Showtime's hit series "Yellowjackets" is diving deep into '90s music nostalgia this season, and fans are loving it. The show alternates between the story of a group of teenage soccer players stranded in the Canadian wilderness during the 1990s after a plane crash and their adult selves in the present. This season, it highlights beloved tracks from artists like Tori Amos, Smashing Pumpkins, Massive Attack, and Veruca Salt.
In a recent episode, Alanis Morissette introduced her rendition of the show's theme song, "No Return," which is also available as a single. A standout moment from the season's premiere featured Warren Kole's character, Jeff, having a solo jam session to Papa Roach's "Last Resort" after a tense encounter with his wife, Shauna, played by Melanie Lynskey. Although the song was released in 2000, it perfectly captures the retro vibe.
Nora Felder, the show's music supervisor, explained that the choice of Papa Roach was scripted to reflect Jeff's heightened emotions. Felder enjoys the creative process of selecting period-appropriate music to enhance the show's narrative. She immerses herself in the era's spirit to build playlists that stay true to the story.
One memorable music moment in the same episode was the use of Tori Amos's "Cornflake Girl" during a pivotal scene with young Shauna, portrayed by Sophie Nélisse. Felder felt the song's lyrics matched the character's mindset and the overall mood of the series.
Felder's role involves adapting to changes during production, as the ideal song choice might shift due to technical reasons or evolving scene needs. The team collaborates to find the best musical fit, often asking, "Can we improve this?"
The series also featured Radiohead's "Climbing Up the Walls" during a gripping scene in the second episode, perfectly capturing the characters' psychological turmoil. The importance of music in "Yellowjackets" is further highlighted by the Season 2 trailer, which uses Florence + The Machine's haunting cover of No Doubt's "Just A Girl."
Florence Welch expressed her excitement about contributing to the show, noting her love for the era's music and the opportunity to add a horror twist to the iconic song. Alanis Morissette also shared her enthusiasm for the series, drawing parallels between its intensity and her songwriting approach. She appreciates how the show portrays complex female characters and feels honored to be part of its legacy.