A Soundtrack Guide for A Good Girl's Guide to Murder
A Good Girl's Guide to Murder on Netflix is a suspenseful murder mystery series with an engaging soundtrack that goes above and beyond simple background noise. A mournful score and an eclectic mix of rock, indie, and EDM music construct the plot, give the characters more nuance, and improve the whole watching experience.
The Sound of Mysteries and Curiosities
The main character of the show is Pip Fitz-Amobi, portrayed by the gifted Emma Myers. Pip is a motivated 17-year-old who sets out to solve the five-year-old murder of Andie Bell, the sister of her closest friend. Sal Singh, Andie's boyfriend, has confessed, but Pip is certain of his innocence and decides to find out the truth. One of the series' main features, the music, captures the sense of mystery, tension, and the intricate relationships that exist inside the narrative.
Breakdown of Soundtracks by Episode
Episode 1 of A Good Girl's Guide to Murder
The Last Dinner Party's "The Feminine Urge" opens the first episode, creating an eerie atmosphere as the camera sweeps across the gorgeous scenery. As Pip painstakingly puts together the pieces of the case and builds her crime board, Moderat's "A New Error" begins. While "In The Mood" by Glenn Miller and "Down South Camp Meetin'" by Benny Goodman play during the social events that Pip attends, "Cygnus" by Scape One & Tau Sagittarii serves as the soundtrack to Pip's search for information about Sal. Lykke Li's "Gunshot" opens the show, heightening the suspense as Pip delves more into the inquiry and unearths unsettling details about Sal and Andie's relationship.
Episode 2 of A Good Girl's Guide to Murder
Yonaka's powerful song "Seize the Power" opens the second episode, reflecting Pip's resolve. Daughter's soothing song "To Rage" emphasizes Pip and Cara's reconciliation. "Midnight" by Siobhan Sainte evokes a contemplative atmosphere as Pip and Max debate the idea of catastrophe parties, while "Me and the Devil" by Gil Scott-Heron builds tension as Pip snoops around Max's apartment and finds a secret photo of Andie.
Episode 3 of A Good Girl's Guide to Murder
The catchy song "Sail" by AWOLNATION plays over the episode's opening titles, effectively conveying the mounting tension of the inquiry. Mansionair and NoMBe's "Guillotine" plays as Pip, Cara, and Lauren search the social media accounts of their classmates for hints. The throbbing intensity of "The Bloody Beetroots" by Steve Aoki and "Patient Zero (feat. Brett Castro)" by Star Maxx energizes the party scene, emphasizing how wild and covert the catastrophe parties are. Daniel Avery's "Reception" establishes a darker tone as Pip finds himself in peril. As Pip continues her inquiry, "Osiris" by Matsubs and Bfen plays, then "Funnel of Love (feat. Madeline Follin)" by SQÜRL plays as Pip and Ravi set off on a pivotal assignment.
Episode 4 of A Good Girl's Guide to Murder
The fourth episode opens with Sudan Archives' "Selfish Soul" Brandis and Tarlton's poignant "I'm Coming Home" plays as Pip and Ravi pull out of a dangerous scenario. While Pip and Cara are getting ready, the diegetic music "Since Last Wednesday" by Highasakite sets the scene, and Billie Eilish's stirring "You Should See Me In A Crown" perfectly complements Pip's meeting with Naomi Ward.
Episode 5 of A Good Girl's Guide to Murder
"Pump" by Chris Lorenzo, a flashback of a previous disaster party, opens the show. Charlie XCX's eerie "5 in the Morning" follows, emphasizing how careless Max, Jake, and Naomi were. As Pip and Cara get ready to meet Naomi, the song "Concrete Over Water" by Jockstrap creates a tense atmosphere. "The Whole Universe Wants to Be Touched" by Nil's Frahm serves as a fitting soundtrack for Pip's contemplation on Elliot Ward's comments.
Episode 6 of A Good Girl's Guide to Murder
"Keep the Streets Empty for Me" by Fever Ray opens the final episode, heightening the suspense as Isla talks about her horrific event. The Chemical Brothers' "Out of Control" plays in a flashback, illustrating Becca's helpless state following her drugging. Pip is trying to piece together what happened the night of Andie's murder, while "Nothing Is Safe" by clipping keeps the tension high. Fever Ray's song "If I Had A Heart" plays during Pip and Becca's chat, climaxing as Pip follows Becca to Andie's body and disclosing the truth about Andie's death. The poignant "Anyone Who Knows What Love Is (Will Understand)" by Irma Thomas and "Coffee" by Sylvan Esso, which depicts Andie and Sal's final moments together, round out the show. Pip finds comfort and optimism in her friendship with Ravi.
Music's Power to Tell Stories
A Good Girl's Guide to Murder's soundtrack is proof of the storytelling potential of music. The well selected songs heighten the suspense of the story, improve the mood, and give the characters more nuance. With its frequent diegetical use in the scenes, the music gives viewers a more immersive experience that enables them to truly identify with the characters and the world they live in. A Good Girl's Guide to Murder's soundtrack, whether it be a spooky indie song, a throbbing electronic pulse, or a timeless jazz standard, is integral to the story and captivates listeners.
