The Ultimate Ranking of Taylor Swift's 11 Needle Drops in The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 2
Discover the enchanting needle drops in The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 2, perfectly harmonizing with the heartfelt moments Taylor Swift's soul-stirring melodies add depth and emotion to this captivating series, leaving you longing for more
Summary
The Summer I Turned Pretty
Season 2 includes nine Taylor Swift songs alongside various trailer and teaser tracks, which enhance the depth of the show's soundtrack. While some song and scene combinations in season 2 are more compelling than others, overall, Swift's songs contribute to a pleasurable soundtrack.
Swift's songs, such as "Back to December" and "august," not only establish and enhance the emotions and relationships of the characters in The Summer I Turned Pretty season 2, but also fulfill the promise of plenty of Taylor Swift needle drops. However, not all of Swift's tracks are utilized to their full potential. Jenny Han, the author of the Summer I Turned Pretty novels and the TV series' adapter, shared prior to the season 2 premiere that the sophomore season of this romance story of self-discovery includes a total of nine Swift songs, along with some trailer and teaser tracks. As fans eagerly anticipate Taylor Swift's debut as a film director, her contributions to the soundtrack offer a lot to love, ensuring that it is anything but a "Cruel Summer."
11 Back to December (Taylor’s Version)" — Season 2 Trailer
Renowned for its high-budget needle drops, The Summer I Turned Pretty season 1 showcases some of the most exceptional utilization of Taylor Swift songs in any film or television series. Viewers can expect to enjoy chart-toppers like "Lover," the eponymous track from Swift's seventh studio album, as well as "This Love (Taylor's Version)," which the talented artist notably released more than a year prior to the scheduled re-release of her album, 1989 (Taylor's Version). Teen movies and shows have a rich history of capturing the music that defines their generation. Undoubtedly, The Summer I Turned Pretty season 2 encapsulates the Taylor Swift Era, although certain song and scene combinations may resonate more powerfully than others.
The season 2 trailer of The Summer I Turned Pretty had the task of capturing both the new and familiar elements of the TV series, considering the significant change in tone between the first and second seasons. To strike this balance effectively, the trailer wisely selected Taylor Swift's "Back to December (Taylor's Version)" - a song that featured prominently in season 1 and now provides a sense of continuity. Although the choice may initially seem mismatched with the show's title, the on-the-nose lyrics of this Speak Now (Taylor's Version) classic actually complement the trailer's message.
10 "Hey Stephen (Taylor's Version)" — Episode 2
"How's life? Tell me, how's your family?" Taylor sings, accompanied by clips that capture Belly's return to Cousins after the tragic loss of Susannah (Rachel Blanchard). "It's been a while since I've seen them..." The song beautifully illustrates the growing distance between Belly (Lola Tung) and the Fisher brothers, primarily due to their complicated love triangle. Although the winter prior to Susannah's passing may not explicitly convey a "summer love gone awry" vibe, it is evident that it held a special significance for Belly and Conrad (Christopher Briney).
Surprisingly, even with the abundance of the artist's songs and the show's clever Easter eggs, Taylor Swift is not seen in an acting role in the series. This particular track from Fearless (Taylor's Version) slightly loses its appeal as it functions more as an Easter egg rather than a deliberate inclusion. Devotees of Jenny Han's book trilogy will remember Belly's brother, Steven (Sean Kaufman), with his recognizable and fitting ringtone: Taylor Swift's "Hey Stephen."
9 "august" — Season 2 Teaser
In episode 2 of The Summer I Turned Pretty season 2, there is a reference to the novels where Steven attempts to contact his sister. In an interview with Teen Vogue, Kaufman shares that he occasionally listens to the track to effectively portray his character, particularly due to the song's connection to Han's original material. The best part is that Kaufman is not the only member of the cast who has become a fan of Taylor Swift after this experience.
The final, nearly-needle drop, "august," from Taylor Swift's Grammy-winning album folklore, perfectly captures the ephemeral sensation of a summer fling. While "august" serves as the backdrop to a teaser focused on the relationship between Belly and Conrad in Season 2 of The Summer I Turned Pretty, nothing quite grabs attention like Swift's rendition of "salt air...," instantly evoking the distinct ambiance of a late August beach in New England.
Of course, the song is filled with other perfectly crafted lyrics, although they don't have the same overt in-your-face quality as "Back to December," perhaps due to the track's heightened poetic nature. "But I envision us entangled within the reminiscence," Swift sings alongside a montage of Belly and Conrad. "August slipped away into a fleeting moment, for it never truly belonged to me." Despite their deep affection for one another, Belly and Conrad's doomed romantic relationship faced challenges beyond their control — a feeling beautifully captured by "august." Undoubtedly, no The Summer I Turned Pretty season 2 soundtrack compilation would be comprehensive without it.
8 "Snow on the Beach" — Episode 6
While Belly and Conrad are still in a relationship, they decide to visit the Cousins during the off-season and happen to end up on the beach... only for it to start snowing. Surprisingly, instead of using the song "Midnights" for this scene, The Summer I Turned Pretty opts for a less suitable moment: the farewell house party of the Cousins crew. The disappointment in this choice of the song "Snow on the Beach" for episode 6 is not just due to the absence of snowy shores. As Belly engages in intense conversations with the Fisher brothers, Steven and Taylor (Rain Spencer), her lifelong best friend, start to develop a closer bond.
7 "invisible string" — Episode 2
After countless moments of flirtation throughout the season, the long-awaited kiss between the two finally takes place at the Cousins house party, coinciding with the melody of "Snow on the Beach." This pulsating party, overflowing with alcohol and vibrant neon lights, is certainly an unexpected setting to hear this more subdued and introspective track by Taylor Swift. Even though the song is intended to capture the evolving dynamics between Belly and the brothers rather than Steven and Taylor, its presence as the backdrop to a joyous kiss remains peculiar.
In a flashback in episode 2, Belly and Conrad venture to Cousins during the winter. This excursion is portrayed as a charming, romantic getaway that eventually leads to the couple's first intimate encounter. Prior to that moment, however, Belly and Conrad delight in each other's presence on the deserted, snow-covered beach. While one could argue that a different Swift song would have better matched the imagery of snow on the beach, the scene is accompanied by "invisible string" instead.
Taylor Swift's enchanting love song, "invisible string," delves into the inescapable nature of falling in love with the person meant for you—of orbiting each other for years until finally uniting. Swift expresses, "And isn't it just so captivating to imagine that all along, there was an unperceivable thread binding you to me?" Meanwhile, disregarding the wintry element, "Snow on the Beach" proves to be a more fitting choice due to Belly and Conrad's relationship outcome. Swift ponders, "Are we descending like snowflakes on the sandy shore? Bizarre yet astonishingly beautiful." Infused with a suitable level of melancholy, courtesy of Lana Del Rey's collaboration, the Midnights' track is steeped in sadness even as it explores the potential for romance.
6 "This Love (Taylor's Version)" — Episode 1
In the first season of The Summer I Turned Pretty, five Taylor Swift songs are included, with "This Love (Taylor's Version)" standing out as the most memorable. Despite the fact that Swift had not yet released her re-recorded version of the song, it was a major surprise for fans when she made it available on Spotify more than a year before its scheduled release on October 27, 2023.
The significance of this song in season 1 is amplified by its use during Belly and Conrad's first kiss. In the second season premiere, The Summer I Turned Pretty brings back the song, solidifying it as Belly and Conrad's unofficial theme. With its tender melody and evocative ocean imagery, the track from Swift's 1989 album tells a story of a past love returning, both bringing joy and pain. As Swift sings, "This love left a permanent mark. This love is glowing in the dark." It's difficult to find a Swift song that better captures the essence of this couple.
5 "Delicate (Taylor's Version)" — Episode 6
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"Delicate" is one of the few Taylor Swift songs featured in The Summer I Turned Pretty that captures a moment between Belly and Jeremiah (Gavin Casalegno). It is also the first song from Reputation (Taylor's Version) to be released, which is a win for Jenny Han and Swift's fans. Swift's sixth studio album was meant to revamp her image and sound, leading her to explore various genres. Despite Reputation's songs being an unlikely fit for a summer romance, "Delicate" works well in this context.
Compared to the majority of the tracks on Reputation, "Delicate" is a more mellow and introspective song. However, it still retains the album's boldness, with Swift singing, "Is it too soon to do this yet? Is it cool that you're in my head?" The song is perfect for capturing the fun moment between Jeremiah and Belly, where they cling to each other in the pool. While the main focus of the season is Conrad and Jeremiah saving the Cousins beach house, it is refreshing to see this couple navigating the uncertain beginnings of their romance. The excitement is there, but there is also a sense of fragility.
4 "Last Kiss (Taylor's Version)" — Episode 1
Taylor Swift's "Last Kiss," recorded for Speak Now (Taylor's Version), captures the heartbreak of a failed relationship. Swift sings of never expecting to have a final kiss, reminiscing on the intricate and beautiful aspects of love that has ended. The song plays a significant role in the first episode of The Summer I Turned Pretty season 2, serving as a stark contrast to "This Love." Both songs delve into the doomed romance between Belly and Conrad.
"The whispered words that were shared only between us," Swift mourns. "You said you loved me, so why did you leave?" Although the exact circumstances of Belly and Conrad's breakup and subsequent fallout are yet to be revealed in episode 1, "Last Kiss" effectively portrays Belly's emotional state. Susannah's illness undoubtedly burdened them both, but Conrad could not prioritize Belly's relationship amidst his own grief, causing him to push her away. For Conrad, it was a way of protecting them both, but for Belly, the loss of her first love was a profoundly perplexing and painful experience.
3 "Exile" — Episode 8
In the season 2 finale of The Summer I Turned Pretty, Belly finally makes a choice between Jeremiah and Conrad, at least for the time being. Trapped at a motel with the brothers, Belly finds herself physically positioned between them. Reflecting on the past year and her emotions, Belly and Jeremiah finally become a couple. After sharing a kiss with Jeremiah outside the motel, Belly goes back into the room to definitively end things with Conrad. "I remove you from my heart," she silently declares, finally letting go of her first significant love.
When Conrad attempts to return the infinity necklace to Belly, she refuses, insisting that he keep it. They're still friends, after all. But Conrad declines, understanding that this time it's truly over. "It doesn't feel like the last time," he admits, recognizing that their initial breakup had left room for reconciliation. Meanwhile, Taylor Swift's "exile" plays in the background. A track from Swift's album folklore featuring Bon Iver, "exile" delves into the complexities of a relationship slowly falling apart. The lyrics, "I think I've seen this film before, and I didn't like the ending," perfectly capture Conrad's sentiments.
2 "Sweet Nothing" — Episode 4
In episode 4, the current Cousins crew visit the local boardwalk. While the focus of The Summer I Turned Pretty season 2 is who ends up buying the beach house, it's refreshing to see the teenagers taking a break. The trip is intercut with their childhood memories of the boardwalk, and it becomes evident that a young Conrad had a crush on Belly just as much as she liked him, giving their relationship a new perspective. What's even better is that the adorable scenes between the two on the boardwalk are accompanied by "Sweet Nothing" from Swift's album, Midnights.
Sadly, the day leaves Belly feeling somewhat heartbroken — for the first time — over Conrad, who struggles to express his feelings. In the present, Belly grows closer to Jeremiah, who is more forthcoming about his feelings for her, allowing her to regain the joyous memories of the boardwalk. Although "Sweet Nothing" doesn't exactly mirror Swift's personal story, it fits well. The singer-songwriter captures the delicate beauty of a tender love with the lyrics, "All that you ever wanted from me was sweet nothing."
1 "Bigger Than the Whole Sky" — Episode 8
Taylor Swift's "Bigger Than the Whole Sky" resonates deeply with listeners who have experienced loss. This becomes even more significant when the song appears in the Season 2 finale of the show. In a flashback, Belly visits Susannah before her tragic death, following the breakup between Belly and Conrad after prom. Emotionally overwhelmed, Belly and Susannah lie in bed together, finding solace in each other's embrace as "Bigger Than the Whole Sky" starts playing. Susannah reassures Belly that they will reunite with the boys, providing Belly the strength to confront her feelings for Jeremiah and mend her relationship with Conrad. Swift's heartfelt lyrics, such as "I've got a lot to live without" and "You were more than just a short time," perfectly capture Belly's grief and offer a much-needed release in the season finale of The Summer I Turned Pretty's second season.
Sources: Teen Vogue, People
