vibes Playlist

Okay, so you want to create your own Big Little Lies-inspired playlist? Here’s how to capture that Monterey vibe:

• Mix of Genres: Don’t stick to just one genre. Blend rock, blues, soul, and even some indie tracks to create a diverse and dynamic playlist.
• Emotional Depth: Choose songs that evoke strong emotions – whether it’s joy, sadness, anger, or nostalgia. The music in Big Little Lies is all about tapping into the characters' feelings.
• Lyrical Significance: Pay attention to the lyrics. Songs with meaningful or thought-provoking lyrics can add an extra layer of depth to your playlist.
• Balance: Balance upbeat tracks with slower, more introspective ones. This will help you capture the range of emotions and experiences depicted in the show.

Must-Have Tracks for Your Playlist:

• "Cold Little Heart" by Michael Kiwanuka
• "Victim" by Sharon Van Etten
• "The System Only Dreams in Total Darkness" by The National
• "This Land is Your Land" by Gary Clark Jr.
• "Straight From The Heart" by Irma Thomas
• "Don't Do Me Like That" by Tom Petty
• "Stop" by Sam Brown
• "What a Wonderful World" by Daniela Andrade

The Legacy of Music in Big Little Lies

What makes the music in Big Little Lies so memorable? It's the way the songs are seamlessly integrated into the narrative, enhancing the emotional impact of each scene. The music supervisors didn't just pick random tracks; they carefully selected songs that reflected the characters' inner lives and the themes of the show. The result is a soundtrack that’s as compelling and complex as the story itself. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the show or just discovering it, the music of Big Little Lies is sure to leave a lasting impression. So go ahead, create your own playlist and immerse yourself in the world of Monterey!

So there you have it – the ultimate Big Little Lies Season 2 playlist and a deep dive into why the music in the show is so iconic. Happy listening, guys!