Season 2 of Euphoria dominated the internet the whole time it was air, becoming the most tweeted-about show of the decade so far and the most-watched series behind Game of Thrones. From Cal Jacobs' backstory to Maddy's beef with Cassie to Rue's run-in with the cops, there was no shortage of memorable moments from season 2.
One of the defining aspects of Euphoria, of course, is its music. In fact, Labrinth continued to produce music for the last season after the success he found with songs in season 1, producing operatic-type of music that accompanied tense moments in the show. The show expanded its musical score by having artists like Tove Lo and Lana Del Rey pen original songs. Euphoria was also notable for using older songs in special moments, which made the playlist span different eras of music, with each song suitable in a different way to each cast member. The soundtrack was a huge part of the success of the series, so here’s a look at the best songs from Season 2 of Euphoria.
8 Tove Lo — How Long
One unique thing about season 2 of Euphoria was that the series made use of original songs, which were penned specifically for the series. In Season 2, we heard Tove Lo's "How Long." This song is different to other original songs that were featured due to its high energy, capturing the nature of the series well and fitting the party vibe.
7 Labrinth and Zendaya — I'm Tired
The season finale of Euphoria saw us hear a version of Labrinth’s "I’m Tired," which this time featured Zendaya. We got to hear the song once the credits rolled after the finale, and the version is hauntingly beautiful and fits the vibe overall of the series. It’s interesting to hear Zendaya sing as we have just witnessed the development of her character Rue, and Labrinth’s musical score does not disappoint. Their two voices blend perfectly and capture the tragic beauty of season 2 well.
6 Bonnie Tyler — Holding Out For a Hero
Episode 7 of season 2 sees the characters attend a play written by Lexi, which involves stories and characters that are very obviously based on the characters in the show. It’s an excellent episode that furthers the plot and causes characters to clash heads. During the show, we hear Bonnie Tyler’s "Holding Out for a Hero" during a segment that pokes fun at Nate Jacobs and his toxic masculinity, and it’s the perfect camp accompaniment for the moment.
5 INXS — Never Tears Us Apart
Season 2 allowed us to learn more layers to the character of Cal as we get a peek into a youth and the forbidden love he experienced with Derek. It’s a tender moment that is genuinely upsetting and allows us to sympathise ( a little) more with the character. "Never Tear Us Apart" is the perfect addition to this moment, making us nostalgic for a love that was never allowed to be.
4 Lana Del Rey — Watercolor Eyes
In the third episode of Euphoria season 2, we saw Lana De Rey debut a song called "Watercolor Eyes." It’s classic Lana style: haunting, beautiful, and dramatic. The song is a perfect metaphor for the tumultuous relationship of Jules and Rue as well as the other relationship problems other characters are experiencing, and it’s generally a great song.
3 Laura Les — Haunted
Episode 2 of season 2 features "Haunted" by Laura Les of 100 gecs. It’s perfect for the chaos of the episode and fits the teen angst vibe perfectly. It’s also a very underrated song which deserves more attention, so it’s great that the episode featured it.
2 Sinéad O’Connor — Drink Before the War
Sinead O’Conner’s music is beautiful, and it’s the perfect background for Cal’s trip back to the bar where he first began to love her music. The built-up emotion of the song is perfect to demonstrate the breakdown of Cal’s character as he struggles with the past that he was forced to give up.
1 Ben E. King — Stand by Me
In episode 6, while Lexi and Fez are on a heart-warming movie date, we hear them both sing along to "Stand by Me" as this transitions into the real song. It’s a touching moment of tenderness among all the chaos and is highly unexpected.