Season two of The Summer I Turned Pretty is already in production, and the fans of the coming-of-age show couldn’t be more excited. The first season was quickly loved by new and old fans of the book series by author Jenny Han. Han has other famous teen stories adapted for the small screen, such as the Netflix movie trilogy To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before. The bonfires on the beach, night swims, and first dances are all enhanced by the amazing soundtrack of the series.
Soundtracks are an important part of any film or television show. One of the most talked about elements of the teen series was the modern song choices. It was an interesting factor to have mostly recently released songs, as it resonates with what the characters would be listening to; as well as the audience. The Summer I Turned Pretty tells the story of Belly (Lola Tung), who is deeply in love with her mom’s best friend son, Conrad (Christopher Briney). Belly and her family spend the entire summer with their family, but she will only start to understand how different things will be and how different she is from previous summers.
The soundtrack and the important plot points of the show walk hand in hand. Here are the moments where the soundtrack and the story mixed perfectly to define The Summer I Turned Pretty.
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
9 Conrad and Belly Meet
Lover - Taylor Swift
The first time Belly and Conrad see each other in the series is accompanied by the song ‘Lover’ by Taylor Swift. The verse represents their close and complicated relationship. Because of their feelings for each other, they remain a bit further apart than they would if they were just friends. Also, it is a great introduction to the main love interest in the series, Conrad, as the first time the audience sees him they hear the verse ’there is a dazzling and mysterious way about you dear.’ That is exactly how Belly feels about him.
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
8 Jeremiah and Belly Kiss
Are We Still Friends - Tyler The Creator
Belly never considered that Jeremiah (Gavin Casalegno) liked her, as she was so focused on his brother and if he would ever reciprocate her crush. However, at a night swim in the swimming pool, Jeremiah confesses his feelings for her. Tyler The Creator’s ‘Are We Still Friends’ starts to play as the teens kiss and try to figure out how to feel about one another. This is also one of the first times Belly ever romantically considers other boys besides Conrad.
7 Cancer is Revealed
Beach Baby - Bon Iver
In a more simple scene, Susannah (Rachel Blanchard) and Laurel (Jackie Chung) are talking on the beach. The subject of Susannah’s cancer is brought up for the first time, accompanied by the melodic guitar of Bon Iver. This scene not only solidifies and explains a major plot point but also how these characters feel about the future and the secrets they have to hold. These feelings are only enhanced by the song ‘Beach Baby’ and its melancholic tone.
6 Escort Dance
I Like That - Bazzi
The only real musical/dance moment in the show, the Escorts’ dance was entertaining to watch and a great way to break the sadness that will soon hit the characters as they discover Susannah’s cancer. It was a laid-back and funny moment for the characters as well as the audience, that enhanced the feeling of being young and carefree during the summer — at least until reality hits them.
5 Conrad Texts Belly
When The Party’s Over - Billie Eilish
Conrad keeps leading Belly on, even though he doesn’t know how to process his feelings, let alone hers. When Belly shuts him down after going to meet him in the middle of the night, Billie Eilish starts to play. The tenderness of the song and the scene enhance the intimate privacy of the conversation they were having, exacerbated by the feeling of a broken heart portrayed in the song.
4 Beach Kiss
Prime Video
This Love - Taylor Swift
The last scene of the season had to be accompanied by a Taylor Swift song, especially a romantic one such as ‘This Love.’ After trying to figure out their feelings and how it would work out a romantic relationship between them failing and finally succeeding, the series ends with a much-awaited kiss. This is a nice segue for the new season, as the characters will start in a very different place and have to deal with the consequences of finally choosing each other.
3 Susannah and Laurel Go Back In Time
Don’t Cha - Pussycat Dolls
Susannah and Laurel’s decades-long friendship is one of the highlights of the show. So it’s really fun to watch when they go to a bar and remember their years partying with fake ID’s, especially because their friendship hasn’t changed. The two women let go and start to dance, leaving their very adult problems outside for a while and enjoying each other’s company.
2 Debutant Ball
That’s The Way I Loved You - Taylor Swift
After finding out his mom had cancer, Jeremiah has a meltdown. That leaves Belly without a partner for her debutant waltz. That’s when Conrad steps in and becomes her partner. With ‘That’s The Way I Loved You’ playing in the background is an enlightening moment as Belly realizes that she will never feel the same way about Jeremiah, and that it was Conrad she had to be with all along.
1 The Big Discovery
Funeral - Phoebe Bridgers
In the final episode of season one, the teen characters find out about Susannah’s disease. It is heartbreaking to watch them weep while being held by their mothers and trying to make sense of the future and what it might bring. After these sad moments, Susannah finally agrees to fight and do chemo, even if it is only to show their boys she is fighting for them. A heartbreaking moment that defined the characters and the show, with the song ‘Funeral’ playing in the background, this is one of the most important moments of the series as well as a perfect needle drop.
