The Sopranos soundtrack: Complete guide to all the songs featured in the show

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The Sopranos (1999-2007) is a crime drama that follows Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini), whose struggle to balance his dysfunctional family and a life of organized crime leads to a panic attack. He visits Dr. Melfi, a psychiatrist, and the show is mostly told through his sessions at her office.

The series toes the line between power, crime, love, and family through the eyes of a New Jersey-based crime boss. With an ensemble cast featuring Edie Falco, Tony Sirico, Michael Imperioli, Lorraine Bracco, and Drea de Matteo, the show's six-season run made it a cult classic for crime drama fans.

The Sopranos mostly uses diegetic music, AKA music that is naturally present in the characters' world. Its lack of a background soundtrack adds to the show's realism, pushing viewers to become a part of the premise instead of dictating how they must feel. Montage shots and other establishing moments use background music to add to the feel.

With jazz, pop, hip-hop, and rock music, the show's soundtrack elevates the era it is set.


Music featured on The Sopranos for fans to enjoy

The Sopranos season 1 soundtrack (1999)

Season 1 of The Sopranos sets up the structure within the DiMeo crime family, with Tony and Uncle Junior fighting for more power after their boss, Jackie Aprile, dies. Music from Sting, Annie Lennox, British band Alabama 3, and others underscores character establishment and interesting developments.


The Sopranos season 2 soundtrack (2000)

Tony's stronghold as the Don of the New Jersey crew increases, but with it, so do his marital troubles. To complement the narrative, soundtracks from icons such as Frank Sinatra, Bob Dylan, and Shania Twain feature in this season of The Sopranos


The Sopranos season 3 soundtrack (2001)

Tony makes progress in therapy with Dr. Melfi, while Uncle Junior is released from prison. The Sopranos further explore their family dynamics in season 3. Fans of the HBO show get to hear music from Britney Spears, English rock band Led Zeppelin, and Australian band AC/DC.


The Sopranos season 4 soundtrack (2002)

Tony and Carmela's struggling marriage comes to a head in season 4 of The Sopranos. Songs by Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, Jennifer Lopez, and Coldplay feature in this installment.

Carmela and Tony Soprano (Image via HBO)
Carmela and Tony Soprano (Image via HBO)

The Sopranos season 5 soundtrack (2004)

In this season of The Sopranos, two powerful criminals from the DiMeo family struggle to adjust to life outside prison. Tony and Carmela's separation affects their children. This season features a mix of songs by Kylie Minogue, The Rolling Stones, and Linkin Park.

Silvio and Tony in The Sopranos (Image via HBO)
Silvio and Tony in The Sopranos (Image via HBO)

The Sopranos season 6 soundtrack (2006)

In the series finale of The Sopranos, Tony tries to turn his life around after a near-death experience changes his perspective. Music legends such as Prince, Frank Sinatra, and Sheryl Crow have contributed to this series' soundtrack.

Part 1

Tony's near-death experience (Image via HBO)
Tony's near-death experience (Image via HBO)

Part 2

From the series finale (Image via HBO)
From the series finale (Image via HBO)

The Sopranos used memorable music from its era to establish the show's intense premise, with betrayals, twists, and redemption arcs. Stream all episodes on HBO.