Breaking Bad Season 5: The Ultimate Soundtrack

Hey Breaking Bad fans! You know, one of the many things that made Breaking Bad such an iconic show was its incredible music. The soundtrack perfectly complemented the show's intense and dramatic scenes, adding another layer of depth to the viewing experience. Today, we're diving deep into the Breaking Bad season 5 playlist, exploring some of the standout tracks that underscored Walter White's descent into Heisenberg. So grab your blue sky meth (just kidding!), sit back, and let’s reminisce about the tunes that made season 5 unforgettable.

The Music of Mayhem: Season 5 Highlights

Season 5 of Breaking Bad was an absolute rollercoaster, wasn't it? From Walt's increasingly ruthless decisions to the nail-biting tension of each episode, the music played a crucial role in amplifying those emotions. The show's music supervisor, Thomas Golubić, had an uncanny knack for selecting tracks that were both unexpected and utterly perfect for each scene. Whether it was a haunting ballad or an upbeat, quirky tune, the music always felt like an organic extension of the narrative. Think about how many times a song hit just right as the scene turned into chaos. Or how the perfect song made you feel even more uneasy as Walter White became more and more of a monster. The creative team behind the show was able to make music more than just background noise and turn it into a primary character in the story. Let's break down some of the highlights:

• "Crystal Blue Persuasion" by Tommy James and The Shondells: Okay, let's be real – this song is practically synonymous with Breaking Bad. While it wasn't exclusive to season 5, its use during the montage of Walt's meth empire at its peak is arguably one of the show's most memorable moments. The dreamy, almost hypnotic quality of the song perfectly encapsulated the surreal nature of Walt's success and the mesmerizing allure of his product. The song choice here was absolutely perfect, as it showed Walt's success and the empire that he built, all while completely ignoring the horrible things that he had to do to get there. It's a great song on its own, but seeing it in the show makes it that much better, because you can't help but think about the blue meth.
• "DLZ" by TV on the Radio: This dark and brooding track accompanied one of the series' most shocking and pivotal moments: the death of Hank Schrader. As Hank faced his demise at the hands of Jack Welker and his gang, the ominous tones of "DLZ" heightened the sense of dread and finality. The lyrics, hinting at destruction and despair, mirrored the irreversible consequences of Walt's actions and the tragic loss of a beloved character. The whole scene was dark, sad, and full of a feeling of despair, and this song made it all the more real. It was a perfect song choice, and the creators of the show definitely earned their money with this one.
• "A Horse with No Name" by America: Remember when Walt is driving and has left everything behind him? This song sets the tone as he goes into self-imposed exile. The dusty and gritty sound of the song sounds like the dessert in the show. The lyrics also imply his life choices and decisions. In a lot of ways he is like a horse with no name now, because he has left his family and is no longer the person he was.

Diving Deeper: More Season 5 Gems

Alright, so we've covered some of the big hitters, but the Breaking Bad season 5 playlist is packed with even more musical gems that deserve a shout-out. These songs might not be as immediately iconic as "Crystal Blue Persuasion" or "DLZ," but they each played a significant role in shaping the atmosphere and emotional landscape of the season. The show definitely didn't have a shortage of amazing music, and these are just some of the songs that made the cut. Each and every one of them helped to make Breaking Bad the amazing show that it became. It takes a lot to make a show amazing, but Breaking Bad was able to nail it on almost every single aspect. So let's take a closer look at some of these under-appreciated tracks:

• "Freestyle" by Shlohmo: This instrumental track appears in the episode "Gliding Over All," during a montage of Walt and Todd methodically eliminating Walt's former associates. The song's atmospheric and unsettling vibe perfectly captures the cold, calculating nature of these killings, highlighting Walt's descent into pure villainy. The killings were ruthless and swift, and Walt was able to get away with a lot in this time period. The song here helps to create the somber and dark tone of the scene.
• "If I Had a Heart" by Fever Ray: Featured in the episode "Ozymandias," this haunting and ethereal song underscores the devastating aftermath of the shootout between Hank, Gomez, and Jack Welker's gang. Its eerie melody and chilling vocals amplify the sense of loss, grief, and the complete unraveling of Walt's world. It's hard to imagine the show without a song like this, as it really adds to the emotion that is portrayed. I think that this song choice was perfect for this scene, as it really showcases the emotions that each of the characters are going through. Walt is realizing that he has lost everything and that all of his actions have led to his downfall.
• "Take My True Love by the Hand" by The Limeliters: This folksy tune plays during a flashback scene in "Granite State," showing a lighter, more innocent time in Walt and Skyler's relationship. The song's nostalgic and heartwarming quality serves as a stark contrast to the present-day reality of their fractured marriage and the dark path Walt has chosen. This contrast is hard to ignore, and it really goes to show just how far Walt has fallen. It's a sad moment, but it's also a reminder of what Walt has lost along the way. The creators were able to pull at the heartstrings of the watchers during this scene.

The Power of Music Supervision

One of the unsung heroes of Breaking Bad was undoubtedly music supervisor Thomas Golubić. His ability to curate a soundtrack that was both eclectic and perfectly suited to the show's tone was nothing short of remarkable. Golubić's approach went beyond simply selecting popular songs; he delved into obscure corners of the music world, unearthing hidden gems that resonated with the show's themes and characters. The work of Thomas Golubić cannot be understated, as he was a key ingredient in making Breaking Bad so special. Without his unique vision, the show might not have been as impactful or memorable. His selections added layers of meaning to the scenes, transforming them from mere visuals into emotionally resonant experiences. Let's think for a moment how the show would be without these song choices, and you can quickly realize how big of an impact the music had. It's something that you may not notice at first, but you will quickly understand as you consider the show as a whole.

• Deep Cuts and Obscure Finds: Golubić had a knack for discovering lesser-known artists and songs that perfectly captured the essence of Breaking Bad. These weren't your typical Top 40 hits; they were often indie tracks, foreign language songs, or vintage recordings that added a unique flavor to the soundtrack. These deep cuts often made the scenes that much more unique and impactful. By making the show unique, it was able to reach a wider audience and appeal to more people.
• Diegetic vs. Non-Diegetic Music: Golubić skillfully blended diegetic music (music that exists within the show's world, such as a car radio or a character playing an instrument) with non-diegetic music (music that is added in post-production to enhance the mood). This seamless integration of music created a more immersive and believable viewing experience. This clever way of blending music into the show helped to make it stand out among the rest. The sound design of the show was on point, and it helped to make the show as great as it was.
• Character Themes: In some cases, Golubić used specific songs or musical motifs to represent certain characters or themes. This helped to create a sense of continuity and connection throughout the series. This also helped the viewers to connect to the characters that much more. When you hear a certain song, it may remind you of a certain character, and that is a great way to keep the viewers engaged and thinking about the show.

Creating Your Own Breaking Bad Playlist

Inspired to create your own Breaking Bad playlist? Awesome! Here are a few tips to get you started: You may not be a professional music supervisor, but that doesn't mean you can't create your own awesome playlist. All you need is a little bit of inspiration and creativity, and you'll be well on your way to creating a playlist that perfectly captures the spirit of the show. If you are looking to get into music, this may be a good start. Plus, it is a lot of fun to start your own list!

• Think Thematically: Consider the different themes and emotions that resonate with you from the show. Are you drawn to the dark and gritty aspects of Walt's transformation, or the moments of tenderness and vulnerability? Use these themes to guide your song selection.
• Explore Different Genres: Don't be afraid to venture beyond your usual musical tastes. Breaking Bad's soundtrack is incredibly diverse, encompassing everything from rock and blues to electronica and folk. Embrace the variety and see what hidden gems you can discover.
• Don't Forget the Obscure Tracks: While the iconic songs are essential, be sure to include some of the lesser-known tracks that added so much depth and texture to the show. These are often the songs that truly capture the unique atmosphere of Breaking Bad.

Final Thoughts

The Breaking Bad season 5 playlist is more than just a collection of songs; it's a sonic tapestry that reflects the show's complex characters, gripping storylines, and unforgettable moments. From the infectious energy of "Crystal Blue Persuasion" to the haunting sorrow of "DLZ," the music of Breaking Bad has left an indelible mark on television history. So crank up the volume, embrace the chaos, and relive the magic of season 5 through its incredible soundtrack. And remember, tread lightly... and maybe cook up some chili powder while you're at it! I hope this article has helped you to discover some new music and appreciate the genius of the Breaking Bad soundtrack. Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for more deep dives into the music of our favorite TV shows!