Netflix’s hit seriesWednesdayis the latest adaptation ofthe iconicAddams Familyfranchise. Itfollows the eldest Addams childas she heads to Nevermore Academy, a mysterious boarding school for Outcasts. When she begins to unravel a deadly local secret, Wednesday joins forces with her new peers to discover the truth.
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Wednesdayhas become one of Netflix’s most popular new shows,smashing viewership records in its first week. The series has also found success online, especially through TikTok trends and related music. The soundtrack ofWednesdayis a unique key to its success, with a distinctive mix of contemporary pop, moody classical, and covers of iconic songs.
13“Sciuri Sciura” By Blonde Redhead
Wednesdayitself is a rather moody series, so it’s only natural that the music in it reflects this. “Sciuri Sciura” is an indie rock song from 1994 with clear punk and grunge influences. Xavier is listening to this song in episode six while working in his art studio out in the woods.
The song reflects Xavier’s tortured artistic personality and helps to convey the mood of the scene. Though the song is not the most iconic inWednesday’ssoundtrack, it is a great indie rock song.
12“Four Seasons – Winter” Cover By Wednesday Addams
Classical music features heavily inWednesdaywhich helpslend the series some gothic style. One of the most prominent pieces of classical music is a composition from Vivaldi’s “Winter” which appears in the third episode of the series.
Wednesday Addams plays the composition as an explosion unfolds in Jericho’s town square, destroying the newly unveiled statue of Joseph Crackstone. The song itself is quick-paced and stressful and mirrors the chaotic energy of this scene. The cover used in the series has since been released on Spotify.
11“Space Song” By Beach House
As Wednesday takes her place in the unveiling of Jericho’s new statue, the 2015 dream-pop hit “Space Song” plays in the background. Many viewers will recognize the song from TikTok, where it became a viral sound in 2021.
Its inclusion in the soundtrack is a clear nod to the series’ younger more online target audience. Despite its pop styling, the song is slow and atmospheric which helps to set the mood and transition from the darker tone of the previous scene.
10“In Dreams” By Roy Orbison
Roy Orbison’s unique rock ballad, originally released in 1963, plays in the Addams’ car as Wednesday’s family takes her to Nevermore Academy in the first episode. This ballad, with its operatic elements and yearning lyrics, is sung by Morticia and Gomez to each other as Wednesdaywatches on in disgust.
It’s an effective way to reintroduce the audience to the sensuality ofthe loved-up Addams parents, as well as foster the discomfort everyone can relate to of seeing parents be overly affectionate.
9“The Beginning” by Magdalena Bay
“The Beginning” by US synth-pop band Magdalena Bay plays during the Rave’n dance in episode four. Specifically, it plays in the scene where Enid and Lucas are talking about yetis only to then be approached by Ajax and his date.
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Though it is only featured for a short time, this sugary electronic pop song is a great addition to the soundtrack and serves to reflect Enid’s sweet personality in this scene. Though Enid is more of a K-Pop fan, this song is also stylistically right up her alley.
8“Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien” By Edith Piaf
This song serves as the background music to Wednesday’s revenge on the swim team who were bullying her brother in the first episode. Its grandiose sound and appropriate lyrics, as well as Wednesday’s sheer enjoyment, make this scene ahilariously memorable one.
7“Physical” by Dua Lipa
Another more upbeat song that features in theWednesdayseries is “Physical” by disco-pop icon Dua Lipa, which plays as the final song of the night at the Rave’n dance. Though this scene ends in chaos as red paint is dumped on the Nevermore students and Eugene is attacked, the window of time that the song is heard in is a rare display of pure joy. For a brief moment, everyone is united in their delight at the dancing, the music, and being with their friends.
6“Nothing Else Matters” Cover By Apocalyptica
This classical cover of Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters” appears in the third episode of the series, as Wednesday delivers a monologue about coincidences and the goings-on at Nevermore. The song continues to play as the audienceis shown various characterseither beset by misfortune or involved in something potentially nefarious.
The grandeur and dark eeriness of this instrumental cover of the iconic 90s rock song is the perfect backdrop to this dramatic closing sequence and ties the musical elements ofWednesdaytogether well.
5“If I Be Wrong” By Wolf Larsen
As episode seven opens with the funeral of Mayor Walker, Wolf Larsen’s slow folk song plays behind Wednesday’s pondering monologue. The scene features emotional shots of all the suspects, as well as those of Wednesday’s closest friends.
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The pacing and mood of the song reflect the melancholy within the scene but also do well to articulate Wednesday’s determination to find the killer before anyone else is hurt. Even the lyrics are apt for the stakes Wednesday is facing, for she cannot afford to be wrong about this issue.
4“Gnossienne No. 1” Cover By Dominik Luke Johnson
Another piece of classical music showcased inWednesdayis “Gnossienne No. 1”, originally by Erik Satie, which appears in the seventh episode.Wednesday listens to a classical guitar cover of the song as she writes her novel and ponders her recent visit to the Gates mansion and Enid’s absence.
The piece is slow, haunting, and melancholic which reflects the mood of the scene. Though it is entirely instrumental, it articulates a macabre kind of charm that perfectly encapsulates Wednesday’s spooky style and loneliness at this moment.
