Dearest Gentle Reader,
Our favorite period romance is back with a new season. Bridgerton Season 3 Part 1 features Polin in all their glory. Despite the head-scratching decision to air only the first four episodes, that carriage scene alone is worth the pain of waiting another month for the rest.
Anyway, besides the sexually charged tension and steamy bedroom scenes, this series is also known for its eclectic mix of instrumental song covers. In honor of the new season, I’ve compiled a list of 15 tracks I’d love to hear in future Bridgerton seasons.
“Uninvited” — Alanis Morrissette
Alanis Morrisette’s “You Oughta Know” was featured in Season 2, so why not bring another bangin’ tune by her into the musical fold? “Uninvited” has been one of my favorite Alanis jams ever since I heard it on the City of Angels soundtrack as a kid. I’m attracted to unique, eerie-sounding melodies and “Uninvited” scratches that itch for me.
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Plus, it already boasts orchestral elements. Now, imagine it as a full-on instrumental arrangement. Perhaps during an emotionally charged scene between prospective lovers?
“All of Me” — John Legend
This is the perfect wedding-themed tune. I can picture a future Bridgerton couple at the altar with this song playing softly in the background. Or maybe during a particularly tender sex scene — a pivot from the show’s penchant for steaminess. Everything about it screams “romance,” from the lyrics to the piano-driven composition. So, hand over the rights, John Legend, and let’s make this a reality.
“Hide and Seek” — Imogen Heap
Imogen Heap pushed the boundaries of indie pop music for me back in the day, and I still love her. This song gives me goosebumps with its electronic-infused harmonies. While it’s a cappella by nature, I can envision it with lush, swelling strings complementing a melancholic scene.
“when the party’s over” — Billie Eilish
I had to throw in a few contemporary tunes. Billie Eilish‘s influence on pop music is undeniable. Her song “when the party’s over” isn’t particularly upbeat fare, lyrically or musically. However, this would suit a more somber scene where the leading couple encounters relationship turbulence. A montage, perhaps?
On a somewhat related note, Sleep Token has a simple but sweet cover of this track.
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“Something in the Way” — Nirvana
I loved the inclusion of Nirvana‘s “Stay Away” in Season 2 when Anthony was interviewing debutantes to find a suitable wife. The song perfectly captures his desperation and anger at the whole process, especially in the aftermath of losing Siena. “Something in the Way” features a beautiful cello, so we know this song would work well as an orchestral cover on Bridgerton. Fun fact: the tune is also on the Yellowjackets Season 2 soundtrack.
“Vampire” — Olivia Rodrigo
Now, this one seems like a strange choice but walk with me here. While Olivia Rodrigo probably has songs more suited for Bridgerton, I love the idea of “Vampire” getting its time to shine. It doesn’t have to be the chorus — the verses feel like they’d translate better to a string-driven instrumental cover. I can picture couples dancing to this at a ball or during a Kanthony-esque heated scene.
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“Girls Just Want to Have Fun” — Cyndi Lauper
We got “Material Girl,” so let’s add another ’80s bop to the mix with Cyndi Lauper’s endlessly catchy “Girls Just Want to Have Fun.” I’d love to see members of the ton take to the dancefloor at one of the queen’s (or Lady Danbury’s) famous balls. Admittedly, this list doesn’t have a lot of uptempo tracks, but this one is pure, unadulterated … wait for it … fun.
“The Chain” — Fleetwood Mac
Fleetwood Mac is a band whose catalog is musically versatile enough to cross different genres. “The Chain” packs an emotional punch; if that isn’t Bridgerton, I don’t know what is. After hearing Evanescence‘s take on it a few years back, I can definitely envision an all-strings orchestral cover of this tune.
“From the Start” — Laufey
Laufey is my jazz queen. I love what she’s doing for the genre. She’s stoking the fires of interest in jazz among Gen Z, in particular. “From the Start” is such a sweet, charmingly bouncy track. I can picture members of the ton dancing to a swoon-worthy instrumental version.
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Another Laufey song that might make for a gorgeous cover would be “Let You Break My Heart Again.” Laufey has performed this tune with an orchestra, and it has such a wistful, bittersweet and ethereal quality. There’s the painful yearning and heartache that reminds me of Polin.
“My Immortal” — Evanescence
I’m an Evanescence girlie, and since the band has an album full of symphonic covers of their tunes, we know their music translates well into string arrangements. “My Immortal” feels like the Evanescence track that should get the Bridgerton treatment. While it’s heart-wrenching and rife with grief, that’s precisely why it would work. Sometimes, love is pain on this show.
“All I Wanted” — Paramore
Listen, I’m a Millennial who went through an emo/pop-punk phase like everyone else my age. Hell, I never left. Paramore is my jam, so I wanted to include one tune from them. “All I Wanted” was the first song to pop into my head. Sure, “The Only Exception” might work, but I feel like “All I Wanted” is more in-your-face, bold and emotionally high-octane than “The Only Exception.” Plus, it’s d-r-a-m-a to a tee. What is Bridgerton if not a juicy, succulent drama?
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“I Wanna Dance With Somebody” — Whitney Houston
I’m surprised the legendary Whitney Houston hasn’t been featured on Bridgerton or Queen Charlotte. This fun bop would make for a delightful dancing scene. I mean, “dance” is in the title. I have to include at least a few upbeat, uptempo tracks. It can’t all be broody, melodic yearning and tortured lyrics.
“Only One” — Yellowcard
Speaking of tortured and dramatic, “Only One” fits the bill. This is the nostalgic Millennial in me talking, but this Yellowcard tune is unequivocally romantic. The boisterous, heavy guitars would translate into an atmospheric string arrangement brimming with, well, romance. Maybe some furtive glances during a ball? A heartstring-tugging love confession in the pouring rain? Yeah, I can envision that last one.
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“Desire” — Meg Myers
I saved the steamiest tracks for last, dearest gentle readers. Meg Myers is my alternative queen. This particular song, “Desire,” features a harpsichord of all instruments, but it works. The lyricism is the epitome of sexiness. I mean, “I wanna feel you in my bones?” “How do you want me?” Oof. Someone should turn on the air conditioner before it gets too hot in here. I’d love to see an orchestral version of this play during a sex scene. (Benophie, maybe?)
“Glory Box” — Portishead
Portishead is such a uniquely ’90s outfit. Their debut album, Dummy, is a banger from beginning to end. There’s something strangely seductive about the musical composition and arrangement for “Glory Box,” easily their most popular tune.
While the lyrics aren’t particularly sexy, I can envision this song complementing a fun bodice-ripping moment. I toyed between adding this track to the list or “Here In My Room” by Incubus, which boasts a dreamy, hazy quality that often accompanies love (and sex). Both would fare well on Bridgerton as suitable instrumental covers for the bedroom (or carriage or gazebo).
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What song covers do you want to hear on Bridgerton? Sound off in the comments!
Bridgerton Seasons 1 through Season 3 Part 1 are now streaming on Netflix.
https://www.geekgirlauthority.com/kate-sharma-bridgerton-woman-crush-wednesday/
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What I do: I'm GGA's Managing Editor, a Senior Contributor, and Press Coordinator. I manage, contribute, and coordinate. Sometimes all at once. Joking aside, I oversee day-to-day operations for GGA, write, edit, and assess interview opportunities/press events.
Who I am: Before moving to Los Angeles after studying theater in college, I was born and raised in Amish country, Ohio. No, I am not Amish, even if I sometimes sport a modest bonnet.
Bylines in: Tell-Tale TV, Culturess, Sideshow Collectibles, and inkMend on Medium.
Critic: Rotten Tomatoes, CherryPicks, and the Hollywood Creative Alliance.
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