Netflix’s Bridgerton is renowned for its classical renditions of hit songs during pivotal scenes. Each season, Bridgerton revitalizes hit singles through an instrumental orchestra, including “Diamonds” by Rihanna, “Bad Guy” by Billie Eilish, “You Oughta Know” by Alanis Morissette, and “Jealous” by Nick Jonas. The show has made its mark with each season’s soundtrack, and Bridgerton season 4’s soundtrack will not be any different. Sometimes, the show attributes certain orchestral covers to specific Bridgerton characters. Penelope Featherington has “abcdefu” by Gayle to signify her character change, while Anthony Bridgerton has “Stay Away” by Nirvana to indicate his marriage intentions.
It is evident that Bridgerton and Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story carefully select which song to instrumentalize for each scene, which pays off. The songs often tug at the heartstrings and pull the entire scene together. However, there are 10 songs that Bridgerton covered as an orchestral instrumental that are superior to the rest of the Bridgerton soundtracks. Whether the show utilizes these songs for a grand entrance, a defining moment, or a passionate encounter, there is no doubt that these 10 songs are the best of Bridgerton‘s soundtracks.
10
Nobody Gets Me By SZA (Cover By Caleb Chan & Brian Chan)
Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, Season 1, Episode 6, “Crown Jewels”
In Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story season 1, episode 6, “Crown Jewels,” King George and Queen Charlotte host a ball to celebrate their first child, George IV. It is a monumental moment for this couple, considering everything they have endured since their wedding. Now, they can show that their love is stronger than ever, and they persevere as a partnership. This ball is the chance to prove critics wrong—the monarchy is powerful, all is well, and everything is stable. Caleb and Brian Chan’s rendition of SZA’s “Nobody Gets Me” is heartfelt and romantic, conveying the important message of the scene.
Furthermore, the lyrics in “Nobody Gets Me” perfectly suit Charlotte and George because nobody will understand George the way Charlotte does. Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story makes George’s tragedy even worse because Charlotte and George fought for their love, and their dance signifies all they have overcome and yet to endure as king and queen, but also as a couple. It is a hopeful ballad that marks the beginning of the rest of Charlotte and George’s lives together.
9
Wildest Dreams By Taylor Swift (Cover By Duomo)
Bridgerton Season 1, Episode 6, “Swish”
In Bridgerton season 1, episode 6, “Swish,” Daphne and Simon arrive at their new home and enter the honeymoon phase of their marriage. They make love at every opportunity, which includes outside in the middle of the night, where they get caught in the rain. Duomo’s cover of Taylor Swift’s “Wildest Dreams” plays during this fun-loving and passionate scene. Duomo’s version of the song captures the urgency Daphne and Simon portray under the stars. “Wildest Dreams” also foreshadows their honeymoon phase ending soon, like Taylor Swift singing, “Nothing lasts forever.”
8
Material Girl By Madonna (Cover By Kris Bowers)
Bridgerton Season 2, Episode 1, “Capital R Rake”
There is no better song than “Material Girl” by Madonna to introduce the Sharma family to the ton during the season’s first ball. As Kate and Edwina take in their surroundings, in awe of the ton, Chris Bowers’ rendition of “Material Girl” plays in the background, perfectly capturing their feelings. Edwina is excited to find a love match in such a grand setting, while Kate focuses more on Edwina than society—but even she is mesmerized by the ball. “Material Girl” also illustrates the cinematic beauty of Bridgerton and the hard work production executes to achieve such a beautiful aesthetic.
7
POV By Ariana Grande (Cover By Strings From Paris)
Bridgerton Season 3, Episode 5, “Tick Tock”
Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington’s mirror scene has been one of the most anticipated Bridgerton scenes since the show first aired, and it finally comes to life in season 3, episode 5, “Tick Tock.” Penelope is unsure why Colin loves her because of her insecurities. Colin takes the opportunity to show Penelope why he loves her and how she has nothing to feel bad about, leading them to be intimate for the first time. Bridgerton‘s mirror scene is more than Colin and Penelope’s physical relations; it is about Colin expressing his love and why he fell in love with her.
There is no better song to express the emotional weight of Colin and Penelope’s mirror scene than “pov” by Ariana Grande, a song where the speaker does not understand why her partner loves them, but she hopes one day she can love herself the way her partner loves her. Strings From Paris’ cover of “pov” slowly fades into the scene, growing louder as Colin’s love becomes more prominent. The Strings From Paris cover is a romantic rendition of the song, perfect for such an intimate scene.
6
Dancing On My Own By Robyn (Cover By Vitamin String Quartet)
Bridgerton Season 2, Episode 4, “Victory”
“Dancing On My Own” by Robyn, covered by Vitamin String Quartet, is the ideal song for Bridgerton‘s Anthony and Kate’s first dance. It is a heated scene filled with electrifying chemistry, unspoken passion, and forbidden desires. Vitamin String Quartet’s rendition of “Dancing On My Own” conveys an urgent fever, describing the unspoken dance between Anthony and Kate since they first met on horseback. When the song slows toward the end of their dance, Anthony and Kate look at each other intently, as if they might give into their feelings, even though Anthony is courting Edwina, Kate’s sister.
5
Give Me Everything By Pitbull Featuring Ne-Yo, Afrojack, & Nayer (Cover By Archer Marsh)
Bridgerton Season 3, Episode 4, “Old Friends”
Colin and Penelope’s famous carriage scene is another long-awaited Bridgerton moment. In Bridgerton season 3, episode 4, “Old Friends,” Colin gets into Penelope’s carriage to confess his feelings, inevitably leading to another steamy romance scene. Archer Marsh’s cover of Pitbull’s “Give Me Everything” is an unexpected and bold choice, but it paid off immeasurably. Archer Marsh reinvented the song with a tense and fervent beat, exhibiting the frenzy Colin and Penelope feel as they act on their mutual feelings for the first time.
The carriage scene is everything anyone could have hoped for, demonstrating Penelope’s disbelief, Colin’s ardent emotions, and the passion that consumes both of them. “Give Me Everything” completes the scene by illustrating Colin and Penelope’s uncontrollable desires. Their intimacy is rushed and messy, which the song conveys as the beat picks up. The scene almost feels like a fever dream—especially from Penelope’s perspective, who has spent the last several years in love with Colin.
4
Yellow By Coldplay (Cover By Vitamin String Quartet)
Bridgerton Season 3, Episode 7, “Joining Of Hands”
In Bridgerton season 3, episode 7, “Joining Of Hands,” Colin and Penelope get married after years of friendship, months of pining, and a whirlwind romance. Despite finally being together, their wedding could not have had worse timing—Colin had just discovered Penelope’s Lady Whistledown identity. He barely had time to process it before their marriage. However, as soon as Colin sees Penelope walk down the aisle, all of their issues melt away as he sees his bride for the first time. It is truly just Penelope and Colin; nobody else exists, even though the church is filled with people.
Colin and Penelope’s moment is a special intimacy that cannot be replicated, and there is no better song to portray it than “Yellow” by Coldplay.
Colin and Penelope’s moment is a special intimacy that cannot be replicated, and there is no better song to portray it than “Yellow” by Coldplay. One of the most notable lyrics, “Look at the stars, look how they shine for you,” describes Penelope. After being a wallflower all her life, everybody is now looking at her; she is the star. Vitamin String Quartet turns “Yellow” into a beautiful ballad resembling an ideal wedding ceremony song. Penelope and Colin’s wedding song is perfect in Bridgerton also because it has a significant meaning—it honors the foundation of Colin and Penelope’s relationship.
3
How Deep Is Your Love By Calvin Harris & Disciples (Cover By Kiris Houston)
Bridgerton Season 2, Episode 7, “Harmony”
Anthony and Kate give in to their desires in Bridgerton season 2, episode 7, “Harmony,” when they make love in the gazebo, coming to a climax because of the tension between them since they met. Although they have kissed before, this scene is the first instance where Anthony and Kate fully let go and become intimate. “How Deep Is Your Love” by Calvin Harris is an excellent song that illustrates Anthony and Kate’s love because of the lyrics and their desperation for each other. Kiris Houston’s rendition of the song portrays a fanciful melody that conveys their heartfelt emotion.
2
You Belong With Me By Taylor Swift (Cover By Duomo)
Bridgerton Season 3, Episode 7, “Joining Of Hands”
The only thing more perfect than Colin and Penelope’s wedding ceremony is their first dance as husband and wife. Colin and Penelope dance to Duomo’s cover of Taylor Swift’s “You Belong With Me.” It is the staple friends-to-lovers song, so it makes sense that Bridgerton would include it—and they could not have picked a better moment. The guests are so mesmerized by Colin and Penelope’s dance that they join in—including John Stirling and Francesca Bridgerton—even though dancing is unusual at wedding breakfasts. Duomo’s cover picks up during the chorus to match the speed of Colin and Penelope’s dance.
Colin & Penelope’s Bridgerton Season 3 Songs |
Original Artist |
Cover Artist |
---|---|---|
Dynamite |
BTS |
Vitamin String Quartet |
Jealous |
Nick Jonas |
Shimmer |
Snow On The Beach |
Taylor Swift & Lana Del Rey |
Atwood Quartet |
Give Me Everything |
Pitbull, Ne-Yo, Afrojack, & Nayer |
Archer Marsh |
POV |
Ariana Grande |
Strings From Paris |
Yellow |
Coldplay |
Vitamin String Quartet |
You Belong With Me |
Taylor Swift |
Duomo |
Colin and Penelope’s wedding dance is flawless, largely because of the stellar song choice. Colin and Penelope dancing to “You Belong With Me” symbolizes their romance and captures the beauty and essence of their relationship. Although Bridgerton season 3 is not over, and there is more conflict left to resolve, Colin and Penelope’s romance comes full circle, and the symphonic beat signifies that. Duomo’s “You Belong With Me” is the last song designated for Colin and Penelope, the tune concluding their romance arc.
1
Wrecking Ball By Miley Cyrus (Cover By Midnite String Quartet)
Bridgerton Season 2, Episode 8, “The Viscount Who Loved Me”
Bridgerton‘s best song is in season 2, episode 8, “The Viscount Who Loved Me.” Anthony and Kate dance at the last ball of the season, and this is the first time they do not hold anything back in public. Although they are nervous, they allow their emotions to show. Anthony and Kate do not utter a single word, yet their longing gazes, painful silence, and intimate dance convey their truth. Although “Wrecking Ball” is a heartbreaking song, Midnite String Quartet’s melancholy cover perfectly captures everything Anthony and Kate endured to get here when they can love each other freely.
Anthony & Kate’s Bridgerton Season 2 Songs |
Original Artist |
Cover Artist |
---|---|---|
Dancing On My Own |
Robyn |
Vitamin String Quartet |
You Oughta Know |
Alanis Morissette |
Duomo |
Sign Of The Times |
Harry Styles |
Steve Horner |
How Deep Is Your Love |
Calvin Harris & Disciples |
Kiris Houston |
Wrecking Ball |
Miley Cyrus |
Midnite String Quartet |
The scene might seem sad, but that is not the purpose of this dance. Kate is returning to India because she has no reason to stay in England anymore—unless Anthony gives her a reason. Her heartbreaking eyes convey her love for Anthony. On the other hand, Anthony knows he will lose Kate if he does not act soon. Nothing is stopping them from being together other than his pride. He must swallow it down and be vulnerably honest with Kate, and Midnite String Quartet’s version of “Wrecking Ball” portrays that vulnerability.