The Awesome Soundtrack of Umbrella Academy
Umbrella Academy has been a relatively popular offering on Netflix, and one significant factor contributing to that popularity has got to be the soundtrack.
Since the entire series is basically a continuous stream of well-placed accompaniments, it’s hard to nail down a list of “the best” selection. Nevertheless, here we summarize our favorite tracks from the series (so far), and because we’re a Ballroom group, we’ll suggest a few partner dances to go along with each one.
A Spotify playlist is available at the end.
Note: must be logged in to Netflix for Netflix links to work correctly.
1. I think we’re alone now
Aside from the fact that this track has maintained a timeless classic sort of quality since it’s release in the 80s. (A bit of fun trivia, the Tiffany version released in the 80s was actually a cover of the original 1977 single by the Rubinoos).
Why it’s cool
It resonates with the plot because the main characters have just been confronted with the news that their adopted father has died. Now adults, the newly orphaned group travel back to their childhood home and see each other for the first time in years.
The sequence offers a sense of the apt and the ironic. The children are now newly fatherless (“alone now”), and yet brought together by tragedy. Adding to this effect is the fact that while they are all dancing to the same music in this scene, they do so isolated in their own separate rooms, dancing together and yet apart.
Ideal partner dances: Hustle, Triple-time Swing
2. Bad guy
Performed by The Interrupters, this is a more energetic cover of the popular song by Billie Eilish.
Why it’s cool
Of course the song is a catchy, upbeat backdrop to an action sequence, but it has the extra quirk of being set to a battle between two of the more villainous characters of the ensemble. It’s hard to say whether that was an intentional choice.
Ideal partner dances: Tango, Triple-time swing
3. Dancing with myself
This classic from Billy Idol / Generation X is upbeat and fun, and provides a backdrop for a sequence of both action and levity.
Why it’s cool
The song is “kicked” off during a confrontation between two incarnations of the character “Number 5.” When Number 1 tries to intervene, he finds himself clutching his pearls, while the camera pans around him to capture a freaky fight sequence utilizing teleportation in-between various attacks.
Ideal partner dances: Jive, Jitterbug
4. Love is Blue
This Marty Robbins song accompanies the tragic backstory of Agent Lila.
Why it’s cool
This song highlights the sadness of Lila’s history, and paints her as a downtrodden figure who had found solace in the company of her adoptive mother. The classic nature of this song adds a nostalgic tint to the mood.
Ideal partner dances: Bolero, International Rumba
5. Major Tom - Coming Home
One of the best story telling sequences in the entire series takes place at the opening of the 2nd season’s 5th episode, set to a special cut of Peter Schilling’s original. Pogo is reintroduced to the viewer as a baby chimpanzee, and his backstory is chronicled for us, consisting of his cognitive development, near-fatal journey to space, and miraculous saving by Professor Hargreaves.
Why it’s cool
This sequence is rife with good moments. The slow build in the beginning, the selective presence of the snare drum during moments that are meant to feel fast-paced, along with several time changes make it all very dynamic.
Pay special attention to the incorporation of sounds and lyrics into the action taking place:
“Watching in a trance,” as the professor is awe-struck by Grace
The overlay of the launch broadcast with the song, as the broadcaster counts down from 10, and the vocalist completes the countdown by singing out “5,4,3,2,1,” before launching into an explosion of tempo and amplitude.
A similar energy spike when the shuttle malfunctions
The steady, rhythmic pulse of the bass drum while Grace administers chest compressions
The bass guitar that scales up and down anytime the professor comes into play
Honestly, if this song wasn’t released in 1983, one might think it was custom made for the show.
Ideal partner dances: Jive
6. This Year’s Love
Performed by David Gray, this is an absolutely beautiful track that flows back and forth, just so, so well.
Why it’s cool
This song is about love, hurt, and loss. It’s fitting, therefore, that it was utilized as the backdrop for the loss of Diego’s former love.
Ideal partner dances: Viennese Waltz
Honorable mentions
There are lots of other catchy selections that provide excellent atmosphere to their scenes, but don’t have that deeper meaning. They’re still worth listing for the simple reason that they’re really good songs.
In Hell I’ll Be in Good Company - The Dead South
The closing song from S2E6. The official music video. Makes you smile. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9FzVhw8_bY
Ideal partner dances: Country Two-step
Sister of Pearl - Baio
An bright, invigorating song that plays when Ben experiences the world around him again on Klaus’s commune.
Ideal partner dances: West Coast Swing, Cha Cha
Polk Salad Annie - Tony Joe White
#5 doing what #5 does. Songs like this are usually played to make the dark things he gets up to seem more light-hearted. This one’s got a nice Southern, Bluesy charm to it.
Ideal partner dances: West Coast Swing, Triple-time Swing, Country Swing
