Ranking Every True Detective Theme Song from Worst to Best

Each season of True Detective is known for its exceptional acting and gritty, haunting narratives. The series is also famous for its impactful theme songs, although not all are considered the best. True Detective has captivated audiences with its dark storytelling and complex characters. The anthology format allows each season to explore new cases, settings, and themes, creating mystery and intrigue. One of the most distinctive aspects of the series is its opening credits, featuring carefully selected theme songs that set the tone for the season.

The theme songs, ranging from haunting folk tunes to unsettling covers, are integral to all 4 seasons of True Detective, reflecting central themes and emotions. While some songs resonate more strongly than others, each contributes to the show's unique identity and sparks discussions among critics and fans. As one of the best anthology series of the 2010s, ranking every theme song will assess their effectiveness in capturing the essence of their seasons and their impact on the series' legacy.

“Bury A Friend” By Billie Eilish

True Detective: Night Country Season 4

Jodie Foster as Chief Liz Danvers and Kali Reis as Trooper Evangeline Navarro in the True Detective: Night Country finale - True Detective: Night Country Season 4 - “Bury A Friend” By Billie Eilish

Billie Eilish's "Bury a Friend" for season 4 of True Detective ranks last among the theme songs. It's not a bad song, but it doesn't quite measure up to the previous ones. The song's popularity and wide appeal make it a safe choice, which might lessen its impact in the opening sequence. However, its dark, pulsating rhythm and eerie lyrics fit well with the season's themes. The perspective of the song, told from the viewpoint of a monster under the bed, mirrors the monstrous acts and the detectives' attraction to them in Night Country.

The haunting final verse, "When we all fall asleep, where do we go?" is particularly fitting for the town of Ennis, where death is not necessarily the end. While the song choice may not please everyone, it was a deliberate decision that brings an exciting change to the True Detective intro formula. The visuals, though lacking the signature double exposure, offer intricate details that demand closer inspection. Despite its shortcomings, "Bury a Friend" effectively captures the irony, melancholy, and poetry that inform the series, making it a suitable, though not the best, addition to the True Detective soundtrack.

“Death Letter” By Cassandra Wilson

True Detective Season 3

Mahershala Ali pointing to a photo on a board in a scene from True Detective season 3. - True Detective Season 3 - “Death Letter” By Cassandra Wilson

In True Detective season 3, Cassandra Wilson's rendition of "Death Letter" acts as the theme song, capturing the essence of the series. It may not have the same impact as the top contenders, but it still sets the tone effectively. The somber and melancholic vibe of the song matches the brooding atmosphere of the show, making it a fitting choice for the opening credits. The Delta blues tune's connection to the southern U.S. setting of the season adds to its appropriateness.

What makes "Death Letter" stand out is its potential link to the storyline of True Detective character Wayne Hays. As he grapples with memories from the past, particularly his encounter with Amelia Reardon during a child disappearance case in the '80s, the lyrics of the song about receiving news of a loved one's passing resonate with Hays' journey. While the song effectively sets the mood and ties into the themes of the show, it doesn't quite reach the same level of impact as the music in the previous seasons.

“Nevermind” By Leonard Cohen

True Detective Season 2

Colin Farrell in True Detective season 2 - True Detective Season 2 - “Nevermind” By Leonard Cohen

Leonard Cohen's song "Nevermind" stands out as a unique and captivating piece, blending an unsettling tone with a funky beat that perfectly matches the LA Noire vibe of True Detective season 2. The song sets the stage for a story filled with uncertainty and betrayal, themes commonly found in crime tales set in Los Angeles. Through its haunting melody and mysterious lyrics, "Nevermind" effectively captures the essence of deceit and mistrust that the characters grapple with, creating a chilling atmosphere that lingers throughout the season.

"Far From Any Road" By The Handsome Family

Despite its straightforward lyrics, "Far From Any Road" plays a crucial role in reinforcing the key themes of True Detective season 1. The song's ability to immediately set a mysterious and eerie tone showcases its effectiveness as the show's theme song. While "Nevermind" may not surpass the impact of "Far From Any Road," it still stands out as a fitting and captivating choice for True Detective season 2, perfectly complementing the season's complex storyline. This solidifies "Nevermind" as the second-best theme song for True Detective.

True Detective Season 1

Matthew McConaghey with long hair and a mustache as Rust Cohle in True Detective season 1 - True Detective Season 1 - “Far From Any Road” By The Handsome Family

"Far From Any Road" by The Handsome Family is widely regarded as the top theme song for True Detective across all four seasons. The haunting Southern Gothic melody and emotive lyrics perfectly capture the dark, moody atmosphere of season 1, immersing viewers in a narrative that explores the depths of human nature and the desolate landscapes of Louisiana. The eerie folk sound and mysterious lyrics, such as "I have seen what the darkness does / Say goodbye to who I was," seamlessly align with the show's examination of inner turmoil and moral decay.

The composition of the track, featuring unsettling guitar and sorrowful vocals, creates an apocalyptic vibe that resonates throughout the entire season, mirroring the broken world inhabited by the main characters. The visuals in the opening credits enhance the song's impact, making it one of the most memorable introductions to an HBO series. "Far From Any Road" not only sets the tone for each episode, but also serves as a constant reminder of the show's central mysteries and the psychological toll on its characters. It encapsulates the essence of season 1, cementing its status as the ultimate True Detective theme song.

Editor's P/S:

The theme songs of True Detective are an integral part of the show's identity, setting the tone for each season and capturing its essence. From the haunting folk of "Far From Any Road" to the unsettling cover of "Nevermind," each song reflects the themes, characters, and atmosphere of its respective season. While some songs may resonate more strongly than others, they all contribute to the show's unique identity and have sparked discussions among critics and fans alike.

As the article suggests, "Far From Any Road" by The Handsome Family stands out as the top theme song, perfectly embodying the dark and moody atmosphere of season 1. Its haunting melody, eerie lyrics, and unsettling visuals create an unforgettable opening sequence that sets the stage for the season's exploration of human nature and moral decay. "Nevermind" by Leonard Cohen and "Death Letter" by Cassandra Wilson also effectively capture the tone of their respective seasons, with the former perfectly complementing the LA Noire vibe of season 2 and the latter reflecting the somber and melancholic mood of season 3. While "Bury a Friend" by Billie Eilish may not have the same impact as the other songs, it brings an exciting change to the True Detective intro formula and fits well with the season's themes of irony, melancholy, and poetry. Overall, the theme songs of True Detective are a testament to the show's exceptional storytelling and attention to detail, each one perfectly capturing the essence of its season and contributing to the show's legacy as one of the best anthology series of the 2010s.