15 Best Musical Moments from ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ Season 2

This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.

What’s a good teen drama without a memorable soundtrack?

The Summer I Turned Pretty — and Season 2’s music supervisors Nicole Weisberg and Jen Malone — knows that needle drops and record-scratch moments enhance the highs and lows of any show, especially a teen drama. During a time in your life when songs are intrinsically tied to formative experiences, playlists become lifelines.

The perfect song can break through the perceived isolation of a coming-of-age experience and elevate its relatability. Suddenly, something that feels so lonely resonates with an even broader community through its visibility on screen and the song attached to it. Look at teen dramas like Gossip Girl, The O.C., and One Tree Hill. 

With its soundtrack featuring everyone from Fleetwood Mac and The Strokes to Olivia Rodrigo and Taylor Swift, The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 2 (along with its debut season) continues solidifying its spot among the teen drama greats. 

In chronological order, here are the best musical moments from The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 2:

1. “drivers license” by Olivia Rodrigo (Season 2 Episode 1)

One of the best parts of a good soundtrack is how easily it can blend the song into the scene. For a teen drama, that process often works best if the track is one the characters would listen to, so using Olivia Rodrigo’s “drivers license” on The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 2 Episode 1, “Love Lost,” is a standout.

The sound editing flawlessly pulls the song into the scene with the mechanics of the car starting, and “drivers license” perfectly fits the mold of Belly’s feelings. She cracks her heart open — again — to Steven to explain the depths of her heartbreak.

Olivia Rodrigo’s lyrics meet Belly where she’s at — driving around her hometown and thinking of the boy she loves. Lola Tung’s performance hones in on the scene’s innate rawness and relatability. It sets an emotional and musical tone for the season.

There’s no list of The Summer I Turned Pretty‘s soundtrack without this song.

2. “Steal My Girl” by One Direction (Season 2 Episode 2)

The needle drop of One Direction’s “Steal My Girl” on The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 2 Episode 2, “Love Scene,” is one that undoubtedly makes you lean in and ask, “Is that One Direction?” It’s so unexpected — tonally, historically, seasonally — that it seems like it may not work, but this show proves it knows what it’s doing.

Suddenly, it hits that “Steal My Girl” is a (musical) shock to the system in the same way the first fall of snow before Christmas is — or the boy Belly loves showing up at her house to spend Christmas at Cousins with her is. It’s delightful and a bit magical.

Belly celebrates that, after all this time, she is Conrad’s girl, and he is her boy.

Like all the heartbreak and loss that leave indelible marks on both Belly and Conrad’s hearts in Season 2, this winter getaway is theirs — captured in a Cousins-themed snow globe — and no one can steal that from them. It’s infinite.

3. “Silver Springs” by Fleetwood Mac (Season 2 Episode 3)

For readers of Jenny Han’s trilogy, the realization of seeing Belly and Conrad’s blow-up fight comes with the nervous anticipation of Susannah’s funeral. It’s challenging to envision any song playing during that pivotal scene because of its high-stakes teen drama, gut-wrenching emotion, and massive fallout.

Nevertheless, The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 2 Episode 3, “Love Sick,” exceeds every expectation as soon as Fleetwood Mac’s “Silver Springs” begins to play.

The timeless song about Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham’s very public break-up is a massive track that somehow transcends Belly and Conrad’s split and speaks directly to it. Though initially jarring, the choice of this song demonstrates The Summer I Turned Pretty‘s respect for its’ teenage characters’ big feelings.

“Love Sick” gives Lola Tung and Christopher Briney the space to deliver impactful, must-watch performances. Even though they aren’t on the same stage as Nicks and Buckingham, Susannah’s wake is equally as vulnerable a crowded space for Belly and Conrad — two grief-stricken people — to bear their hearts and truths.

4. “Circles” by Mac Miller (Season 2 Episode 3)

Before this season, one-on-one scenes between Conrad and Jeremiah too far and few between, so it’s a relief that The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 2 Episode 3, “Love Lost,” changes that for the better — and with Mac Miller’s “Circles” as its soundtrack.

The song’s comforting take on a directionless path imbues the brothers’ conversation with the surety they need during such a tumultuous period.

As the world spins around them, Conrad and Jeremiah find solid ground in each other.

Christopher Briney and Gavin Casalegno’s grounded performances emphasize the interpersonal stakes. In a break from the love triangle that (among other stressors) strains their relationship, this scene positions Conrad and Jeremiah on the same team, which comes full circle in their scene at the motel during the season finale.

5. “Never Really Over” by Katy Perry (Season 2 Episode 4)

The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 2 Episode 4, “Love Game,” is a breath of fresh air — as is Katy Perry’s “Never Really Over.” Until this episode, most scenes and songs reflect the characters’ heavy experiences. While maintaining those critical aspects of their arcs during this outing, the show still fosters a healthy amount of fun.

“Never Really Over” specifically showcases The Summer I Turned Pretty‘s capability to balance those moments of gravity and levity.

The song highlights the history among the characters and at the boardwalk.

During this scene, the script and camera work tease a potential future for Conrad and Belly, picking up on the strengthening dynamic between Steven and Taylor and the re-emergence of Jeremiah’s suppressed feelings for Belly. All of these dormant connections between the characters are never really over.

6. “Sweet Child O’Mine” by Guns N’ Roses (Season 2 Episode 4)

Talk about a turning point for Belly and Jeremiah!

Gradual steps of reconnection bring these two to the heart-stopping, stomach-dropping moment when Guns N’ Roses’ “Sweet Child O’ Mine” plays.

Lola Tung plays the shift in Belly’s perception of Jeremiah so well that it’s easy to pinpoint when everything changes for her. From then on, there’s no denying Belly Conklin has romantic feelings for Jeremiah Fisher. The biggest question that suspends in the air with them is where the pair will go now, which the song accents.

The lyrics speak to the comfort Belly finds in Jeremiah on that literal rollercoaster and the figurative “summer cold” one of their youth. The childhood memories during The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 2 Episode 4, “Love Game,” make this pivotal moment in their present shine as bright as the blue sky. 

7. “Moon River” by Frank Ocean (Season 2 Episode 5)

Frank Ocean’s music is a soundtrack cornerstone in Steven and Taylor’s romance.

As early as The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 2 Episode 3, “Love Sick,” Remi Wolf’s cover of “Pink + White” Live at Electric Lady plays during the pair’s road trip to Cousins. Then, Ocean’s cover of “Moon River” brings Steven and Taylor full circle on The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 2 Episode 5, “Love Fool.”

The intimate scene brings Steven and Taylor closer together after a few episodes of Steven making his feelings known and Taylor understandably questioning whether she wants to let Steven back into her heart after the heartbreak of Season 1. The sweet song and dance give the pair the floor to find their footing once again.

It’s difficult to imagine the ease and fun of “Party In The U.S.A.” without the new ground “Moon River” breaks for Steven and Taylor.

8. “Heaven” by Niall Horan (Season 2 Episode 5)

The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 2 Episode 5, “Love Fool,” commits to one of the most notable shifts in Han’s It’s Not Summer Without You — Jeremiah’s POV.

Jeremiah sets seeing Belly for the first time last summer to Niall Horan’s uber-romantic “Heaven.” Joining Taylor Swift’s “Lover” that plays when Belly sees Conrad, the anticipation only builds for what song may play if the show flashes back again in the already confirmed Season 3 from Conrad’s POV.

“Heaven” puts Jeremiah’s feelings for his best friend into eloquent words.

The lyric “God only knows where this could go” ties directly to the Guns N’ Roses track later in the season, tugging on Belly and Jeremiah’s uncertainty about what acknowledging their feelings could mean for their friendship. The Niall Horan track joins a growing catalog of songs that commentate on the friends-to-lovers story.

9. “Delicate” by Taylor Swift (Season 2 Episode 6)

The use of “Delicate (Taylor’s Version)” on The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 2 Episode 6, “Love Fest” changes the game for Taylor Swift’s music on the teen drama — and not only because it’s a sneak peek at reputation (Taylor’s Version).

Until this point, Swift’s songs score scenes relating to Belly and Conrad’s relationship. While a tell-tale scene that this show will keep fans guessing about even the music choices, “Delicate (Taylor’s Version)” encapsulates the push-pull of Belly and Jeremiah’s relationship at that point in the second season.

Their dive into the summer house’s pool, where they shared their first kiss in Season 1, turns the tides. It reminds Belly that Jeremiah still cares, even after everything that has happened, and it gives Jeremiah hope for something more.

“Delicate (Taylor’s Version)” checks in on their dynamic with renewed hope.

10. “Party In The U.S.A.” by Miley Cyrus (Season 2 Episode 6)

No one could have anticipated Miley Cyrus’ classic “Party In The U.S.A.” playing such a massive role in Steven and Taylor’s dynamic. Yet, The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 2 Episode 6, “Love Fest,” executes it so well that no other song would work.

Steven’s memorization of Belly and Taylor’s dance is sweet enough, but the dance number’s purpose within the episode makes it an unforgettable moment. Steven knows Taylor. He knows the song and dance that mean something to her, compounding with Steven knowing her name — Taylor Madison Jewel.

The succession of the “Party In The U.S.A.” dance sequence and the needle drop of Blink-182’s “All The Small Things” make for a hilarious whirlwind of teen angst.

The only song that may tie a better — or bitter — bow on Steven and Taylor’s soundtrack during Season 2 is Milo’s diss track for Steven, “Getting Even With Steven.” Iconic may be too little a word for that masterpiece.

11. “Snow on the Beach” by Taylor Swift (Season 2 Episode 6)

“Snow on the Beach” is one of the more emotionally devastating Swift needle drops of the season, which the delayed satisfaction could elevate because one assumes the song would play during “Love Scene.”

The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 2 Episode 6, “Love Fest,” uses it to capture the overwhelming pressure of limitless possibilities of that night at the summer house.

“Snow on the Beach” ties together Belly and Conrad’s revelation about the end of their relationship, Steven and Taylor’s kiss, the blocking of the central love triangle with Conrad behind Belly and Jeremiah in front of her, and Belly’s raw and real plea to Laurel in those final seconds.

The clash of hope and heartbreak builds with the song until “Love Fest” cuts to black.

12. “Summer’s End” by Phoebe Bridgers (Season 2 Episode 7)

While it understandably causes waves on social media because of its romantic pairings, the teen drama’s dedication to reflecting the intricacies and persistence of loss and grief throughout its ensemble is especially commendable. For example, Jackie Chung’s performance subtly brings Laurel’s conflict and pain to the surface.

Laurel’s journey to allow herself to be vulnerable and feel Susannah’s loss as she moves through the world without her person is one of the biggest emotional sticking points of The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 2 Episode 7, “Love Affair.” 

While her openness encourages the same from Julia, it fills the summer house with more memories of Susannah — bittersweet ones that only Laurel can remember. Phoebe Bridgers’ “Summer’s End” is a fitting musical backdrop for such a sensation, and its title is apt for when it takes place within the season.

It parallels Bridgers’ “Funeral” used on The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 1 Episode 7, “Summer Love,” when the characters grapple with the news about Susannah. The music directly correlates to the characters’ and the story’s emotional throughlines.

13. “Last Nite” by The Strokes (Season 2 Episode 7)

After so much tension, it’s a blast to see Belly, Steven, Jeremiah, and Conrad let loose to The Strokes’ “Last Nite” on The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 2 Episode 7, “Love Affair.” The scene deserves a shoutout for that sentiment alone, but, like many others on the show, its greatness goes much deeper.

Belly often discusses her wish to carry the torch of bringing magic to the summer house like Susannah always did, and the season sees her come up against a host of conflicts — some of her own doing — that make that possibility dwindle. But with a song that reminds everyone of Susannah and joy and fun, Belly brings it back.

It’s such a celebratory scene, mainly about these teenagers existing together in a way they haven’t been able to much this season.

Susannah’s taste in rock music comes with a bittersweet edge before “Last Night” because of Conrad’s heart-wrenching performance of Pearl Jam’s “Last Kiss” during her funeral. The symbolism there should be considered; everything is intentional.

14. “Bigger Than The Whole Sky” by Taylor Swift (Season 2 Episode 8)

This song is a needle drop that knocks the wind out of you — similar to Phoebe Bridgers’ “Funeral” on The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 1 Episode 7, “Summer Love.”

The songs are companion pieces in the painstaking loss of Susannah Fisher.

Whether learning about Susannah’s illness and treatment options in Season 1 or the finality of this poignant scene between Belly and Susannah in Season 2, both are realistic depictions of grief’s persistence. It’s not limited or quick; it’s abundant and persistent. The Summer I Turned Pretty‘s second outing carefully illustrates that truth.

The show maintains the pain and love wrapped up in loss in navigating all forms of grief. Taylor Swift’s “Bigger Than The Whole Sky” reflects that duality by underscoring Belly and Susannah’s despair of losing each other and uplifting their undying love for one another. It’s tough to watch because it’s so well-executed.

15. “Love Again” by Dua Lipa (Season 2 Episode 8)

Dua Lipa’s “Love Again” is the ideal closer for Season 2.

It’s a heavy season that moves through extremes across the emotional spectrum, and that’s what makes it so effective to hear this song meet Belly where she’s at during The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 2 Episode 8, “Love Triangle.” Sure, she finds love again with Jeremiah, but that’s not all the song references.

Taylor’s protection of Belly this season calls on the girls’ love for volleyball and Belly’s passion for it. Belly finds that love again during this sequence. She finds the light again after a literal season of darkness — and she’s not the only one.

Belly chooses Jeremiah. Steven and Taylor take the next step. Conrad rebuilds the summer house by putting everything back the way Susannah had it — the way they all loved it. They’re all putting themselves back together to “Love Again,” inspiring so much intrigue for what comes next on The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3.

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The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 2 is streaming on Prime Video.

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