There was an unwritten rule that films and TV shows would exclusively only use music and songs relevant to the time period that their productions are based, but that convention has now been firmly kicked into touch. 

A number of movies and popular programs now expertly subvert this established trend is as interesting as it is inventive. A number of hit shows have opted to try this approach to soundtracking and scoring their productions, Peaky Blinder being another that looks to use modern music set against the backdrop of 1920s Birmingham. 

Moves to adopt this approach clearly cost studios and production companies a small fortune when it comes to music licensing, but it's clearly a price worth paying, not least because it has helped to bring music from a bygone age and era to a whole new audience, which in turn will of course only be a positive factor when it comes to the artists whose songs are being used.

The Stunning Success of Bridgerton

When the first series of Bridgerton was aired, the show produced by the all-powerful Shonda Rhimes, it provoked a massive reaction and was an instant hit. It was watched by 82 million households and was, at the time, the biggest series to have ever launched on the Netflix platform (only to be overtaken by The Witcher). 

Season two saw those numbers improved upon, with viewers watching 193 million hours of the period drama over the course of its opening weekend. 

The show is based on Julia Quinn's novels and continues to become the subject of water cooler talk and much office discussion, as well as avid reactions online. The success of the show has already led to series three and four being greenlit. 

Rhymes was a big fan of the original books and wasted no time in getting her Shondaland production company on board, stating;

"I've been a fan of Julia Quinn's Bridgerton series since I can remember. The originality. The sexiness. The storytelling. Everything about it. I quickly knew that Shondaland had to turn them into a series."

Many may have feared a drop-off in terms of viewer numbers, given that the heartthrob from season one, Simon Bassett (Rege-Jean Page), isn't part of the cast this time around, but it appears the love of Bridgerton knows no bounds.

As well as being a ratings hit, it's worth noting that Bridgerton gets more than its fair share of the plaudits when it comes to award season. The first season was nominated for 12 Primetime Emmy Awards, and indeed the score soundtrack has even been nominated for a Grammy. 

Great Use of Classic Tracks

So, what tracks have been masterfully used in season two of Bridgerton? Well, the music advisors on the show have outdone themselves and selected some perfect songs to accompany the latest exploits in Regency-era London.

Here are some of the songs being used, Alanis Morissette's "You Oughta Know" is used, and the Canadian singer-songwriter will be very happy with the results. The cover on Bridgerton is arranged by Duomo & Tomas Peire-Serrate, and the pared-down version is very effective. 

Indeed the use of the song is more than prophetic and the lyrics used are actually relevant to the scene it's placed on, with music supervisor Justin Kamps explaining;

"If you read the lyrics, and you think about what's happening in this scene, you're like, 'OK, I get it,'"

Other classical-based covers include Robyn's Dancing on My Own and Rihanna's Diamonds, which are used in a fairly obvious manner in a scene where Queen Charlotte decides who will be given the title of 'Diamond' of the season.

Material Girl by Madonna was very cleverly used by Baz Lurhman in his Moulin Rouge musical, another example of modern music used in a period setting, and works well in season two of Bridgerton, appearing here as an instrumental it's very effective.

Harry Styles is another more recent musical artist whose music has been borrowed by the show with his Sign of the Times, which is used during a troubled wedding scene; we don't want to give away any spoilers at this point.

Pink's What About Us is used during another explosive, heart-breaking scene and used to perfection when Edwina lets Anthony know she won't be marrying him; sorry for the spoiler there.

On the more positive side of the spectrum, Calvin Harris and Disciples How Deep Is Your Love gets the cover treatment during a more uplifting moment in season two and is a heart-warming pay off, to say the least.

Finally, we come to Miley Cyrus' megahit Wrecking Ball, which is expertly added to the proceedings in the final episode of season two, The Viscount Who Loved Me, and the very essence of how to use a modern song in a setting that you'd not usually expect to hear it.

Expect more fun and games of the musical variety in seasons three and four!