No suburbian high school coming-of-age story is complete without a masterfully curated soundtrack, and Netflix’s new original series “I Am Not Okay With This” is no exception. This one in particular has some fantastic songs in the mix that really help shape the characters, bring the story to life, and somehow make its fantastical occurrences feel grounded in reality. Here are my favorite selections from the show – Enjoy!

“I’m Not Like Everybody Else” – The Kinks

We’re introduced to Sydney, the main character, as she walks through school and describes her life in Pennsylvania.

“I See It, I Like It, I Want It” – Shirley Ellis

This is the first time we meet Dina, Sydney’s best friend. Right away it’s clear their friendship is something special, and Sydney tells the audience in a voice over that Dina just makes her “feel different”.

“Hey Little Girl” – Bloodwitch

Stan pulls up in his car and gives Sydney a ride to school.

“Clown” – Midnight Sister

Sydney walks home, upset after Dina turns her down to hang out with Brad. She absentmindedly throws a rock at a railroad crossing sign and is stunned when it flies out of the ground and several feet back.

“Chug A Lug” – Roger Miller

Stan and Syd go grocery shopping and spend the afternoon together.

“Something On Your Mind” – Karen Dalton

After an accident at the grocery store, Stan and Sydney smoke together and go to the football game.

“Every Time You Go Away” – Paul Young

In the words of Sydney, “Dear Diary, I murdered a hedgehog.”

“I Wish I Was A Monkey” – Nervous Norvus

Syd turns to her diary and tries to remember and list all the crazy things that have ensued since her mysterious “powers” came to light.

“As Long As We’re Together” – The Lemon Twigs

Dina and Sydney have a heart to heart as they get ready for a party.

“Jessie’s Girl” – Rick Springfield

Dina and Sydney dance together playfully, drunk at the party, and Syd realizes she may have had feelings for Dina this whole time.

“The King Of Rock N Roll” – Prefab Sprout

This was my personal favorite scene from the whole season. Stan gives a dramatic performance of this song in the shower, making drinks, dancing around his room, and most importantly, practicing asking Sydney to homecoming.

“Holding Out For A Hero” – Bonnie Tyler

Stan tries to test Sydney’s powers in the bowling alley.

“Pissed Punks (Go For It)” – Peter and the Test Tube Babies

Syd, Dina, Brad, and Stan get stuck in detention together. Chaos ensues.

“Here Comes Your Man” – Pixies

This song plays during a montage of Syd, Dina, and Stan getting ready for homecoming at their respective homes.

“Somewhere In My Heart” – Aztec Camera

Syd and Dina walk into homecoming together.

“More Than This” – Roxy Music

Syd sees Stan looking defeated after his date ditches him on the dance floor. She reassures him of their friendship and leads him back to Dina where they dance and talk as a group.

“It Must Have Been Love” – Roxette

Syd and Dina slow dance, and Dina brings up their kiss at the party. They inch closer and almost kiss again but are interrupted by the announcement of homecoming court.

“The Killing Moon” – Echo and the Bunnymen

Syd leaves prom, stunned and drenched in blood, and heads for the abandoned tower.

“That’s Why” – David Marks and the Marksmen

The season closes out with this song after a mysterious figure approaches Syd. The audience is left with a black screen and a huge cliffhanger.

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