If you watched every episode of Season 1 of the hit show Bridgerton, then there’s no denying that you noticed the unique orchestrated music. Bridgerton classical versions of modern songs were absolutely incredible. Additionally, the reimagined songs helped make the show feel vibrant and avoided any dreary feeling while watching this romance drama set in the 1800s.
Even if you don’t have a fancy for string quartet, the unique renditions of popular songs are nothing short of impressive and whimsical.
(It’s worth mentioning that Bridgerton also had their own original score as well, but the pop songs redone with their orchestra were particularly intriguing.)
What Were the Bridgerton Classical Covers?
Lakeshore Records has released the album Bridgerton – Music From the Netflix Original Series which contains the songs, but here is the list of the remastered covers:
thank u, next – Ariana Grande
Girls Like You – Maroon 5
In My Blood – Shawn Mendes
bad guy – Billie Eilish
Strange – Celeste
Wildest Dreams – Taylor Swift
Who Covered the Songs?
The songs were covered by Vitamin String Quartet, Kris Bowers, and Duomo. Vitamin String Quartet covered the first four songs, with Kris Bowers (featuring Hillary Smith) responsible for Strange and Duomo for Wildest Dreams. Vitamin String Quartet (or VSQ) has been recognized for their beautiful covers of popular songs before. They even released an album titled VSQ Performs the Hits of 2017 covering the likes of Ed Sheeran, Charli XCX, Lady Gaga, and other well-known artists. Thanks to VSQ’s incredible covers for Bridgerton, they saw a 350% increase in the number of people streaming their work since the release of the show’s first season.
Which Episodes Contained the Songs?
Ariana Grande’s song “thank u, next” (covered by Vitamin String Quartet) was the first cover that graced our ears while watching Bridgerton, during Episode 1 at the first ball of the season. It was a surprising and exciting moment to recognize the song being played by the quartet. It also hinted at the other wonderful covers that would come as the show continued through its season.
Next, the cover of Maroon 5’s “Girls Like You” (VSQ) plays the next morning following the first ball, while main character Daphne awaits her male suitors to call on her.
Near the end of the second episode, “In My Blood” (VSQ) can be recognized as the characters Daphne and Simon dance under a magical display of lights and fireworks.
The “bad guy” VSQ quartet rendition is heard in Episode 3 as the ball gets underway as Daphne is asked by suitors to dance.
The wedding night of Daphne and Simon brings us the cover of Celeste’s “Strange” (composed by Kris Bowers, featuring Hillary Smith) during their intimate moment together.
The last, but not least, is the magical-sounding “Wildest Dreams” as performed by Duomo. This song plays in Episode 6 to a montage of Simon and Daphne’s.. *ahem*.. “special moments” together.
Can We Expect More Orchestrated Pop Song Covers?
Thank goodness Season 2 has been confirmed, but production date is unknown. At this time, the date continues to be pushed back from late 2020, to early 2021, to spring 2021, and now all we are given is “soon” (via an Instagram post from Bridgerton actress Nicola Coughlan). Season 2 is said to revolve around the eldest Bridgerton son Anthony, but we have not heard any news of the musical score. However, it can only be expected from the overwhelming support by fans that the show will continue to deliver additional impressive classical covers of modern songs.
Which was your favorite classical cover? Continue the discussion in the comments to the right!
Where to watch Bridgerton
*Photo courtesy of: Classic FM