Warning: Spoilers for Yellowjackets Season 3, Episodes 1-8 are included in this article.
The Impact of the Yellowjackets Season 3 Soundtrack
The soundtrack for Yellowjackets Season 3 plays a crucial role, intricately weaving together the narratives of the past and the present. Following the tragic events of Season 2, including the cabin’s destruction and Natalie Scatorccio’s (Juliette Lewis) untimely demise at the hands of Misty Quigley (Christina Ricci), the remaining teenage survivors face a harsh reality without their former shelter. This prompts the group to adapt to their unforgiving wilderness surroundings while current-day survivors grapple with the emotional aftermath of Natalie’s death and a looming threat stalking Shauna Sadecki (Melanie Lynskey).
Season 2 closed with significant developments, including teenage Natalie (Sophie Thatcher) stepping up as the new leader, Coach Ben Scott (Steven Krueger) abandoning the group, and present-day Lottie Matthews (Simone Kessell) being institutionalized. Season 3 delves into the repercussions of these changes across both timelines, and the soundtrack becomes an essential element of this exploration, featuring music predominantly from the 1990s, aligning perfectly with the past timeline.
Complete Song List for Yellowjackets Season 3
| Song Title | Artist | Episode |
|---|---|---|
| “Maxwell Murders” | Rancid | 1 |
| “Morning Has Broken” | Cat Stevens | 1 |
| “I Think We’re Alone Now” | Tiffany | 1 |
| “Glycerine” | Bush | 1 |
| “Cherry Bomb” | Runaways | 1 |
| “I Will Survive” | Cake | 1 |
| “Virtual Insanity” | Jamiroquai | 2 |
| “Rebel Girl” | Bikini Kill | 2 |
| “I’m Too Sexy” | Right Said Fred | 3 |
| “Nookie” | Limp Bizkit | 3 |
| “Make Your Own Kind of Music” | Cass Elliot | 3 |
| “Cold” | The Cure | 3 |
| “Fresh Blood” | Eels | 4 |
| “The Sign” | Ace Of Base | 4 |
| “Linger” | Cranberries | 4 |
| “Rid of Me” | PJ Harvey | 5 |
| “Queen of Hearts” | Juice Newton | 6 |
| “Be There” | Low | 6 |
| “Bae Nosy” | LohArano | 6 |
| “Fly” | Sugar Ray | 7 |
| “Your Good Girl’s Gonna Go Bad” | Tammy Wynette | 7 |
| “Blood B*tch” | Cocteau Twins | 7 |
| “Alright” | Supergrass | 8 |
| “Wonderwall” | Oasis | 8 |
| “Dig Me Out” | Sleater-Kinney | 8 |
Episode Breakdown of Season 3 Soundtracks
Episode 1: “It Girl”
“Maxwell Murders”by Rancid: As Episode 1 unfolds, the narrative initially implies Mari Ibarra (Alexa Barajas) is being hunted by her peers for cannibalistic purposes. However, it soon becomes clear the hunt serves as a game called Capture the Bone. Rancid’s track underscores this moment, symbolizing the darkness lurking beneath their surface-level camaraderie.
“Morning Has Broken”by Cat Stevens: In light of losing their cabin, the teenagers have established a makeshift community complete with new shelters. The successful gathering of ducks symbolizes their newfound sustainability, accompanied by Cat Stevens’ soothing tune that encapsulates hope.
“I Think We’re Alone Now”by Tiffany: Present-day scenes with Taissa Turner (Tawny Cypress) and Van Palmer (Lauren Ambrose) evoke youthful nostalgia as they engage in a playful restaurant escapade. The song’s abruptness mirrors the chaos following their reckless actions, creating a poignant moment.
“Glycerine”by Bush: Reflecting their adventurous spirits, Taissa and Van are immersed in a romantic moment until the waiter’s fate draws a chilling parallel to the complexities of their relationship.
“Cherry Bomb”by Runaways: Misty’s emotional turmoil unfolds in a bar setting where she desperately tries to submerge her grief. The song serves as an appropriate metaphor for her chaotic state and inner struggles.
“I Will Survive”by Cake: The episode culminates with Mari’s plea for help after a fall, pivoting to Coach Scott. As Cake’s anthem plays, it invites reflection on survival amid crisis.
Episode 2: “Dislocation”
“Virtual Insanity”by Jamiroquai: Van’s love for 90s culture shines through when she performs this classic during a karaoke session. The lightheartedness is soon overshadowed by the unfolding drama.
“Rebel Girl”by Bikini Kill: As tensions rise, teenage Shauna’s growing attraction to Melissa (Jenna Burgess) is revealed, with this empowering anthem signaling a significant twist in their narrative arc.
Episode 3: “Them’s The Brakes”
“I’m Too Sexy”by Right Said Fred: The episode begins with this upbeat track as Mari and Coach Ben discuss their discontent, contrasting their playful banter with heavier themes.
“Nookie”by Limp Bizkit: Tension escalates for Shauna as the song plays. Her struggle to control a malfunctioning car mirrors her unraveling relationship with Misty.
“Make Your Own Kind of Music”by Cass Elliot: A heartwarming cooking scene between Lottie and Callie unfolds as they bond over food, accompanied by this liberating song, contrasting Shauna’s disapproval.
“Cold”by The Cure: The episode concludes as Coach Ben faces dire consequences amidst the tension, with the haunting track setting an ominous mood.
Episode 4: “12 Angry Girls and 1 Drunk Travis”
“Fresh Blood”by Eels: A search for a sacrifice to the wilderness highlights the chilling theme of survival alongside the emotional turmoil driving Taissa’s decisions.
“The Sign”by Ace Of Base: Misty’s annoyance at Shauna’s enthusiasm during volunteer work offers comic relief contrasted against their complicated relationship.
“Linger”by The Cranberries: As Taissa makes amends with Van, the quaintness of the moment is tinged with a foreboding uncertainty about their future.
Episode 5: “Did Tai Do That?”
“Rid of Me”by PJ Harvey: This intense moment marks a significant turn when Shauna enacts a brutal plan. The song amplifies the complexities of their dark survival instincts.
Episode 6: “Thanksgiving (Canada)”
“Queen of Hearts”by Juice Newton: This seemingly innocent tune resonates with Shauna’s growing paranoia amid the weight of recent events and her stalker’s implications.
“Be There”by Low: As Natalie contemplates a pivotal choice, the accompanying music underscores the gravity of her decision regarding Coach Ben’s fate.
“Bae Nosy”by LohArano: The shocking introduction of new characters in the wilderness signifies a turning point, enhanced by this eerie song playing during the episode’s conclusion.
Episode 7: “Croak”
“Fly”by Sugar Ray: A light-hearted moment quickly dissolves into chaos, foreshadowing peril as the group’s dynamic takes a dark twist.
“Your Good Girl’s Gonna Go Bad”by Tammy Wynette: Tensions flare while the friends embark on a road trip. The song’s juxtaposition against Taissa and Van’s disagreement reveals deeper issues.
“Blood B*tch”by Cocteau Twins: Closing the episode with a sinister tone, this track amplifies Shauna’s intent to confront the darker truths looming over her life.
Episode 8: “A Normal, Boring Life”
“Alright”by Supergrass: This upbeat track contrasts with the emotional weight of the moment, evoking yearnings for a newfound normalcy amid the chaos.
“Wonderwall”by Oasis: As Jeff and Callie decide to leave their temporary sanctuary, the song signifies an optimistic shift and a sense of hope for rescue.
“Dig Me Out”by Sleater-Kinney: Closing out the episode, this haunting song underscores a chilling moment between Shauna and Melissa, encapsulating themes of repression and survival.