The Ultimate Bear Season 2 Soundtrack Guide: Unveiling Every Song & the Perfect Moments It Plays

The second season of The Bear features a captivating soundtrack that is heavily influenced by the iconic songs of the 1990s. The characters of The Bear, including Carmen "Carmy" Berzatto and Sydney Adamu, embark on new adventures as they prepare to open their restaurant, The Bear. As the plot unfolds, the music selection seamlessly complements the evolving storylines and interactions of the characters.

Building upon the success of the first season's soundtrack, season 2 takes it to the next level with an array of killer songs. From the very beginning to the climactic ending, the soundtrack incorporates a multitude of rock hits from the 1990s, courtesy of bands such as Pearl Jam, R.E.M., Counting Crows, and The Smashing Pumpkins. Additionally, classic tunes from AC/DC, Van Morrison, and Lindsey Buckingham add a timeless touch. The inclusion of modern tracks from Taylor Swift, local favorites Wilco, and even Christmas classics during a special flashback episode, further enriches the diverse and expansive soundtrack of each episode.

The Bear Season 2, Episode 1, "Beef"

"The Show Goes On" by Bruce Hornsby & The Range sets the tone for the season 2 premiere of The Bear, as it accompanies the opening sequence that showcases the vibrant setting of Chicago and captures the nostalgic dismantling of The Beef's old decorations.

In another episode of The Bear's second season, the Chicago-based band Wilco's "Handshake Drugs" adds depth to the scene featuring the restaurant's renovations. Meanwhile, Sugar enlightens Carmy about the IRS's requirement of clearing all debts and ensuring they have a current business license before proceeding with their new venture.

"Transcendental Blues" by Steve Earle sets the backdrop as Richie meticulously repairs Mikey's Fenway Park poster in the office during season 2 of The Bear.

Meanwhile, the energetic and empowering "New Noise" by Refused fills the air as Sugar, Carmy, and Sydney reconvene at the restaurant, collectively determined to ensure The Bear is ready to open in just three months. This same captivating track also graces the closing credits of episode 1 in season 2 of The Bear.

The Bear Season 2, Episode 2, "Pasta"

In the opening scene of The Bear season 2, episode 2, as Sydney and Carmy navigate through the construction site, the upbeat tune of "She Drives Me Crazy" by Fine Young Cannibals fills the air. Their conversation revolves around Sydney's disappointment with her father's lack of support.

Later on in The Bear season 2, after Carmy presents Richie with the hat that Mikey had left in his locker, the soundtrack transitions to "Baby, I'm a Big Star Now" by Counting Crows. This song accompanies Tina and Ebra's entrance into the culinary school, while Carmy and Sydney head to Carmy's apartment to prepare a meal.

"‘You Are Not Alone’ performed by Mavis Staples sets the mood as Richie experiences a terrifying incident when the restaurant ceiling collapses. This soulful 2010 tune lingers in the background as Ebra skillfully chops celery, Carmy prepares a delicious dinner, and Sydney enjoys a heartwarming meal with her father at a local diner.

In a pivotal moment of The Bear season 2, ‘Strange Currencies’ by R.E.M. resurfaces, capturing Carmy's reconnection with Claire, portrayed by Molly Gordon, at the store. This captivating song resurfaces once again, gracefully accompanying the closing credits of The Bear season 2, episode 2."

The Bear Season 2, Episode 3, "Sundae"

"Goodbye Girl" by Squeeze sets the mood as Carmy instructs Sydney to seek culinary inspiration, accompanying Tina's arrival at class without Ebra, and Richie's commute with his daughter Eva. Meanwhile, "Secret Teardrops" by Martin Rev creates an ambiance as Sydney orders food from the renowned Chicago restaurant Kasama and engrosses herself in the pages of her Coach K book.

When Sydney seeks inspiration from fellow Chicago chefs and envisions a ravioli meal, the song "Future Perfect" by The Durutti Column sets the mood.

Another Mavis Staples track, "I Like the Things About Me," accompanies the closing credits of episode 3 in season 2 of The Bear. This occurs right after Sydney's disappointment with her ravioli.

The Bear Season 2, Episode 4, "Honeydew"

"Holiday Road" by Lindsay Buckingham sets the tone as Marcus embarks on his journey in Copenhagen and steps onto the boat that will become his new home.

The live rendition of "I've Been Loving You Too Long (To Stop Now)" by Otis Redding, a timeless tune from 1965, graces the soundtrack of The Bear season 2. This soulful melody accompanies Marcus as he completes his inaugural day of training with Chef Luca, portrayed by Will Poulter. It also plays in the background as they indulge in a delectable dessert, described as a tantalizing combination of mint and Snickers bar.

During Marcus's stroll through Copenhagen, indulging in sandwiches and capturing moments with his camera, the captivating melody of "Tezeta" by Mulatu Astatke fills the air.

As the heartwarming scene unfolds in season 2, episode 4 of The Bear, Marcus shares a tender embrace with the Danish biker he rescued from entanglement in a web of wires, all accompanied by the harmonious sounds of "Beneath the Surface" by Bob Bradley & Mia Bradley.

“Welcome” by Harmonia & Eno ’76 sets the closing tone for episode 4 of The Bear season 2. As Marcus concludes his phone call with Sydney and triumphantly prepares a dish he acquired from Luca, this captivating song envelops the scene, leaving viewers with a sense of intrigue and anticipation.

“Bastards of Young” by The Replacements plays in the background as Carmy and Richie meticulously time and plan the layout of the new kitchen for optimal efficiency.

"Total Control" by The Motels sets the mood in episode 5 of season 2 of The Bear, as the camera pans over Chicago's vast highways. The song continues to serenade the viewers as Claire and Carmy embark on their car journey, and as Tina receives an invitation from her classmates to join them at a bar.

Meanwhile, "Anytime" by Neil Finn fills the airwaves as Carmy and Claire engage in a conversation inside the car. The song provides a melodic backdrop as Claire extends an invitation to Carmy for a party.

When Carmy and Claire join their former high school classmates at the party, they are greeted by the melodic sounds of "Pretty in Pink" by The Psychedelic Furs.

Upon entering the bar, Tina is serenaded by a patron performing karaoke to the tune of "Tonight Tonight" by Smashing Pumpkins.

"When a former classmate approaches Carmy and mistakenly refers to him as 'Logan,' the iconic Van Morrison song 'Here Comes the Night [Live]' sets the backdrop for the party atmosphere."

In The Bear season 2, the song "Strange Currencies" by R.E.M. plays when Carmy invites Claire to go to the restaurant, and they enter while Sugar and Richie are having an argument.

Towards the end of episode 5 in The Bear season 2, the song "Can't Hardly Wait" by The Replacements is featured on the soundtrack as Carmy and Claire share their long-awaited kiss in the restaurant.

The Bear Season 2, Episode 6, "Fishes"

When the episode shifts to the Berzatto home, set five years ago, the tune of "All Alone on Christmas" by Darlene Love fills the air.

This iconic punk rock band, Ramones, presents their Christmas song "Merry Christmas (I Don't Want To Fight Tonight)" as it accompanies the introduction of Carmy's mom, Donna.

As the members of the Berzatto family tree engage in a heated argument in the kitchen, the lively tune of "Got My Mind Set on You" by George Harrison fills the air. It is during this chaotic moment that Mikey compels Carmy to express her love.

While Fak and his brother discuss their sister, Francie, the melodic tones of "Citta vuota" by Mina fill the air.

During The Bear's Christmas episode, Richie captures a moment of Fak and his brother Ted dancing to the lively tune of "Dominick the Donkey" by Lou Monte.

"When Donna coldly suggests to Sugar that her absence wouldn't be noticed, the melodious tune of Lindsey Buckingham's 'I Want You' fills the air."

"Accompanying Bob Odenkirk's character Uncle Lee's interruption of Mikey's repetitive story, the festive melody of Dean Martin's 'A Marshmallow World' sets the holiday ambiance."

"While the song 'Something So Wrong' by Crowded House plays, Michelle Berzatto, portrayed by Sarah Paul, implores her cousin Carmy to join her in New York."

"In an episode of The Bear season 2, Uncle Jimmy shares a heartfelt tale about his father and a chocolate banana with Richie's wife Tiff, accompanied by the melodic tones of 'When I Fall' by Steve Earle."

"The Things We Did Last Summer" by Dean Martin sets the mood as Carmy discovers Donna in tears in the kitchen, expressing her feeling of not receiving any gestures of beauty from anyone.

Weezer's rendition of "The Christmas Song" brings the poignant Bear season 2 Christmas episode to a close, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

The Bear Season 2, Episode 7, "Forks"

This song, "Glass Concrete & Stone" by David Byrne, is featured during the scene where Richie wakes up and starts his day by cleaning forks at a different restaurant in episode 7 of season 2 of The Bear.

"Diamond Diary" by Tangerine Dream accompanies the moment when Richie is given the opportunity to don a suit and gain insights into managing the front of the house at Chef Terry's restaurant.

“Love Story (Taylor’s Version)” by Taylor Swift resonates with Richie as he joyfully sings along while driving home after a productive day of staging. The melodic tune of the song also graces the closing credits of The Bear season 2, episode 7.

The Bear Season 2, Episode 8, "Bolognese"

“Lay My Love” by Brian Eno and John Cale: When Ebra sees Tina washing the sandwich window at the start of the episode, this song plays.

"The Pretenders' song 'Stop Your Sobbing' makes a comeback in The Bear season 2, episode 8 as Carmy, Sydney, and Marcus finalize their choice of a cannoli for the restaurant.

In another scene, Carmy stumbles upon Fak hiding in the walk-in freezer, and their encounter is accompanied by the captivating melody of 'The Crane Wife 3' by The Decemberists. It is during this moment that Carmy and Fak come to the realization that Claire is Carmy's girlfriend."

“Throw Your Arms Around Me” by Neil Finn & Eddie Vedder sets the perfect tone as it fills the airwaves during the final moments of the episode, seamlessly flowing into the closing credits.

“The Day the World Went Away” by Nine Inch Nails: This alternative rock song from 1999 is showcased in The Bear season 2’s second-to-last episode, playing in the background as a montage of Claire and Carmy lying in bed.

"Strange Currencies" by R.E.M. resurfaces as Carmy finds herself in a state of panic, plagued by haunting memories, Sydney's comforting words, and the presence of Claire.

"New Noise" by Refused echoes through the air once more as the kitchen bustles with preparations for the grand opening, inciting Carmy's fury as she discovers the pots misplaced on the wrong side.

As the tempo intensifies and the restaurant comes to life, the energetic tune of "If You Want Blood" by AC/DC fills the air, echoing Sydney's words, "Let it rip."

The Bear Season 2, Episode 10, "The Bear"

"Supernova" by Liza Phair fills the air as the first delectable dishes gracefully make their way to the tables on the highly anticipated opening night.

The infectious tune of "Velouria" by The Pixies accompanies Richie as he expertly delivers the freshly baked focaccia to the awaiting tables. Meanwhile, Sugar suddenly becomes aware of the urgent need to attend to the malfunctioning toilets, leaving her with no choice but to swiftly resolve the issue.

"Vega-Tables" by Brian Wilson sets the tone as Fak stumbles upon Sugar unclogging the toilets in the gripping season 2 finale of The Bear.

The Chicago-based band Wilco makes a triumphant return to The Bear's season 2 soundtrack with their song "Spiders (Kidsmoke)", perfectly capturing the heartfelt apologies exchanged between Carmy and Sydney for their heated argument and the unintended consequence of the fish going cold.

The season 2 finale of The Bear features the song "Animal" by Pearl Jam, which starts playing when Sydney utters the word "drive" and Richie sets a five-minute timer. As the kitchen crew celebrates their success and Sydney earns her father's approval, the R.E.M. song "Half a World Away" provides the perfect score for the final moments of the episode.