Bridgerton is back on our screens with season 2 and as much as we all can’t get enough of the drama, it’s the pop songs turned classical hits people are loving – here’s all the ones to listen out for in the series.
In the first season of the steamy period drama Taylor Swift’s ‘Wildest Dreams’, Billie Eilish’s ‘Bad Guy’, Ariana Grande’s ‘Thank U, Next’, and Shawn Mendes’s ‘In My Blood’ all had a classical make over and the songs soon become a fan favourite when tuning into the show.
Here’s all the songs to listen out for and where you’ll find them – this section contains spoilers.
‘Stay Away’ by Nirvana
The Vitamin String Quartet’s cover of Nirvana’s ‘Stay Away’ comes straight in as, without giving too much away, Anthony Bridgerton begins his journey to find a wife and goes on a series of dates with potential brides mixed in with a montage of him going about his busy life as a Viscount.
When you can hear it: Starts around 11:45 of episode 1.
‘Material Girl’ by Madonna
The 1984 iconic pop song, which was reimagined into its classical form by Kris Bowers, features the moment viewers get their first view of the first ball of season 2 which is hosted by Lady Danbury. It fits perfectly as Lady Danbury narrates all the eligible bachelors to Edwina and Kate Sharma.
When you can hear it: episode 1, starting around minute 27:15.
‘Diamonds’ by Rihanna
The song has been composed by Hannah V & Joe Rodwell and features in the moment Queen Charlotte is naming the Diamond of the season making this song just perfect for the scene.
When you can hear it: starting around minute 54:21 in episode 1.
‘Dancing On My Own’ by Robyn
The first real taste of the tension of the love triangle between Anthony and the Sharma sisters as Anthony first dances with the older sister, Kate. The cover by Vitamin String Quartet is just right for the scene.
When you can hear it: episode 4, staring around minute 38.
‘You Oughta Know’ by Alanis Morissette
The Duomo cover of the 90s hit occurs after an utterly disastrous dinner at Lady Danbury’s Anthony and Kate have a tense moment. The next day the scene flicks between Kate riding and Anthony brooding in a bathtub – so what better for the scene than a song filled with equally as much angst?
When you can hear it: around minute 51:45 of episode 5.
‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham’
Kris Bowers gives a beautiful classical spin to the title track of the Bollywood blockbuster Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham and is the perfect accompaniment to a scene where eve of Edwina’s wedding to Anthony, the Sharma sisters and their mother participate in a haldi ceremony,
When you can hear it: starting at 2:48 in episode 6
‘Sign of the Times’ by Harry Styles
It’s the day of Anthony and Edwina’s wedding (I KNOW) and although it’s meant to be the most special day but the song links perfectly with feelings between Kate and Anthony. This Harry Styles cover is slightly different from the others as it’s performed by Steve Horner.
When you can hear it: starting at 17:45 in episode 6
‘What About Us’ by Pink
After a major moment during the wedding the song begins to play as several plotlines take place – Eloise visit Theo at the printmaking shop and tells him that he often crosses her mind as she reads. The Queen is seen by the bedside of a sick King George as her servants tell her they may have found the real Lady Whistledown. Then it cuts to Anthony and Kate sharing a moment. The lyrics in the original song ‘What about us/ What about all the broken happy ever afters’ almost radiate through the Duomo cover.
When you can hear it: Starts at 59:27 in episode 6.
‘How Deep Is Your Love’ by Calvin Harris & Disciples
It isn’t Bridgerton without a steamy passionate outdoor sex scene and the penultimate episode doesn’t disappoint. Kiris’ cover of this Calvin Harris house hit has just the right amount of energy to match the that of the scene between Kate and Anthony.
When you can hear it: starting at 49:41 in episode 7
‘Wrecking Ball’ by Miley Cyrus
In a truly heart breaking moment at the Featherington Ball Anthony and Kate agree to ‘one last dance’ and as they’re heading to the dance floor the impact of Cyrus’ powerful song is brought out in the cover Midnight String Quartet combined with the knowledge of the original lyrics it’s absolutely perfect for this emotional moment.
When you can hear it: episode 8, staring around minute 48:57