I May Destroy You was one of the most impactful pieces of television which was purposefully uncomfortable and unsettling, presenting a new direction for the BBC and revolutionizing television when it premiered in 2019. I May Destroy You is based on real events which happened to the show's star (who also produced, wrote and directed the series) Michaela Coel, with the main character Arabella trying to piece together events that happened to her when she was sexually assaulted after being drugged. The series presents like a string of consciousness after she tries to make sense of these horrific events. Coel achieved massive success with this series and has recently signed on for a role in Black Panther 2, which recently resumed filming, showing that her career has no signs of slowing down.
There are many tense moments throughout the series, and the musical score helps amplify these moments and add further subtext, which is refreshing given the sometimes-rigid formula of BBC programming. Music has been an important part of many recent TV series like Euphoria, and a carefully constructed musical soundtrack can add a whole new level of appreciation for a series. All of Coel's musical choices are beautifully deliberate, and call for viewer introspection as well as outward critical thinking. Here’s a look at the best songs from the BBC series, ranked.
Tierra Whack - "Only Child" (Episode 1)
Tierra Whack’s ‘Only Child’ is used in episode 1 and is one of the first musical numbers which sets the tone for the series and the character of Arabella. The song plays as she returns from her holiday back to London and the carefree but soulful nature of the song is the perfect introduction to the character of Arabella at the beginning of the series before the events to come.
Blanco - "Pull Up" (Episode 4)
Blanco’s ‘Pull Up’ Is used in episode 4 when Arabella is experiencing flashbacks relating to her assault when she is on a bus ride. The song plays as she tries to keep her intrusive thoughts away. The song could represent the mental strength it takes Arabella to keep her focus and compliments the scene very well.
Janelle Monáe ft. Grimes - “Pynk” (Episode 5)
In episode 5, Arabella outs Zain for assaulting her, and then engages in an argument where she is blamed for her own sexual assault. Arabella then picks up her phone to messages of support from her fans who commend her form outing him. Janelle Monáe ft. Grimes’ ‘Pynk’ plays and the song compliments the feeling of feminine strength the scene evokes very well and is another perfect choice.
Grimes - “Oblivion” (Episode 9)
In episode 9, Arabella makes social media posts where she is vulnerable and honest about her situation. It’s a moving part of the series, and we really feel her nervousness as she lays herself bare online. This moment is perfectly complimented by another Grimes song, this time ‘Oblivion’. The earthy vocals and ethereal construction perfectly counteract the feelings being felt by Arabella making for a touching moment.
Janelle Monáe - “BaBopByeYa” (Episode 12)
Janelle Monáe also makes another appearance again in the series during episode 12, this time with ‘BaBopByeYa’. The song represents the evolution in Arabella’s character, incorporating soulful elements which correlate with the journey her character has taken throughout the series. Coel revealed that this was one of the first tracks she selected, and used this as a template to work with the other songs she chose for the finale.
Tierra Whack - "Gloria" (Episode 12)
Tierra Whack is an artist who has multiple entries throughout the series, and each entry represents a different moment in the series’ progression. The series ends with ‘Gloria’ in the final episode, keeping the same soulful and energetic vibe from the first episode. The fact that the songs are from the same artist represents the journey Arabella has taken throughout the series, coming back to who she was at the beginning after her emotional journey throughout.