It’s an understatement to say that there are so many things to love about The Umbrella Academy. From the frivolous characters to the mind bending plot twists, there isn’t a part of this show that I was unsatisfied with, including the music. With seamless transitions from fiery violin sequences to iconic classic rock and jazz standards, no stone is left unturned with it’s soundtrack.

One thing that I was genuinely drawn to from the first season was the clear use of juxtaposition between the visuals I was seeing on screen and the song choice behind it; characters being shot down left and right but listening to “Sunshine, Lollipops, and Rainbows” in the background. It is definitely a huge part of the viewing experience and the show wouldn’t have felt the same without it.

Here are my top picks from seasons one & two:

The Walker- Fitz and the Tantrums

As the opening number of the show, we hear an upbeat introduction with a montage of our 7 children being relocated to the Umbrella Academy.

Picture Book- The Kinks

Flashback to 17 years ago, we see our first account of the young Umbrella Academy siblings in action as they dismantle a bank robbery.

I Think We’re Alone Now- Tiffany

One of the most memorable scenes: a dollhouse-like shot of all the siblings in different rooms of the academy, jamming out to this song simultaneously.

Don’t Stop Me Now- Queen

Two of my favorite pairs go head to head. Five & Dolores are reunited and Hazel & Cha Cha are madmen.

Lost Woman- The Yardbirds

Vanya buys a typewriter, ready to spill all the secrets in an exposé on her family life.

In the Heat of the Moment- Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds

We’re back in the future for a stunning montage of Five aging after he time jumps to the apocalypse.

Mary- Big Thief

Klaus mourns the loss of a lover that he met while accidentally traveling to the Vietnam War in 1968.

Dancing in the Moonlight- Toploader

For one of my personal favorites from season one, we share a heartfelt dance with Luther and Allison as they reminisce on their childhood together.

One (Is the Loneliest Number)- Compound Red

Who is Herold Jenkins?

Stormy Weather- Etta James

Allison looks back on her past mistakes of manipulation as she tries to go save Vanya.

All Die Young- Smith Westerns

Five believes the apocalypse is finally over and the group is urged to try and move on from this part of their lives.

Happy Together (ft. Ray Toro)- Gerard Way

Vanya gets first chair while Klaus, Luther, and Diego celebrate making it out of a dangerous deal alive.

Barracuda- Heart

Vanya is a loose cannon and the resentment from her past catches up to her.

Beyond the Sea- Bobby Darin

It’s the 1960’s baby.

Right Back Where We Started From- Maxine Nightingale

The group is all separated across a span of 3 years in Dallas, Texas.

My Way- Frank Sinatra

Didn’t we just travel back in time to outsmart an apocalypse?

Rocket Fuel (ft. De La Soul)- DJ Shadow

Luther participates in a fight club to earn his keep in this new life.

Comin’ Home Baby- Mel Tormé

Diego and Lila break out of a psychiatric hospital together.

I’m a Man- The Spencer Davis Group

Why is their dad in Dallas, Texas in 1963, with an underdeveloped Pogo?

Sunny- Boney M.

Klaus the hippie cult leader? That’s it. That’s the tweet.

I Was Made for Loving You- KISS

The Majestic 12 are compromised when Five, Lila, and Diego infiltrate their meeting in order to get some answers.

Won’t Be Long- Aretha Franklin

Allison works at a barbershop, fighting her way through racial injustice in the year 1961.