The Bear Season 2 Soundtrack Guide: Every Song & When It Plays

Summary

• The Bear season 2 soundtrack features an impressive selection of 1990s rock hits and older classics, as well as modern songs and Christmas classics.
• Each episode of The Bear season 2 is accompanied by an expansive and diverse soundtrack that enhances the tension and subplots of the characters.
• Songs from bands like Pearl Jam, R.E.M., Counting Crows, and The Smashing Pumpkins contribute to the overall success and elevated experience of The Bear season 2.

Along with the restaurant chaos, Chicago explorations, and personal storylines, The Bear season 2 soundtrack elevated the successful series pulling from memorable songs of the 1990s. The Bear season 2 picks up shortly after the end of the first season, as Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White) and Sydney Adamu (Ayo Edebiri) prepare for the opening of their new restaurant, The Bear, with the returning staff from The Beef. As the tension picks up in The Bear season 2, the FX/Hulu TV show’s music selection adapts to the characters’ new subplots and interactions.

The Bear season 1’s soundtrack was already impressive, and season 2 kicks it up a notch as the killer songs continue to roll in. From the opening scene to The Bear season 2’s ending, the soundtrack includes plenty of 1990s rock hits from bands like Pearl Jam, R.E.M., Counting Crows, and The Smashing Pumpkins, as well as older classics from AC/DC, Van Morrison, and Lindsey Buckingham. The Bear season 2 also mixes in modern songs by Taylor Swift, Chicago-native band Wilco, and Christmas classics during a special flashback episode, making for an expansive and diverse soundtrack in each episode.

The Bear Season 2, Episode 1

Episode Title: “Beef”

“The Show Goes On” by Bruce Hornsby & The Range: This song from 1988 plays over the opening sequence of the season 2 premiere, scoring the establishing shots of The Bear‘s Chicago setting and montage of The Beef’s old decorations being taken down. As the title of the song suggests, the scene is a sign of things moving forward with the big changes ahead.

“Handshake Drugs” by Wilco: From Chicago band Wilco, this track is heard in The Bear season 2, episode 1 during the renovations to the restaurant and while Sugar tells Carmy that the IRS requires them to have all debts be current and complete before getting a new business license. The optimistic tune highlights the feeling of positivity even amid the chaos.

“Transcendental Blues” by Steve Earle: This tune plays while Richie is fixing Mikey’s poster of Fenway Park in the office. It fits with the first episode’s theme of optimism as the restaurant and the team make changes for the future, but there is also a melancholic feeling as it relates to the memory of Mikey.

“New Noise” by Refused: When Sugar, Carmy, and Sydney all return to the restaurant at night and agree that The Bear has to be ready to open in three months, this song plays. “New Noise” also plays during the closing credits of The Bear season 2, episode 1.

The Bear Season 2, Episode 2

Episode Title: “Pasta”

“She Drives Me Crazy” by Fine Young Cannibals: This song plays during the opening scene of The Bear season 2, episode 2, as Sydney and Carmy walk through the construction and talk about Sydney’s dad not supporting her.

“Baby, I’m a Big Star Now” by Counting Crows: After Carmy gives Richie the hat that Mikey left in his locker, The Bear season 2’s soundtrack plays this song. It continues playing while Tina and Ebra walk into the culinary school and Carmy and Sydney go to cook at his apartment. It is a song that suggests these characters are on their ambitious paths now, trying new things.

“You Are Not Alone” by Mavis Staples: This song plays after the restaurant ceiling partially collapses on Richie. The 2010 tune continues playing while Ebra is chopping celery, Carmy is cooking dinner, and Sydney has a meal with her dad at a diner. There is a sense that the song ties these characters together as they embark on a new journey.

“Strange Currencies” by R.E.M.: The first time that this song plays during The Bear season 2, it is heard as Carmy reconnects with Molly Gordon’s character Claire at the store. The song plays again in the closing credits of The Bear season 2, episode 2. The song is one about a romance that is clouded in the unknown, reflecting how Carmy sees the potential relationship with Molly and wonders if this is the right time for it.

The Bear Season 2, Episode 3

Episode Title: “Sundae”

“Goodbye Girl” by Squeeze: This song plays after Carmy sends Sydney to go get inspiration for meals, and continues to play while Tina shows up to class without Ebra and Richie drives his daughter Eva to school. The song mixes the feeling of loneliness as these characters have to go on their own, but the upbeat feel continues the idea of optimism going forward.

“Secret Teardrops” by Martin Rev: When Sydney is ordering food from the Chicago restaurant Kasama and reads her Coach K book, this song is playing.

“Twenty Five Miles” by Edwin Starr: The Bear’s season 2 soundtrack features this song over a montage of Sydney going to various restaurants around Chicago for inspiration. The song is also playing while Sydney speaks to real Chicago restauranteur Donnie Madia in his The Bear season 2 cameo.

“Future Perfect” by The Durutti Column: When Sydney envisions a ravioli meal after getting inspiration from fellow Chicago chefs, this song plays. As the title suggests, it is a song about the potential for the future and fits perfectly into Sydney’s feeling of inspiration.

“Make You Happy” by Tommy McGee: Directly after “Future Perfect” ends, The Bear season 2 leads into this song that is heard while Sydney eats an ice cream sundae and thinks about her mom. It reflects the peaceful and somewhat bittersweet moment Sydney is enjoying.

“I Like the Things About Me” by Mavis Staples: Another Mavis Staples song plays during the end credits of The Bear season 2, episode 3after Sydney is disappointed in her ravioli. The song feels like a juxtaposition for Sydney now having some creeping feelings of doubt about herself and the future of the restaurant.

The Bear Season 2, Episode 4

Episode Title: “Honeydew”

“Holiday Road” by Lindsey Buckingham: This Lindsey Buckingham classic plays when Marcus first arrives in Copenhagen and enters the boat he’ll be living on. The song is perhaps best known for its use in National Lampoon’s Vacation and is similarly used to highlight the fun and excitement of traveling, such as with Marcus’ journey.

“I’ve Been Loving You Too Long (To Stop Now) [Live]” by Otis Redding: The live version of this 1965 Otis Redding tune is heard on The Bear season 2’s soundtrack after Marcus finishes his first day of training with Will Poulter’s character Chef Luca, and while they try a dessert that they describe as a “minty Snickers bar.” It is a peaceful and beautiful song that reflects Luca’s calmer yet dedicated approach to making food.

“Tezeta” by Mulatu Astatke: When Marcus walks around Copenhagen eating sandwiches and taking pictures, this song is playing.

“Beneath the Surface” by Bob Bradley & Mia Bradley: This song plays during The Bear season 2, episode 4, while Marcus is hugging the Danish biker he saved from being stuck in wires.

“Welcome” by Harmonia & Eno ’76: The Bear season 2, episode 4 ends with this song shortly after Marcus gets off the phone with Sydney and successfully makes a dish he learned from Luca. It highlights that Marcus feels he is getting the hang of his work and starting to feel like he has found his path.

The Bear Season 2, Episode 5

Episode Title: “Pop”

“Bastards of Young” by The Replacements: When Carmy and Richie are timing and mapping the layout of the new kitchen for “maximum efficiency,” this song from the alternative rock band The Replacements is heard. The song is a somewhat aggressive one, reflecting the chaos of the kitchen, yet still has that hopeful feel as the plans continue to come together.

“Total Control” by The Motels: As The Bear season 2, episode 5 gives an establishing shot of Chicago’s highways, this song begins to play. The song is still playing as Claire and Carmy drive in the car and when Tina is invited to a bar by her classmates.

“Anytime” by Neil Finn: When Carmy and Claire are talking in the car, and she invites him to a party, this song is playing. The song reflects Carmy’s feeling that he is embracing the romance with Claire, but also the feeling that he is losing control of things with this new person in his life.

“Pretty in Pink” by The Psychedelic Furs: As Carmy and Claire walk into the party with some of their old high school classmates, this song is playing.

“Tonight Tonight” by Smashing Pumpkins: A patron at the bar that Tina goes to is singing this Smashing Pumpkins song on karaoke when she first walks in.

“Before the Next Teardrop Falls” by Freddy Fender: Tina sings a beautiful rendition of this song at the karaoke bar during The Bear season 2, episode 5. It is a pivotal moment for the character as she is growing more confident in herself and able to be comfortable with what she is doing.

“Here Comes the Night [Live]” by Van Morrison: When a former classmate comes up to Carmy and calls him “Logan,” this classic Van Morrison song is playing at the party.

“Strange Currencies” by R.E.M.: This song by R.E.M. returns in The Bear season 2 when Carmy asks Claire if she wants to go see the restaurant, with the duo entering as Sugar and Richie are arguing. It cements the song as one that solidifies the romance between Carmy and Claire.

“Can’t Hardly Wait” by The Replacements: Another song by The Replacements is featured on The Bear season 2’s soundtrack at the end of episode 5, as Carmy and Claire finally kiss in the restaurant. It is a song that gives a tentative sense of hope for the future between these two while also suggesting things are unclear.

The Bear Season 2, Episode 6

Episode Title: “Fishes”

“It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” by Andy Williams: The Bear season 2, episode 6 opens with this Christmas classic playing in the background while Carmy, Sugar, and Mikey are talking outside the house. The song is a clear juxtaposition of what Christmas is like with the Berzatto family, as it is full of stress and hostility.

“All Alone on Christmas” by Darlene Love: When the episode transitions into the Berzatto home and reveals that this event took place five years ago, this Christmas song is playing. It cements the Christmas setting with an energetic and fun tune as the audience is introduced to all of the surprise cameos in the episode playing various members of the family.

“Merry Christmas (I Don’t Want To Fight Tonight)” by Ramones: This iconic punk rock band’s Christmas song plays when Carmy’s mom, Donna, is first introduced. The more aggressive take on the Christmas song reflects the way Donna introduces a lot of chaos into the holiday festivities. And of course, the title echoes the underlying tension – none of the kids want to have a fight that night, but we all know it’s coming.

“Got My Mind Set on You” by George Harrison: This song plays while members of the Berzatto family tree are fighting in the kitchen and Mikey makes Carmy say “I love you.”

“Still the Night” by BoDeans: After Richie leaves Tiffany’s room and Donna drops her artichoke on the floor, this song plays.

“Citta vuota” by Mina: This Italian tune is heard while Fak and his brother are discussing their sister, Francie.

“The Little White Duck” by Dorothy Olsen: When Donna explains the story about how Natalie earned her nickname “Sugar,” this song is playing. It is a child’s song that serves as a link to the story of Sugar in her younger days and how Donna chooses to still let that memory reflect on her adult daughter to this day.

“Dominick the Donkey” by Lou Monte: Richie briefly films Fak and his brother Ted dancing to this song during The Bear’s Christmas episode. It is one of the sillier Christmas songs which feels like the ideal fit for the two Fak brothers and one that they embrace.

“I Want You” by Lindsey Buckingham: When Donna tells Sugar that nobody would miss her if she was gone, this song is playing in the background.

“A Marshmallow World” by Dean Martin: As Bob Odenkirk’s character Uncle Lee interrupts a story that Mikey has already told several times, this Christmas track plays. It is another interesting juxtaposition between the lighthearted and warm Christmas tunes and the growing tension of the family get-together.

“Something So Wrong” by Crowded House: Sarah Paulson’s character Michelle Berzatto asks her cousin Carmy to stay with her in New York while this song plays. It is a moment of warning that Michelle is trying to help her cousin and steer him away from the toxic environment he is in with the song highlighting her concerns for him.

“When I Fall” by Steve Earle: When Uncle Jimmy tells Richie’s wife Tiff a story about his father and a chocolate banana, this song plays. It is a nice moment for the usually stoic and in-charge Uncle Jimmy, showing some vulnerability and opening up about a childhood memory. The chocolate banana comes back in The Bear season 2 finale, showing that Richie was listening to the story and remembered.

“The Things We Did Last Summer” by Dean Martin: This song plays when Carmy finds Donna crying in the kitchen and she states that nobody makes things beautiful for her. The song reflects how Donna cannot enjoy the joy and good times of the moment as she is overcome with everything that is wrong and missing in her life.

“The Christmas Song” by Weezer: The Bear season 2’s tragic Christmas episode ends with this Weezer cover playing over the closing credits.

The Bear Season 2, Episode 7

Episode Title: “Forks”

“Glass Concrete & Stone” by David Byrne: This song plays over the montage of Richie waking up and cleaning forks at Ever during The Bear season 2, episode 7. There is a melancholic vibe to the song that reflects Richie’s unwillingness to be doing this task Carmy set up for him. However, it is also a song about putting in the work to achieve something more, which reflects Richie’s journey.

“Diamond Diary” by Tangerine Dream: When Richie is finally able to put on a suit and learn about running the front of the house at Chef Terry’s restaurant, this song plays. The song comes from the Michael Mann movieThief and gives the sense of a lot going on, but all for a purpose and all with precision which reflects the operations inside the kitchen.

“Love Story (Taylor’s Version)” by Taylor Swift: Richie gleefully sings this Taylor Swift song as he drives home from a successful day of staging. The song plays again during the closing credits of The Bear season 2, episode 7. It marks a triumphant moment for Richie where he is able to find skills and purpose in his work.

The Bear Season 2, Episode 8

Episode Title: “Bolognese”

“Lay My Love” by Brian Eno and John Cale: When Ebra sees Tina washing the sandwich window at the start of the episode, this song plays.

“Stop Your Sobbing” by Pretenders: The Pretenders’ music returns during The Bear season 2, episode 8, after Carmy, Sydney, and Marcus decide on a cannoli for the restaurant. While there is still a lot of anxiety and fear surrounding the opening of the restaurant, this song offers the suggestion of the characters pushing those feelings aside and embracing what is working.

“The Crane Wife 3” By The Decemberists: This song plays when Carmy finds Fak hiding in the walk-in freezer and the two decide that Claire is Carmy’s girlfriend. The song reflects the way Carmy feels about Claire and the happiness in how he talks about her, especially when admitting that she is his girlfriend.

“Throw Your Arms Around Me” by Neil Finn & Eddie Vedder: After The Bear finally passes their fire suppression test, this song plays at the end of the episode and into the closing credits. The song reflects the feeling of something great and exciting while also highlighting that this is just the beginning and there will be plenty of triumphs and failures ahead.

The Bear Season 2, Episode 9

Episode Title: “Omelette”

“The Day the World Went Away” by Nine Inch Nails: This 1999 alternative rock song is featured in The Bear season 2’s penultimate episode during a montage of Claire and Carmy in bed. As the opening of the restaurant gets closer, this song reflects that Carmy is also getting swept up in his romance with Claire. While it is not necessarily fair to suggest she is distracting him, that is ultimately something that Carmy feels himself.

“Strange Currencies” by R.E.M.: This song returns yet again when Carmy begins panicking and having visions of bad moments, Sydney’s encouraging words, and Claire. Given that this song is linked to Carmy and Claire, it is interesting that it now becomes meshed with his thoughts of Sydney as well, which could lead to his second thoughts about his romance with Claire.

“New Noise” by Refused: This song also plays again when the kitchen prepares the meat for the opening and Carmy becomes angry over the pots being on the wrong side. It is the song that best reflects the chaos, fast-paced environment, and stress of the kitchen setting. It is also a song that seems to reflect Carmy’s own boiling anger and stress.

“Come Back (Live)” by Pearl Jam: While Carmy and Sydney fix a table together and finally apologize to one another, this song plays. The song is a great shift from the chaos of the kitchen to this quieter and more intimate moment between Carmy and Sydney.

“If You Want Blood” by AC/DC: As the tempo picks up and the restaurant opens, this AC/DC song plays right after Sydney says, “Let it rip.” The song sets the stage for the finale in an epic way with the restaurant still juggling a lot of unknown aspects and issues. However, it shows that the staff are ready to take on the challenge.

The Bear Season 2, Episode 10

Episode Title: “The Bear”

“Supernova” by Liza Phair: When the first dishes are brought to tables on opening night, this song is playing on the floor. The song reflects the staff operating at their highest and helping things run smoothly. However, there is also a calmness to the song that reflects the vibe the kitchen is trying to achieve.

“Velouria” by The Pixies: This song plays when Richie brings the focaccia out to tables and Sugar realizes she has to fix the toilets.

“Vega-Tables” by Brian Wilson: When Fak walks in on Sugar plunging the toilets, this song is heard during The Bear’s season 2 finale.

“Spiders (Kidsmoke)” by Wilco: Chicago band Wilco returns to The Bear’s season 2 soundtrack when Carmy apologizes to Sydney for yelling and Sydney apologizes to Carmy for letting the fish get cold.

“Animal” by Pearl Jam: Another Pearl Jam song plays in The Bear’s season 2 finale once Sydney says “drive” and Richie starts the five-minute timer.

“Hope We Can Again” by Nine Inch Nails: This instrumental song plays a couple of times throughout the final episode of season 2, specifically in two pivotal moments. The first is when Pete and Donna talk outside the restaurant where she explains she won’t be coming in and the second time is as Carmy and Richie argue through the freezer door. Amid the growing triumph of the evening, the song undercuts it with these tragic moments.

“Half a World Away” by R.E.M.: The final moments of The Bear’s season 2 finale are scored by this R.E.M. song after the kitchen smiles at their success and Sydney wins the approval of her father. The song reflects the sense of relief at what they have accomplished while also highlighting the journey it took to get there and all the hard work they put into it.

Where To Stream The Bear Season 2 Soundtrack

FX Provides The Complete Soundtrack On Their Website

The Bear season 2 soundtrack can be found on a variety of streaming platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music. The songs for season 2 are also included on FX’s official site for the series. The fact that the network features the music prominently along with the other info related to the series shows how important the music is to The Bear.

The Bear Season 3 Repeated A Season 2 Music Cue

Nine Inch Nails Returns In The Latest Season

The Bear season 3 soundtrack continues to highlight the terrific variety of music the series delivers. Interestingly, the latest season of the show also repeats a musical element that was used very memorably in the second season of The Bear. Season 3 kicks off with episode 1, “Tomorrow”, which uses the Nine Inch Nails song “Together” as its score. This is similar to the season 2 finale episode, “The Bear”, which used an instrumental version of Nine Inch Nails’ “Hope We Can Again” various times in the episode.

The fact that both songs are instrumental versions of Nine Inch Nails songs is perhaps not surprising for fans who know the bands’ members, Atticus Ross and Trent Reznor, as some of the most acclaimed composers in movies and television these days. The songs both play like scores in their respective episodes. “The Bear” uses the song to highlight the heartbreaking moments of the big night, while “Tomorrow” is a unique episode that plays like an extended montage with very little dialogue spoken softly under the music.

In both instances, the songs highlight the depression that Carmy cannot seem to escape. Amid the opening of the restaurant, “The Bear” finds Carmy locked in a freezer and confronted with his own dark thoughts and past mistakes, unable to escape and embrace the success of the night. The fact that the song plays as his mother cannot bring herself to come into the restaurant shows the way his mental health struggles mirror her own.

In “Tomorrow”, the Nine Inch Nails song highlights how Carmy’s depression has played out in the past, the present, and the future with teases to what comes later in the season. Even without lyrics, it is not hard to feel the melancholic vibe of these songs. They feel like a heavy burden that cannot easily be lifted, making them perfect songs to highlight the struggles Carmy continuously faces in The Bear.