Entertainment

The '13 Reasons Why' Soundtrack Adds So Much Emotion To The Show

by Caitlin Flynn
Beth Dubber/Netflix

It'll shatter your heart, but Netflix's new series 13 Reasons Why is a must-watch. Based on Jay Asher's 2007 best-selling young adult novel, it provides an unflinching, realistic, and incredibly important depiction of issues including bullying, sexual assault, and teen suicide. Make sure to carve out approximately 13 hours to marathon the series this weekend, because the plot unfolds in the form of a gripping mystery. Before committing suicide, Hannah Baker records 13 cassette tapes detailing the reasons she chose to end her life. Her friend and crush, Clay, is determined to get answers about Hannah's tragic death and the people who drove her to suicide. The series is produced by Selena Gomez, so it's no surprise that the 13 Reasons Why soundtrack is absolutely incredible and each song fits with the show's themes perfectly.

If you love the show's music, you're in luck — the soundtrack is available for purchase on both Amazon and iTunes. It includes 13 songs from the series, including "Only You" and "Kill Em with Kindness" by Gomez, and "The Night We Met" by Lord Huron — the song that Clay and Hannah dance to in a rare moment of happiness and peace.

The soundtrack doesn't include every song on the series — so, if you want to make your own playlist, here are the highlights and where to buy them.

"Run Boy Run" by Woodkid

This pop-folk tune is available on iTunes, Amazon, and Spotify. The chorus of "Run, boy, run / They're trying to stop you" fits with the theme of Clay attempting to unearth the truth as his classmates desperately try to bury it.

"Oh In This World Of Dread, Carry On" by Eskmo

The title speaks for itself — Hannah did her best to carry on in a world full of dread, but eventually the pain became too much to bear. The song can be found on iTunes, Amazon, and Spotify.

"Everything Always" by Ctznshp

This decidedly dark rock song fits the show's macabre theme, and it's available on iTunes, Amazon, and Spotify.

"Amused" by HUNGER

This alt-rock tune from up-and-coming Austrian band HUNGER provides a perfect description of Clay's feelings for Hannah. "'Amused' describes those very first moments of love when meeting someone who just makes you forget the world around of you," songwriter Daniel Rumpel explained upon its release. Find it on iTunes, Amazon, and Spotify.

"Thirteen" by Elliott Smith

Singer-songwriter Elliott Smith died tragically at the age of 34 after a long battle with depression, which is reflected in his music. He was killed by two stab wounds to the chest and the inconclusive autopsy doesn't rule out the possibility of suicide. His beautifully haunting music lives on, and this particular song is available on iTunes, Amazon, and Spotify.

"The Great Longing" by LUH

Where has this beautiful indie song been all my life? Well, on iTunes, Amazon, and Spotify, but I never got the memo until 13 Reasons Why featured it.

"In A Black Out" by Hamilton Leithauser + Rostam

This indie-rock song, available on iTunes, Amazon, and Spotify, must resonate with Hannah for good reason. The lyrics, "Many friends have said goodbye / Paraded out in one proud line," sum up the series of betrayals she endures through no fault of her own.

"Bye Bye Bye" by School Of Seven Bells

The title speaks for itself, and this beautiful indie tune is the type of song you'll find yourself listening to on repeat as you go about your day. It's available on iTunes, Amazon, and Spotify.

"My Life in Rewind" by Eagulls

This indie song alludes to dark days ahead, so it's a natural fit for 13 Reasons Why — even though viewers know how Hannah's story will end, the series still manages to make us hope that she'll get through her struggles. "My Life in Rewind" is available on iTunes, Amazon, and Spotify.

Between the 13 Reasons Why soundtrack and a creation of your very own playlist, you'll have no shortage of amazing new songs to listen to once you're done marathoning this incredible series.