The second season of The Summer I Turned Pretty has arrived, bringing with it a deeper dive into the emotional and dramatic lives of its characters. A significant part of this season’s allure comes from its carefully curated soundtrack, featuring an array of Taylor Swift songs. Creator and author Jenny Han revealed on TikTok that season two includes nine Taylor Swift songs, excluding “August” and “Back to December (Taylor’s Version)” from the season’s trailers. But which tracks from Swift’s extensive catalog made the final cut?
A Symphony of Emotions: Episode Highlights
In the premiere episode of season 2, titled “Love Lost,” the show reintroduces “This Love (Taylor’s Version)” from the 1989 re-recording, first heard last year, alongside the recently re-recorded “Last Kiss (Taylor’s Version)” from Speak Now (2023). These songs perfectly encapsulate the nostalgic and poignant tones of the series.
Episode 2 continues to weave Taylor Swift’s lyrical magic into its narrative with “Invisible String” from folklore, symbolizing a mystical connection between loved ones, and “Hey Stephen (Taylor’s Version)” from Fearless (2021). Interestingly, Sean Kaufman, who plays Belly’s brother Steven, has shared that “Hey Stephen” helps him channel his character, as it’s Steven’s ringtone in the books.
While episode 3 does not feature any tracks from Swift, episode 4 makes up for it by including “Sweet Nothing.” This song beautifully complements a flashback between Belly and Conrad, highlighting the tender moments of their pre-dating phase.
Turning Points and Emotional Climaxes
In episode 6, a pivotal scene where Belly pushes Jeremiah into the pool is set to “Delicate (Taylor’s Version).” This moment, filled with tension and playfulness, leads to a party preparation scene with Conrad and features the haunting “Snow On The Beach,” underscoring a heartbreaking conversation between Belly and Conrad.
The season finale, episode 8, aptly named “Love Triangle,” delivers a tearjerker with “Bigger Than The Whole Sky,” which plays during a poignant flashback of Belly and Susannah discussing Belly’s relationships with the boys. The episode’s climax features “exile” featuring Bon Iver, providing a poignant backdrop to Belly’s final decision between the brothers, ultimately choosing Jeremiah over Conrad.
The Perfect Soundtrack for a Reflective Journey
From the start, Taylor Swift’s songs in “The Summer I Turned Pretty” season 2 have mirrored the emotional journeys of Belly, her family, and the brothers who capture her heart. The series’ star, Lola Tung, confirmed that the entire cast are fans of Swift, each relating to different eras of her music. Tung herself has remarked on the connections between the characters and Swift’s albums, suggesting Belly is in her Folklore era, Steven in Lover, Jeremiah in Reputation, and Conrad in Red.
Conclusion
The integration of Taylor Swift songs into “The Summer I Turned Pretty” season 2 enriches the storytelling with lyrical depth and emotional resonance. Each track not only enhances the scenes but also reflects the inner worlds of the characters, making this season a captivating experience for both fans of the series and Swifties alike. As the season unfolds, viewers can look forward to more moments where music and narrative beautifully intertwine.
