BY: Alexis Eichelberger

Music can transform a film or television series. The song selections can make or break a scene, and exposure through film or television has been known to catalyze the careers of many emerging musicians.

Summer 2019 has brought a number of fantastic TV shows back to the screen, with outstanding soundtracks to accompany them. Here are four of the best soundtracks accompanying summer television series.

Stranger Things

Part of the unique charm of Stranger Things comes from its 80s setting, style and music. The soundtracks of its first two seasons included hits from all the 80s biggest names like The Clash, Foreigner, Toto and more. The third season of the thrilling series released on Netflix earlier this month, and has maintained its 80s excellence with songs like “Can’t Fight This Feeling” from REO Speedwagon, “Material Girl” from Madonna, and “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” from Wham!

Big Little Lies

The phenomenal HBO series has a star-studded cast of powerful women and a soundtrack to match. The songs of the second season perfectly capture the boldness and beauty of the plot and characters. Joan Jett’s grit, Diana Ross’ classiness and a sweet and melancholy cover of Neil Young’s “Harvest Moon” by Cassandra Wilson somehow all fit neatly together in the context of the show –– and that’s in just the first episode of season two.

The Handmaid’s Tale

Hulu’s The Handmaid’s Tale is haunting through and through, but perhaps some of the most impactful moments are the final shots of the episodes –– and the songs that follow. But every popular song chosen for the dystopian series is done consciously. The show’s music supervisor has said she often tries to imagine what song June might choose if she could press play in a moment. The new season, which is currently being released one episode per week, features hits like U2’s “Sunday Bloody Sunday,” Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers’ “Islands in the Stream” and Buddy Holly’s “Everyday.”

Euphoria

HBO’s new series is receiving rave reviews. Starring Zendaya, it’s an emotionally riveting story of teen drug addict Rue. It premier only a month ago, but it’s already been renewed for a second season. The soundtrack to Rue’s trials and tribulations is a mix of pop and hip-hop ultra-contemporary hits, truly giving voice to the real, modern and difficult themes depicted in the show. Featured artists include Billie Eilish, cupcakKe, Kid Cudi, Drake and Jorja Smith.