The Summer I Turned Prettyis, without a doubt, one ofthe biggest television shows on streaming right now. What elevates this show, which starsLola Tung, is the soundtrack that accompanies it. Many songs fromTaylor Swift, which are significant, too. There are manysimilarities between her music and the show’s storylines.
Based on the book trilogy byJenny Han,The Summer I Turned Prettyfollows Belly as she navigatesa love trianglebetween the Fisher brothers, Conrad (Christopher Brinley) and Jeremiah (Gavin Casalegnno). Throughout the three seasons, the soundtrack follows the characters and their journeys in the love triangle and their personal lives. This is one of the key reasons why the show’s soundtrack is the best on TV right now, asit serves as a storytelling device.
‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ Soundtrack Blends Nostalgia and Emotion Through Pop Hits
According to Han, in a conversation withTODAYfollowing the Season 2 finale, she speaks about how she selects her songs. Stating that she was aiming to invoke nostalgia in her music, she said, “I love picking music that people will maybe (be introduced) to for the first time, and thenI also love the nostalgia of songs from the pastthat make you feel something, andyou remember a moment.” The soundtrack challengesBelly’s bonds with the brothers, as she constantly gets flashbacks of her relationship with them. Han has used songs by artists such asAriana Grandeand also songs that are several decades old, such as “Be My Baby” byThe Ronettes
The symbolism of Grande’s songs is the reason whythe soundtrack is one of the best on TV right now. Her single from hereternal sunshinealbum, “we can’t be friends (wait for your love)” was used to convey Belly’s unresolved feelings for Conrad while she experiences flashbacks from their relationship. “wish I hated u” was also used as Belly navigates Jeremiah’s betrayal, while she also experiences flashbacks.
Episode 7 ofThe Summer I Turned Prettyalso shows why this show has the best soundtrack on TV right now, because of just one song.James Blake’s cover ofBillie Eilish’s “when the party’s over” was featured after a tense scene involving Belly and Conrad, which is the same song played in the first season when Belly rejects Conrad. The show’s soundtrack embeds a lot of symbolism in the show, as this particular song choice mirrors complications and barriers in their relationship.
Taylor Swift’s Influence on ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ Soundtrack Is Integral to the Show
In Season 3, Swift’s songs have a narrative influence on the plot and the characters, specifically Belly, Jeremiah, and Conrad. Swift’s songs not only help elevate the portrayal of Belly’s relationships with the brothers, but also serve asa narrative device for the characters and as a symbol of their relationships.Using Swift’s music in the current season ofThe Summer I Turned Prettydevelopsa deeper and emotional narrative to the story. Swift’s music in the show reveals thatit is deeper than just a love triangle.
The Season 3 premiere features “You’re Losing Me,” afterBelly learns of Jeremiah’s infidelity, displaying trust issues for the pair. “Robin” and “loml”, both from The Tortured Poet’s Department, serve as a different narrative from Belly and Jeremiah’s relationship. Using “loml” after Conrad professes his love displays thatConrad and Belly’s romanceis still there, despite Belly’s commitment to Jeremiah. “Robin” was featured during another one of Belly’s flashbacks to when she and Conrad were children, displayinganother insight into their bond where he is protective over Belly.
‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ Soundtrack Is More Intentional Than Many Realize
A lot of the songs Han uses forThe Summer I Turned Prettymay be mainstream, but each song is used intentionally to display deeper meanings. Since usingmainstream music, deeper meanings are explored not only in the show, butin the songs’ lyrics too. “Sticky” byTyler, The Creatordoes not match the premise and overall aestheticof the show as well as the other songs. But it does serve a purpose. It portrays the overall complicated love triangle situation with Conrad’s and Belly’s feelings still growing. The use of pop music inThe Summer I Turned Prettyalso keeps the show relevant and in the current timeline. However, that is not the key reason why the soundtrack is the best on TV. The soundtrack works becauseeach song is relatable to the storyline, and they also resonate with the audience.
The Summer I Turned Pretty
