With diverse casting, vibrant costuming, and breathtaking cinematography and locations, the Shondaland and Netflix series “Bridgerton,” based on the novels by Julia Quinn, has become an international phenomenon since its 2020 release.
Another significant feature of this Regency era romance is its soundtrack, which consists of modern songs made into instrumental covers from stringed-instrument groups and artists. Covers of songs from artists like Taylor Swift, Nirvana, SZA, Billie Eilish, Harry Styles and many more have been included in the show’s soundtrack.
Paired with a dreamy score, the soundtrack sets an exciting, fanciful tone that makes the historical setting resonate with a modern audience.
The season’s focus will be the characters of Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington and their friends-to-lovers story. In the first two seasons, it is evident that Penelope is in love with Colin, who is her close, longtime friend. He is oblivious to it.
But in season three, Penelope is moving on and determined to find a husband after she overheard Colin say not-so-nice words about her. To win back Penelope’s friendship, Colin offers her confidence lessons to help her find a suitor — an excellent rom-com setup from the looks of it.
Based on the latest season’s plot, here is a playlist predicting what instrumental string covers that the show might include.
“Poker Face” by Lady Gaga
Most prominent in glamorous events like balls, garden parties and morning promenades, the marriage-market and courting culture displayed in the series is fast-paced, strategic and even cutthroat. This cover by the Vitamin String Quartet is whimsical, upbeat and would be a great soundtrack for the events and courtship interactions of London’s aristocratic society.
“Don’t Start Now” by Dua Lipa
This empowering disco-pop song, which a cover by Vitamin String Quartet reimagines, would suit Penelope’s journey to allure other suitors on the dance floor.
“Mr. Brightside” by The Killers
This string cover by Midnite String Quartet is genuinely emotional and sweeping. It is perfect for a show about romance, especially for an altering moment when a character realizes they are in love.
“Kiss Me” by Sixpence None The Richer
This season has been described as a Regency Era romantic comedy, and what better way is there to add to that essence than including a cliché rom-com song? The string cover done by Vitamin String Quartet is joyful to the ears.
“Chasing Pavements” by Adele
This emotional ballad would complement the profoundly complex character arcs in a romance and prove to be a perfect fit for the upcoming season’s inevitable romantic conflict. This cover by Midnite String Quartet would suit beautifully.
“Lights” by Ellie Goulding
In any romance — and with this love story in particular — Colin and Penelope will see each other in a new light, and this song would be a great ode to that theme. Steve Horner’s cover transforms the synth-pop song into a magically intense string piece that would complement a dance scene.
“Take Me To Church” by Hozier
This gospel-like, yet suggestive alternative song would work for Colin and Penelope’s developing romantic dynamic. The cover by Vitamin String Quartet would be great for musically displaying the transition from friends to lovers.
“Yellow” by Coldplay
One of the best qualities of “Bridgerton” is that you are guaranteed a happily-ever-after ending, a rarity in television. As a string cover done by Duomo & Sebastian Pecznik, this song is so peaceful and lovely that it would cause tears of joy to hear on the screen for a happy ending to a season.
“Bridgerton” Season 3 will be released on Netflix in two parts, with part one set to release on May 16 and part two on June 13.
