We are in love with the emotional depths of Beef’s ’90s-inspired soundtrack, let’s take a look at the music that drives the gripping new series.
Last week, Netflix and A24 debuted their latest dark comedy series, Beef, which centers on two characters, Amy and Danny, who become embroiled in a high-speed car chase that spirals into a never-ending cycle of revenge. While the show has already received rave reviews for its gripping plot and outstanding cast, it’s the ‘90s-inspired soundtrack that has truly captured the attention of audiences.
According to music supervisor Tiffany Anders, creator and showrunner Lee Sung Jin wanted to infuse the show with a sense of ’90s angst, which perfectly matched the tone of the story. “There was a real sense of apathy and loneliness, a very self-aware and confessional quality to the lyrics,” she explained.
While the majority of the soundtrack features iconic ’90s tracks, such as Collective Soul’s “Shine” and Tori Amos’ “Cornflake Girl,” there are also a few early 2000s gems thrown in for good measure. One standout moment comes in the form of Hoobastank’s “The Reason,” which plays at the end of the first episode. Initially, Lee wanted to keep the soundtrack firmly rooted in the ’90s, but Anders convinced him that the song fit perfectly within the context of the episode.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Beef soundtrack is how it ties into the show’s overall narrative. As Amy and Danny become more and more entangled in their quest for revenge, the music reflects their emotional journey. In episode three, for example, Steven Yeun and the cast perform a haunting rendition of Elevation Worship’s “O Come to the Altar,” which adds to the intensity of the scene.
Overall, the Beef soundtrack is a masterful combination of ’90s nostalgia and modern-day sensibilities. From Sugar Ray’s “Fly” to Björk’s “All Is Full of Love,” the show’s music perfectly captures the characters’ inner turmoil and emotional state. With so many standout moments throughout the series, it’s clear that the music plays just as important a role as the actors themselves.
Executive produced by Yeun, Wong, and Lee, with A24 Studios and Jake Schreier as executive producers, the series boasts a talented cast that includes Joseph Lee, Maria Bello, Young Manzino, Justin H. Min, Mia Serafino, Ashley Park, Patti Yasutake, and Remy Holt. With its unique blend of humor, drama, and revenge, Beef is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about shows of the year. And with a soundtrack as incredible as this one, it’s easy to see why.
Listen to the soundtrack on Spotify.
