By Harry Myles, Feature Photo via Screen Rant

The year is rapidly coming to a close and of course, countless year-end lists have now flooded the Internet, ranking the best of television, film, music, and more. However, one trend that seemed more prevalent this year than any other, was the union of music and TV. For years, critics and audience members alike have been proclaiming the 21st century as the “Golden Age” of television, in which shows are no longer a handful of half an hour long forgettable episodes but cinematic pieces of art akin to film (calling to mind the likes of Breaking Bad, The Sopranos, and Game of Thrones). As in movies, the soundtrack has likewise become an integral component of a sophisticated television show and some of the best series have, to no surprise, some of the best music to accompany them. Now, while 2016 may have been a year of ups and (many) downs, it seems fitting to recognize the music of some of the year’s best TV soundtracks.

For the Classical Listener: Westworld: Season 1 (Music from the HBO® Series)

In HBO’s latest series, Westworld, tourists can visit a Western-style theme park and engage with humanoid robots. German-Iranian composer Ramin Djawadi crafted the score for the show, blending classical elements as well as rock covers of Soundgarden, the Rolling Stones, and many others. Having worked on other successful soundtracks like Iron Man, Pacific Rim, and HBO’s own Game of Thrones, Djawadi is no stranger to the art of the score. With instrumental versions of “Paint it Black,” “Black Hole Sun,” “No Surprises,” “Back to Black,” and “House of the Rising Sun,” Djawadi introduced a brilliant blend of modern rock to the rustic setting of the Wild West. Ambient at times, yet chaotic at others, the soundtrack of Westworld is one reason why the show has topped many best-of-the-year lists.  

For a Splash of Nostalgia: Stranger Things, Vol. 1 & Vol. 2 (A Netflix Original Series Soundtrack)

When Netflix released Stranger Things this past summer, countless suburban-bound teenagers binged the small town America science fiction show, in which a group of young friends discover a girl with telekinetic powers. The series has been heralded by critics as an homage to the classic cinema of the 70s and 80s, driven by a synth-filled score. Composed by Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein of the four piece experimental group S U R V I V E, the soundtrack of Stranger Things has since been released in an atmospheric two volume set. Reminiscent of the Tangerine Dream composed Risky Business, Dixon and Stein capture a decade of sound in a couple of hours, layering ambient hums with chilling beats to produce a truly supernatural soundscape.

For the 90s Kids: Luke Cage (Original Soundtrack Album)

Luke Cage is the latest in the Marvel-Netflix universe, featuring a bulletproof protagonist attempting to save Harlem from the clutches of crime. Adrian Younge and Ali Shaheed Muhammad (of A Tribe Called Quest fame) composed the album, blending 90s hip-hop with soul, funk, and jazz to perfectly accent the tone of the show. In addition to original music, the soundtrack also features soul and rap greats like Charles Bradley, the late Sharon Jones of Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, and “Bulletproof Love,” a track by Method Man arranged by Younge and Muhammad. Throughout the show, the soundtrack acts as the backdrop to the socio-political commentary of the series, providing the lifeline that drives the nightly adventures of Luke Cage as he raids nightclubs and gradually dismantles a crime ring. The album is a testament to Harlem and its thriving culture, adding another layer of enjoyment to an already incredible show.

For the Classic Rock Enthusiast: Vinyl (Music from the HBO® Original Series), Vol. 1

With executive producers Martin Scorsese and Mick Jagger, Vinyl was due to be yet another HBO classic. However, the series fell flat and was eventually cancelled after 10 episodes, having previously been renewed for a second season. As the name suggests, Vinyl is a music-centered period drama about a record executive in 1970s America. Considering its producers, it comes as no surprise that the music of Vinyl was a crucial component of its chaotic atmosphere, featuring a blend of classics from the 1950s and 1970s. With Otis Redding, Dee Dee Warwick, and modern artists like Sturgill Simpson, the series soundtrack is a testament to a time of rock and roll, soul, and funk. Although the show may have been a disappointment, the Vinyl soundtrack and its accompanying EPs and compilation album will satisfy any classic rock fan.

For the Modern Beat: Atlanta

Having just released his third album, “Awaken, My Love!” in December, Donald Glover has had quite the year. Atlanta, the latest TV creation by Glover, was released in September by FX, following the life of Earn (played by Glover) and his cousin in the Atlanta rap scene. Although an official album has not been released, several Spotify playlists have been created with the majority of the show’s featured tracks, including Young Thug, Childish Gambino, Bill Withers, D.R.A.M., Beach House, and Kamasi Washington. Being a collection of rap, jazz, soul, and other genres, the Atlanta soundtrack is a reflection of Earn’s daily life and the complexity of emotion that accompanies it. Atlanta has been touted as one of the best shows of 2016 in offering a modern perspective of America and the true personality of a city. As a result, the soundtrack is likewise one of the greatest (unofficial) albums of the year and provides a natural sound to Glover’s experimental creation.