The Bear, a show that follows the escapades of a young chef named Carmy coming to Chicago to run his family's restaurant, does many things right.
Between the chemistry of the characters, performances from the talented cast, and the frantic, anxiety-inducing scenes they bring from their back and forth, there's a lot of praise to go around for The Bear. However, an underlooked aspect of the show, though just as crucial and memorable, is the song usage throughout all three seasons. The soundtrack across the first two seasons and its latest, third season, are spectacular song choices that collide well with what our characters are going through. Here are a few examples of some of the best music moments across the three seasons.
Jeremy Allen White
Ebon Moss-Bachrach
Ayo Edebiri
Lionel Boyce
Abby Elliott
Liza Colón-Zayas
Matty Matheson
1. Wilco - Spiders (Kidsmoke) Season 1 Episode 7
During the penultimate episode of season 1, Sydney makes a dire mistake by accidentally leaving on the pre-order option on the go-to tablet. After numerous orders swarm in, tensions rise, people yell, and Richie gets stabbed, Sydney decides to call it a day by grabbing her stuff from her locker and quitting right in front of Carmy's face. The ten-minute track compliments the chaos of the scene. Especially after Sydney leaves, as Carmy falls silent, the raw, guttural sounds of the guitar punctuate the inner turmoil inside his head over how the episode has transpired so far.
2. Sufjan Stevens - Chicago Season 1 Episode 7
Earlier in that same episode, we witness the calm before the storm. It is a perfect total juxtaposition to the complete meltdown the crew will experience later in the episode. The episode starts with DJ Lin Brehmer introducing us and smoothly segues into the song "Chicago," where our story takes place. After Brehmer's soothing narration, shots of the city of Chicago are shown, synced to a song that reflects the beauty and pageantry of its present and past. The song does well to get audiences personal with the city and feel like a Chicago native before diving into the rest of the episode.
3. Radiohead - Let Down Season 1 Episode 8
After an intense previous episode, it's in the season finale where everything's looking up, finally, for Carmy and the gang. After opening a can of tomato sauce, Carmy discovers that his brother Michael hid money across every tomato sauce can that they proceed to use for themselves and the restaurant. Upon the revelation, throughout the crew opening the cans, and as Sydney returns to the restaurant, this triumphant moment is accompanied by a Radiohead track, highlighted by its multi-layered guitar riffs and an electric piano. It's the perfect song to illustrate the euphoria our characters are feeling as we launch forward into season two.
Check out the full Season One soundtrack here.
4. Bruce Hornsby - The Show Goes On Season 2 Episode 1
After season one ends at such a high point, it's season 2's job to ease us back into the fray for the show's sophomore season. This tone-setter for season 2 is a calming track that pairs well with the scenery of Chicago once more. It works even better as it subtly plays in the background as our cast tallies up calculations and other preparations for the upcoming grand reveal of their restaurant. With such an on-the-nose title track, it's clear that such a song as this was a pristine choice as season 2 picks up where the season 1 finale left off.
5. Taylor Swift - Love Story (Taylor's Version) Season 2 Episode 7
After a particularly grueling and emotionally overwhelming previous episode centered on Carmy's dysfunctional family, "Forks" is the perfect pick-me-up that centers around Richie and his purpose in the restaurant going forward. As Richie is sent off for a week to train as a waiter at one of the best restaurants in the world, he carves for himself a path of enlightenment. Earlier in the episode, it is referenced that his daughter is a huge Swiftie, and that comes back into play later when, after a perfect day at work, he drives home and sings his heart out to Swift's earnest love song. It may seem unconventional for someone like Richie to be bearing his heart out to a song like this, but as Richie is unconventional himself, it's a sublime song choice as he goes through his own love story with that specific restaurant.
6. Nine Inch Nails - Hope We Can Again Season 2 Episode 10
To round up the second season, we have an utterly haunting instrumental track to arouse the high emotions running around. Towards the very end of the episode, as Carmy's mother talks with Natalie's husband Pete outside, or as Carmy is stuck in the walk-in freezer, venting unknowingly to Claire outside, followed by his argument with Richie, all this transpires as Nine Inch Nails play a beautifully traumatizing track that helps heighten the pain, sadness, and anger everyone is going through on what should be a joyous night for the opening of the new restaurant.
Check out the full Season Two soundtrack here.
7. Eddie Vedder - Save It For Later Season 3 Episode 2
Vedder's powerful, deep voice is displayed in the second episode of the newest season. Similar to Chicago and The Show Goes On, Save It For Later is used to accompany the visuals of another deeper look into the bustling city of Chicago. However, the emphasis on looking at the specific workers of Chicago is heavier than ever. This motivational track is an excellent side dish to accompany the look into the people who help keep the city of Chicago going.
8. Cocteau Twins - Pearly Dewdrops' Drops Season 3 Episode 4
To start the episode, we get a flashback to an intimate moment between Carmy and Claire during their time together. Softly playing in the background is the underrated 80's track by the Cocteau Twins. Riding an ethereal wave, the song starts to take more notice on the forefront towards the end of the scene. Riding a dreamy vibe, the song scores well during this intimate moment between the characters.
9. The Rolling Stones - Mixed Emotions Season 3 Episode 5
As John Cena makes a special guest appearance halfway through the season, the legendary rock band, The Rolling Stones, coincides with the star's presence. The upbeat nature of the song bounces well with Cena chewing the scenery, mucking it up with his brothers, the Faks. Mixed emotions come with a high-octane energy that can be appreciated by rock fans and meshes rather well with Cena's frenetic energy.
10. Otis Redding - Just One More Day Season 3 Episode 10
To round off the list, the season three finale gifts us with a classic Otis Redding song as Carmy sits witness to the funeral dinner at the restaurant where he used to work. When Carmy is confronted by the chef responsible for molding him into the chef and person he is today, played by Joel McHale, the Otis Redding track plays softly during their one-on-one. The song focuses on wanting and missing, an ideal encapsulation of mixed emotions surrounding the day. Between wanting another day at the restaurant or with Claire or the thousand other thoughts swarming Carmy's head, coupled with the intense confrontation with Joel McHale's character, it's one of the best tracks utilized to end the season.
Check out the full Season Three soundtrack here.