A generation-defining television series that helped popularize the binge-watch movement, Breaking Bad’s influence on cinema and pop culture remains a constant. Bryan Cranston stars as Walter White, an aging, underpaid high school chemistry teacher diagnosed with lung cancer. Teaming up with former student Jesse Pinkman, played by Aaron Paul, the two produce and distribute methamphetamine to ensure his family’s financial future before he dies while chartering through a dangerous criminal underworld. For as dramatic and intense as the show is, it contains the blackest of humor within many scenes. What often makes this work so effective are the timely soundtrack choices. Of course, it accompanies the most emotionally devastating and satisfying moments as well. Show creator Vince Gilligan and his team expertly handpick songs with lyrics that capture the mood of any situation involving these remarkably complex characters. We take a closer look at some of the most riveting music moments.
Warning: MASSIVE SPOILERS AHEAD.
Bryan Cranston
Aaron Paul
Dean Norris
Betsy Brandt
Anna Gunn
RJ Mitte
Bob Odenkirk
Jonathan Banks
Steven Michael Quezada
Giancarlo Esposito
“Didn’t I’ by Darondo
Season 1, Episode 4
No, Walt still hasn’t completely broken bad here yet. It’s early in the series, and he’s still the good-guy loser who was dealt a bad hand in life. Stressed over the cost of his chemotherapy, he suffers a cough attack while pulling into a gas station. The same jerk who stole his parking spot earlier in the episode also pulls up. Once he leaves the car unattended, Walt takes a squeegee and shorts the car battery, causing it to explode. He knows he’s going to die soon, so why not serve some karma to obnoxious people? A little-known soul cut by Darondo plays, with the lyrics applying to Mr. White’s situation. He did everything right (before the decision to become a criminal mastermind), so he deserves a break, doesn’t he?
“Los Pistoleros” by Jonaty Garcia
Season 1, Episode 6
One of the first of many badass Heisenberg (Walt’s alter ego as a drug dealer or manufacturer, as he would describe it) moments while this cool little tune by Jonaty Garcia plays. Walt visits Tuco Salamanca’s office, not budging on his price request for the blue crystal meth, which has become a hot commodity within the neighborhood. Tuco also stands his ground, causing Walt to throw a dangerous crystal of fulminate mercury onto the floor, causing an explosion. The bag of what seemed to be crystal meth was, in fact, a weapon in case he didn’t get what he came for. It sets up what’s to come as he dives deeper into the underworld, facing off against the most dangerous figures around.
“DLZ” by TV On The Radio
Season 2, Episode 10
“Stay out of my territory” is one of the most iconic Heisenberg quotes, right up there with “I am the danger” and “You’re goddamn right,” if not for the sole reason that it’s the first time that Walt enjoys being his alter ego. He sees two men in the parking lot of a hardware store who had bought the same materials to make drugs as he and Jesse. He walks right up to them and states this threatening line, assuring their business remains the go-to spot in the Albuquerque neighborhood.
“Enchanted” by The Platters
Season 2, Episode 11
For as much as Jesse was in love with his landlord Jane (played by Krysten Ritter), she was also an addict and enabler, with this Season 2 scene depicting his first time shooting heroin with her. A classic R&B song from 1959 entitled “Enchanted” by The Platters plays, effectively enhancing his ultimate high, rising above his bed and into pure junkie bliss.
“A Horse With No Name” by America
Season 3, Episode 2
So about that drug heroin- a common slang for it is horse. America’s “A Horse with No Name,” released in 1971, was banned by a few US stations because of that, but it didn’t prevent it from becoming a number one single. Cleverly placed after the events of the Wayfarer crash, where Jane’s dad, Donald (played by John de Lancie), a pilot, loses focus while grieving over his daughter’s death and collides with an oncoming plane. A cop pulls over Walt because the debris of the crash cracked his windshield. This is a prime example of how each needle drop in Breaking Bad is strategically placed.
“Tidal Wave” by Thee Oh Sees
Season 4, Episode 10
Gustavo Fring, played magnificently by Giancarlo Esposito, is seemingly back in control in Season 4. As the primary antagonist for over two seasons of the series, he effectively turns Walt and Jesse against each other. He takes Jesse under his wing during a trip to Mexico. Gus seeks and gains revenge against the Cartel who killed his partner decades earlier. Once his plan is executed, he walks out of the bathroom in badass villain fashion. Thee Oh Sees’ “Tidal Waves” could fit any poolside party, which makes the murders even more satisfying. Killed on their own turf, making it the last party they’ll ever have.
“Crawl Space” by Dave Porter
Season 4, Episode 11
Breaking Bad is packed with anxiety-inducing sequences, but it’s hard to identify this as the signature edge-of-your-seat moment. Gus has just threatened to kill the entire White family, and Walt desperately seeks a way out. When he finds out he doesn’t have enough money to escape, his yelling of the infamous question to Skylar (flawlessly portrayed by Anna Gunn) reeks of fear and panic. A complete mental breakdown ensues, featuring a Joker-esque laugh. Dave Porter’s score is deliciously heart-pumping and fitting to each range of emotion on display.
“We Are Born When We Die” by Apollo Sunshine
Season 4, Episode 12
Apollo Sunshine, an indie rock band, gained recognition after they stopped recording when “We Are Born When We Die” from their final album was featured on the Season 4 soundtrack of the show. In one of the quietest, most cerebral moments, Walt decides to spin his gun on the table a few times to make a cold, calculated decision on how to deal with Gus. The third time he spins it, it points to a plant in his backyard called Lily of the Valley, which contains poisonous berries that Brock, the son of Jesse’s girlfriend, would later eat and nearly die from.
“Freestyle” by Taalbi Brothers
Season 4, Episode 13
“Gus is dead. We’ve got work to do.” Walt and Jesse quickly burn down the chemical lab where they had been producing crystal meth for months following the death of their cold-blooded distributor Gus. It’s placed in the basement of a laundromat run by Latino workers. This catchy, fast-paced guitar instrumental with Spanish flavor fits the rush of relief and excitement to escape this mess.
“Black” by Danger Mouse & Daniele Luppi
Season 4, Episode 13
Season 4 ends with Walt besting Gus Fring in their battle for power. All is well in the meth world again, with him and Jesse rekindling their relationship and the White family safe and secure. That is until a slow zoom-in reveals what was suspected of his character, and the lengths he’ll go to protect himself and his interests at the expense of innocents is accurate. “Until you travel to that place you can’t come back…” are vital lyrics of the song “Black” from music producer Danger Mouse & Italian composer Daniele Luppi’s 2011 album Rome, sung by Norah Jones, which indicate that our protagonist is far gone in being able to redeem himself after this decision.
“Main Title Theme (Extended)” by Dave Porter
Season 5, Episode 15
Walt lost everything. He was slowly coming to terms with it, too. Everything that mattered to him is gone. It’s all over. That is until his former college buddies Elliott and Gretchen Schwartz appear on Charlie Rose to promote Gray Matter Technologies, a multi-billion dollar company that Walt co-founded. The couple on TV claims that Walt had little to do with the company's development, which is a flat-out lie and an attempt to distance themselves from a now-known evil man. A furious Walt leaves the bar right before law enforcement arrives. He has a final quest. Dave Porter’s theme song for the show is played in full to chilling effect.
“Baby Blue” by Badfinger
Season 5, Episode 16
Produced by Todd Rundgren and written and recorded by the Welsh rock band Badfinger, our series ends with our protagonist fulfilling his arc. He gets revenge on those who wronged him and secures the future of his loved ones. He dies on his terms. As much as he ruined many lives, he was a man of his word. Whether he’s an anti-hero or a flat-out villain to you, this needle drop fittingly concludes an epic story of greed, power, and how actions do have consequences.
“I guess I got what I deserved…”
It’s hard to deny how powerful this show was and still is. It would soon spawn the fantastic prequel series Better Call Saul, with Bob Odenkirk and Jonathan Banks reprising their roles as Saul and Mike. Having binged the show in a couple of days when I was in high school, essentially trapped by its quite literally addictive programming in my room, I can confirm that it will always be the most memorable television viewing experience that I’ll ever have: cheers, Vince Gilligan and company.
Check out the full Breaking Bad soundtrack here.