The Duffer Brothers are back in the executive producer chair for The Boroughs. True to form, the duo has yet again delivered another supernatural thriller driven by absolutely phenomenal sonic identity. Created by Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews, the series takes us to a sun-drenched and apparently peaceful retirement community in the desert.
But while the protagonists expect to navigate their golden years peacefully, they are struck with an otherworldly threat. While they combat the threat, the show’s emotional and narrative beats are amplified by its soundtrack. Composed of 1970s rock anthems to haunting synth tracks, the audio perfectly captures the high stakes of a group of misfit retirees fighting an otherworldly threat.
So, here is your definitive guide to every song featured in the Netflix sci-fi TV series!
The Boroughs Soundtrack: Every Original Song Featured in the Show
A still from the show | Credits: Netflix
The original background score for The Boroughs has been composed by John Paesano. For those who have no idea about who Paesano is, they must have heard his composed work in projects like Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, Daredevil, Invincible, Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Maze Runner, and more.
Paesano’s score brilliantly blends classic, sweeping orchestral elements with modern electronic synths, which go well with the show’s theme of an isolated desert community. The official score of The Boroughs consists of 20 distinct songs, which are as follows (via Film Music Reporter):
Welcome to the Boroughs (4:12)
The Manor (3:00)
Bye Bye, Butterfly (2:50)
Grey Rebellion (3:42)
Knock, Knock (2:39)
Crow Encounters (2:07)
Edward’s Owl (2:40)
Saying Goodbye (2:34)
Setting the Trap (2:29)
Robot Ears (2:03)
Sweeter Stuff (2:25)
Cigarette Search (3:12)
The Duchess (1:58)
The Tunnels (2:49)
Wheelchair Sneaking (2:36)
Run! (2:11)
Mother’s Miracle (2:45)
The Kids (2:31)
It’s Her Choice (3:08)
Main Title (feat. Adam Hochstatter) (1:15)
The album featuring the original soundtrack has been released by Legacy Recordings.
The Boroughs Soundtrack: Every Licensed Song in the Netflix Show
Just as Stranger Things immortalized Kate Bush and Metallica for a new generation, two-time Grammy nominee and Emmy winner and music supervisor for the sci-fi series The Boroughs, Nora Felder, utilizes the iconic, nostalgic rock and soulful music for the show (via Tudum).
Here are all the songs featured in the show, episode-wise:
Episode 1 – Welcome to the Boroughs
Golden Years by David Bowie
Oye Como Va by Santana
Thunder Road by Bruce Springsteen
All These Things I’ve Done (Netflix Recording / The Killers cover)
Straight Sound by Head Cut
Shining Star by Earth, Wind & Fire
Spread Some Love by Mike Jemison
Easy Life by Jacob Bright
Night Moves by Bob Seger
Episode 2 – The Mourning After
S*xbeat by S*XBEAT
Love Is All by Madeline Bell
Visions of Your Reality by Ultimate Spinach
Champagne Nights by The Mellophonics
Stormy Weather by Etta James
Ex-Factor by Lauryn Hill
Steal Away (Karaoke – Robbie Dupree cover)
Episode 3 – A Pyramid
Back on You by Djo
You Got a Killer Scene There, Man by Queens of the Stone Age
I Can’t Stand the Rain by Tina Turner performed by Clarke Peters
Lose Your Soul by Dead Man’s Bones
Episode 4 – Forbidden Fruit
Bluebird by Alan Hawkshaw
Lovely Day by Bill Withers
Alone by David Lawrence, Velma Valentina
Upon The Earth by Illustration
I Can’t Stand the Rain by Tina Turner
Black Night by Cheryl Thompson
The Passenger by Siouxsie & the Banshees
Episode 5 – Another Beautiful Day
Goodbye Little Girl Goodbye by Morrie Morrison
Belshazzar by Johnny Cash
Words Come Easy by Tompall & The Glaser Brothers
Episode 6 – The Grey Rebellion
Rock The Boat by The Hues Corporation
Thunder Road by Bruce Springsteen performed by Alfred Molina
Up Up and Away by Engelbert Humperdinck
Love Train by The O’Jays
Comin’ Back To You by Jim Wolfe
Smiling Faces Sometimes by The Undisputed Truth
Episode 7 – Time To Go
Cheek to Cheek by Fred Astaire
Promise Me, Love by Andy Williams performed by Cast
Cabaret by Cast
Thunder Road by Bruce Springsteen performed by Cast/Karaoke
Cheek To Cheek by Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong, performed by Cast
Barracuda by Heart
Episode 8 – Triple Audible
More Today Than Yesterday by Spiral Starecase
Oye Como Va by Santana
Thunder Road by Bruce Springsteen
Do You Believe in Magic by The Lovin’ Spoonful
Born To Run by Bruce Springsteen
Each of these songs emphasizes the narrative arc of the elderly heroes while providing a perfect backdrop to its tense sci-fi tale.
Where to Stream The Boroughs Soundtrack?
A still from the show | Credits: Netflix
The audio collection for The Boroughs has been split into two distinct commercial releases: the original score handled by Netflix Music, and the licensed soundtrack handled by Legacy Recordings. Both are available across digital streaming and physical formats (Vinyl and CD).
For digital streaming, fans can listen and download the tracks on any major streaming platforms like:
Spotify
Apple Music
Amazon Music
YouTube Music
For physical release, fans can purchase the physical album at any retailer or online through Amazon, Target, Sony Music, Townsend Music, Josey Records, or more. The physical Vinyl release for the score contains the full 20-track experience, while the official digital playlist highlights the core classic rock needle drops from Springsteen, Bowie, and Heart (via Tudum).
Transitioning from the warm, analog acoustic tones of Bill Withers and Bob Seger to the cold, alienating, digitized modern synths of John Paesano’s score, the soundtrack is a masterclass in balancing the vibe of the show.
What are your thoughts about the show? Let us know in the comments below.
The Boroughs is now streaming on Netflix.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
