The Sound of Yellowjackets: How ‘90s Music Defines the Story
Yellowjackets—a show that captures psychological horror juxtaposed with a compelling coming-of-age story and an eerie hint of culty allure. Binging the first two seasons within a matter of days, I was absolutely enamored with the appeal of this show. For those who don’t know, Yellowjackets follows a 1996 high school girls’ soccer team whose plane crashed on their way to nationals, leaving them stranded in the wilderness. For the next 19 months, the girls struggle to survive, resorting to violent measures, facing physiological trauma, and even… cannibalism (definitely not for the faint of heart). But what’s so interesting about this show is it switches between narratives—one focusing on their past in the wilderness, showcasing their chaotic unraveling, and the other on their current lives as adults with their past still coming to haunt them. While the show has an amazing storyline and perfect casting between the timelines, the thing that really stands out is the soundtrack.
This show is deeply rooted in ‘90s tracks, featuring some of the most iconic needle drops from that era, such as Nirvana, Mazzy Star, Smashing Pumpkins, The Cranberries, and the list goes on. Not only do these songs establish the show, reflecting the darkness and uneasiness of the situation, but they also highlight what life was like as an angsty teenage girl in the ‘90s. For example, in the trailer for season 2, the chilling song of No Doubt’s “Just A Girl” covered by Florence & The Machine is featured. This cover, much slower than when Gwen Stefani originally sang it, mirrors the anger and powerlessness the girls are feeling.
In just the second episode of the series, the character Misty (the outcast) is forced to amputate the coach's leg after he sustains an injury following the plane crash. Right when the big chop is about to happen, the song “Mother, Mother” by Tracy Bonham is cued immediately. The camera then focuses in on Misty’s now blood-splattered face, leaving my jaw on the floor as an audience member. Another chilling moment amplified by the choice of music is when Nirvana’s “Something in the Way” is played at the beginning of Season 2, Episode 7, when the girls reach a breaking point following a pivotal event within the show. This song plays as the camera pans the room, capturing each girl’s face filled with sorrow, grief, and a sense of giving up.
Of course, an iconic soundtrack would not be complete without a captivating theme song, and Yellowjackets truly nails this with its '90s-inspired intro, “No Return” by Craig Wedren and Anna Waronker. Two major artists from that era—Wedren, a member of the alternative, indie band Shudder to Think, and Waronker, a part of the classic rock band That Dog—bring their unique talent and authenticity to the plate. Wedren himself stated, “The show goes from drama to weird comedy to pure horror to existential dread—a kaleidoscope of tones and genres,” and they captured that perfectly within the theme song.
Yellowjackets is a show that should definitely be on your watchlist, especially if you have an ear for ‘90s grungier classics. Without the soundtrack, Yellowjackets would lack something fundamental, something that makes the story so compelling and memorable –whether it be as simple as a haunting song that plays when the credits roll or something more impactful, such as an electrifying needle drop. Every song is intentional and adds an important element to the show.
Below, I’ve attached a playlist that includes some of the ‘90s greatest alternative hits that’ve been featured in Yellowjackets. With artists such as Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, and The Cranberries, each song gives a glimpse into what Yellowjackets is all about.