Yellowjackets has an amazing soundtrack, and it’s one of the main reasons the show rules

Since the 1996 “Yellowjackets” segments are set far from civilization, the show has to portray the time period through its costume and music choices. “Yellowjackets” has no restrictions on featuring classic ’90s music. Some highlights from both seasons include The Cranberries’ “Dreams” (Season 1, Episode 3 “The Dollhouse”), Seal’s “Kiss From A Rose” ( season 1, episode 9 “Doomcoming”) and Nirvana’s “Something in the Way.” (season 2, episode 7 “Burial”). That last episode even features Alanis Morrisette doing a cover of “No Return” in the opening titles.

Are these nostalgic needle drops? Up to a point, yes, but it’s important to remember that television isn’t just for those who make it. Take “Stranger Things” season 4 as an example, which prominently used “Running Up That Hill” and gave the song a huge lift. I admit that I initially rolled my eyes at my Zoomer brothers acting like they were the first to discover Kate Bush. Eventually though, this helped me recognize the importance of including needle drops in period pieces – they introduce the music to younger viewers.

As a ’99 baby, I barely missed experiencing the 20th century and its pop culture firsthand. For every song I recognize on “Yellowjackets,” there’s another I don’t. I appreciate that the show is introducing me to music that might otherwise have gone unnoticed.

Even as I push myself to experience new movies and TV shows, I can become complacent with listening to the same favorite songs over and over again. Memorable needle drops become a way to expand my musical palette and I’m sure I’m not alone. Thanks to “Yellowjackets”, Smashing Pumpkins has gone up a lot in my Spotify listening. Speaking of…