Senior Fashion Stylist & Writer settles on a Euphoria playlist of the best songs from the buzzy TV show on HBO.
Sam Levinson captures the teenage tragedy at its fullest and most extreme. We first see it in Assassination Nation, where leaks of personal online materials find its way into a town and four girls are accused and hunted down. Salem witch-trial style. In it, he gathers the best female casts to play his characters, from indie musician Abra, to Disney actress turned cult movie-babe Bella Thorne. It is insane work of art, and extremely underrated. You see, the thing he does best about capturing the teen spirit is simply by making it over-glamourised, heavily-stylised by hot-girl fashion on hot girls, and throwing a bunch of art house techniques in the mix. It allows for critical thinking; something so overlooked in other teen drama ambitions.
And then we have Euphoria, a HBO show which premiered in 2019 which completely toys with the same concepts. For the older millennials, think of it as Skins (The UK version of course) but crazier and more stylised. Insane cinematography, an amazing queer-heavy cast, and real unfiltered teen stories just makes it one of the best TV shows right now. And the soundtrack is great, and I really mean it, it is worth watching the show alone because of the soundtrack..
With Season 2 out right now, it would make sense to make a playlist of songs from Euphoria that really shines in the show. While Labrinth is obvious the best artistes on the show’s playlist, check out other songs you might have missed below.
Laura Les — Haunted (Season 02: Episode 02)
Without spoiling too much, this particular song highlights Lexi’s rising as a teenager, and a girl who is going to explore and figure out what she really wants. Basically, she’s got a crush. So with all the memes aside with how everyone thought she might be a Mazzy Star, My Bloody Valentine girl, Laura Les of 100 gecs makes so much sense. And for first time viewers, it’s like listening to Crystal Castles on Gossip Girl.
Lorde — Liability (Special Episode: Jules)
In arguably one of the most beautiful scene to ever grace TV, Jules tears up as she recounts her memories with Rue as Liability by Lorde plays. The song choice is major, as it’s one of Lorde’s best song ever. Kudos the whoever made it happen.
Blood Orange — Champagne Coast (Season 01: Episode 03)
“Come into my bedroom” sings Dev Hynes in a scene where Rue helps Jules take “special” images for her. It is also the moment we see Rue truly fall in love with Jules, and the nostalgic dance track just fits so perfectly.
Arcade Fire — My Body Is A Cage (Season 01: Episode 06)
In one of the more dramatic scenes of the first season, we hear one of Arcade Fire’s classic track from their sophomore album Neon Bible as Cassie goes through an abortion, while other turning points take place. Haunting as it may be, it is also one of the first time a non popular Arcade Fire track is used in a film or TV show.
Once you’re done with my heavy Euphoria playlist, click here to catch up with our December/January 2022 issue!