The second series of Netflix's steamy period drama "Bridgerton" [1] is due to land on our screens in less than a week, and fans are eagerly anticipating the Regency-era fashion, the scandalous gossip from Lady Whistledown [2], and all the royal drama. In the meantime, Netflix's platform Tudum and the show's music supervisor, Justin Kamps, have generously released the music that will be given a classical twist this series.
If you recall from the first series's soundtrack [3], songs like Billie Eilish [4]'s "Bad Guy", Ariana Grande [5]'s "Thank U, Next", and Shawn Mendes's "In My Blood" were given their Regency rendition by American composer and pianist Kris Bowers. The witty string-quartet arrangements of pop songs quickly became a prominent part of the narrative, with fans tuning in not only for the drama and romance but also to hear which one of their contemporary favourites would be given the remix.
For series two, each track has been carefully selected based on the upcoming storylines, according to "Bridgerton [6]" showrunner Chris Van Dusen, who explains that the songs were chosen for very specific reasons. "Each one is incredibly powerful and deeply emotional in its own special way", Van Dusen says, so make sure to have your tissues ready.
As series two debuts, it's customary to look even further ahead at the third and fourth series of "Bridgerton [7]" that have already been confirmed. "Bridgerton" series two [8], which is now streaming on Netflix, includes Regency versions composed and covered by the likes of Bowers, the Vitamin String Quartet, Duomo, and many more. Read on to see which musical favourites, some of which span as far back as the '80s, are featured in the soundtrack.
Madonna — "Material Girl"
The Queen of Pop's 1985 hit was a tongue-in-cheek homage to the famous blonde bombshell Marilyn Monroe. There's nothing more than glamour and class from the reimagined cover for this series of "Bridgerton [9]".
Harry Styles — "Sign of the Times"
Harry Styles [10]'s "Sign of the Times" was a track that took the longest to get signed off on. Now that Styles's team have approved of its use in the show, Justin Kamps is sure everyone will really love it: "This is just beautiful . . . I can't wait for all the fans to see it."
Rihanna — "Diamonds"
Before Savage by Fenty lingerie and Fenty makeup, aka when Rihanna [11] was releasing music, "Diamonds" cemented a new era of pop. The track is covered by Hannah V and Joe Rodwell for the new series.
Pink — "What About Us"
As part of her posthiatus album "Beautiful Trauma", Pink's "What About Us" embodies love and desperation, whilst also doubling as a vibrant dance-floor anthem. The reimagining for series two is exactly as we'd expect it to be.
The Title Track From "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham"
Bollywood fans may know the popular title track from the film "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham", of the same name. The track, created by the late Lata Mangeshkar, is featured in series two as we meet the Sharmas [12], a new Indian family on the scene.
Robyn — "Dancing on My Own"
Swedish singer Robyn [13]'s hit single "Dancing on My Own" has been covered by the likes of Calum Scott, Elle Fanning [14], and Grouplove, but will "Bridgerton [15]"'s classical cover top the rest?
Calvin Harris and Disciples — "How Deep Is Your Love"
This collaboration between Calvin Harris and Disciples became a clubland classic. Maybe Kamps is hinting at a feature from Gigi Hadid in the "Bridgerton [16]" ballrooms?
Nirvana — "Stay Away"
Opposites seem to attract in "Bridgerton [17]", with the addition of this Nirvana track featuring in the series two soundtrack. "Stay Away" came from the band's iconic rock album "Nevermind".
Miley Cyrus — "Wrecking Ball"
Miley Cyrus [18]'s emotional 2013 ballad "Wrecking Ball" features in the soundtrack for series two, perhaps subtly hinting at Anthony and Kate's complicated and tumultuous relationship.
Alanis Morissette — "You Oughta Know"
This edgy 1995 track was Alanis Morissette's revenge track directed at her former lover, with the raw and emotional lyrics coming straight from her personal journal.