Super Soundtrack: “Gossip Girl” (2021) on HBO Max

You might think know the original “Gossip Girl,” but that doesn’t mean you have a clue what’s coming in this new reboot. Brand new characters, new drama, lots of money, and a new Gossip Girl (but the same iconic narration coming from Kristen Bell). As the school year begins for New York’s elite, a new student at Constance St. Jude’s finds herself thrust into the spotlight, while a mysterious presence threatens to shake the status quo.

The music featured in this show is extremely relevant to what high schoolers and college age kids are listening to right now (even if we don’t all have the same sized bank accounts or live as elite lives as these eccentric characters). If you’re a fan of today’s music and you’re looking for your new teen drama obsession, well then do I have a story for you… XOXO…

Season 1 Episode 1: “Just Another Girl on the MTA”

“All My Girls Like To Fight” by Hope Tala

The first episode of the Gossip Girl reboot opens with Hope Tala’s 2020 song “All My Girls Like To Fight,” which just based on the title should give you some insight into what’s in store the rest of this episode. The rising UK R&B singer released this song on her Girl Eats Sun EP last year.

“Super Rich Kids” by Frank Ocean

The cast we’ve just been introduced to, AKA “The Seven Samurai,” meet up together in front of St. Jude’s with “Super Rich Kids” by Frank Ocean serving as the soundtrack. Fitting for a bunch of “super rich kids with nothing but loose ends” as you’ll come to see over these next few episodes. If you watched the trailer, you knew this Frank Ocean needle drop was coming, but the just works so well.

“Take Me Where Your Heart Is” by Q

If you’ve been anxiously awaiting this reboot, then you’re familiar with the photos of the cast on the stairs in front of their school that came out when production first started on the series. Yes, the pictures back before we knew really anything about this reboot. In that scene, our newest character is introduced to the rest of the group while Q’s “Take Me Where Your Heart Is” plays.

“positions” by Ariana Grande

We all knew an Ariana Grande song was going to pop up in this show, it was just a matter of when and which one? Well, when the title card drops (twenty minutes in, might I add) and the characters all get alerts from the new Gossip Girl Instagram, “positions” starts playing.

“Drinks” by Cyn

Rich people regularly attend lavish parties and banquets and fashion shows, all behavior you’ll get acquainted to in this show. At one of such events, “Drinks” by Cyn soundtracks the party. Interestingly, this same song appeared on the soundtrack for Promising Young Woman last year.

“Steam” by Exmiranda

While Audrey and Max are talking, we can hear “Steam” by Exmirada playing in the background. (I’m trying to be as spoiler-free as possible here, so sometimes I can’t give up too much about the scenes!)

“RUNAWAY” by REI AMI

Here’s your warning that there are sex scenes in this show. I mean, I don’t know what else you were expecting, but they’re in the show. Well, during a sex scene in a closet, REI AMI’s 2020 single “Runaway” can be heard.

“Therefore I Am” by Billie Eilish

A song perfectly suited for a big needle drop moment, “Therefore I Am” by Billie Eilish plays as Zoya wakes up to a flurry of notifications on her phone.

“Rascal (Superstar)” by Tinashe

This 2020 Nashe song plays while Julien and Zoya are plotting and scheming a plan together. As Tinashe sings in “Rascal,” “money, cash, clothes, fast cars” are four things these characters are very familiar with in this show.

“Just Checking In” by Kilo

I love when shows take songs that might not necessarily be the biggest hits or from the biggest artists in the world, but they suit the scene really well. That happens here when Kilo’s 2020 song “Just Checking In” plays during a somewhat steamy scene in a walk-in closet.

“Spiders” by Junglepussy

Monet and Luna share a scene together, and while they’re talking, you can hear Junglepussy’s song “Spiders” playing in the background.

“A Palé” by ROSALÍA

The fashion show starts, and ROSALÍA’s “A Palé” starts playing. Now, I think it should be standard practice that this song must play during every fashion show sequence we have from here on out because it just lends itself to that kind of energy.

“I Can’t Stay The Same” by Vanessa Carlton

Right before the credits start to roll, Vanessa Carlton’s “I Can’t Stay The Same” plays. As you might be able to tell from the acoustic, vibey feel of the song, it soundtracks a montage sequence of all the characters reeling after the events that just went down from this episode.

Episode 2: “She’s Having A Maybe”

“Spotlight” by Jessie Ware

The episode starts as we see the teachers getting ready for parent teacher conferences with Jessie Ware’s “Spotlight” playing in the background. She released the disco-inspired song on her 2020 album, What’s Your Pleasure.

“Drifting Away” by khai dreams

Introducing the second episode this season is “Drifting Away” by khai dreams, which also plays as the title card drops. Featured on his 2017 album, Summer is Like a Dream, the song samples production from “We Can’t Be Friends” by Dream Koala.

“Jaguar” by Victoria Monét

The title track from Victoria Monét’s 2020 JAGUAR EP is heard while Zoya is checking Instagram on her phone in her room. Mixing R&B with funk is what Monét is best at, never more evident than on smooth songs such as this one. She’s beyond incredible as an artist in her own right, but she is also responsible for hit songs by Ariana Grande, Chloe x Halle, Fifth Harmony.

“All That” by Emotional Oranges

Emotional Oranges’ song “All That” can be heard playing in the background of one of the first scenes at the party.

“Dora” by Tierra Whack

The bathhouse scene (won’t say any more than that) is soundtracked by Tierra Whack’s 2020 song “Dora.” Featuring her one-of-a-kind playful energy, Tierra also released a music video for the song that channeled kids’ TV shows and incorporated stop-motion animation as an homage to Fred Rogers and Jim Henson’s positivity.

“Freak” by Doja Cat

We all remember when this Doja Cat song went viral on TikTok when everyone started doing the #SilhouetteChallenge.  Everyone getting ready for their night out 

“Put Your Head On My Shoulder” by Paul Anka

A perfect song to accompany the on that plays before it, “Put Your Head On My Shoulder” was also part of the viral #SilhouetteChallenge. It plays in the background of a scene at the party. It was used in such a fitting way to go along with Doja Cat’s “Freak” and subtly draw from the viral moment without making it sound like they just ripped it from TikTok.

“Saturdays” by Twin Shadow ft. HAIM

Twin Shadow and HAIM’s glossy, synth-soaked pop song is playing while Zoya and Obie are together at the gas station. Twin Shadow previously co-wrote songs for the trio, so it was fitting they finally have a true collaboration. 

“Once Upon A Time” by SHAED

With the students scattered across the courtyard, SHAED’s “Once Upon A Time” is playing. Featured on their debut album, High Dive, the project also features their biggest hit to date “Trampoline.”

Episode 3: “Lies Wide Shut”

“Without You” by Perfume Genius

The first song from this week’s episode is “Without You” by Perfume Genius. Appearing on Perfume Genius’ 2020 album, Set My Heart on Fire Immediately, it’s described as a country song about body dysmorphia.

“Same Damn Luck” by Nilüfer Yanya

While a couple of characters are having a conversation at school, “Sam Damn Luck” is playing. Nilüfer Yanya released the song on her 2020 Feeling Lucky? EP. 

“IPHONE” by Rico Nasty

At the club with Aki and Max, we can hear Rico Nasty’s 2020 song, “IPHONE,” playing in the background. The song was produced by 100 gecs’ Dylan Brady, and it later appeared on her debut album, Nightmare Vacation.

“Acid Rain” by Lxury

Lxury released “Acid Rain” in 2017, and you can hear the song playing in the background of one of the scenes this episode.

“CLOUDS” by Park Hye Jin & Nosaj Thing

South Korean DJ/producer collaborated with LA producer Nosaj Thing on “Clouds” for a downtempo EDM song.

“Two Hearts” by Zola Blood

London electronic band Zola Blood released this song on their EP also titled Two Hearts. 

“STOP!” by UPSAHL

UPSAHL released “STOP!” earlier this year in February. UPSAHL is an artist who blends pop with alternative music, which is evident on this song.

“Teardrop” by Hayley Williams

Julien goes and takes a secret picture, and Hayley Williams’ rendition of “Teardrop” can be heard. The Paramore singer performed the cover of Massive Attack’s song “Teardrop” at Jack Antonoff’s annual Ally Coalition Talent Show in December 2020. It was later released digitally on all streaming platforms by mid-January 2021.

“Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive” by Aretha Franklin

The song was first released by Johnny Mercer and The Pied Pipers in 1994 and was even nominated for Best Original Song at the Oscars in 1945 when it was used in Here Come the Waves. All of that was before Aretha Franklin recorded her cover in 1962 for her album, The Electrifying Aretha Franklin.

“Never Say Never” by Romeo Void

Romeo Void released this song in 1982, and it was one of MTV’s earliest and most popular music videos. Featured on their album, Benefactor, the song has a funky baseline and saxophone that blends the style of punk and rock.

“Harden My Heart” by Quarterflash

This Quarterflash 1981 hit plays at the after party that followed the play. Quarterflash lead singer Rindy Ross has long drawn comparisons to Pat Benatar because of their similar singing style.

“Cloudbusting” by Kate Bush

Kate Bush released “Cloudbusting” as the second single from her 1985 album, Hounds of Love. The song was inspired by Peter Reich’s 1973 memoir, A Book of Dreams.

“Hardline” by Julien Baker

A fast-paced montage seeing the after effects of what went down throughout this episode with several of the characters plays with this song as its soundtrack. Julien Baker released “Hardline” as the opening track off her album, Little Oblivions, earlier this year. 

“ROYL” by Chloe x Halle

This Chloe x Halle song plays during the episode’s final scene right before the end credits. “ROYL” stands for “Rest Of Your Life,” and Chloe x Halle released on their critically-acclaimed sophomore album, Ungodly Hour, in 2020. Fitting very much with a theme throughout Gossip Girl, the song is about living your life without thinking about the consequences or mistakes to be made.

Episode 4: “Fire Walks with Z”

“Bonafide” by Emotional Oranges ft. Chiiild 

This episode opens with everyone waking up to start the day with this song playing. Emotional Oranges collaborated with Chiiild on their song “Bonafide” off their 2021 project, The Juicebox, which harkens back to R&B hits from the early 2000s.

“Bibles” by Jaja Bu

In the background while Julien and Audrey are getting ready in their spacious walk-in closet, you can hear “Bibles” by Jaja Bu playing. The song was released earlier this year, and it totally embodies the indie-pop wave that is taking over music right now.

“Best Friend” by Saweetie ft. Doja Cat

Zoya and Julien are on the blue carpet at the party together, “Best Friend” is playing. Although, the song isn’t necessarily the best representation of the two’s relationship at the moment. Saweetie recruited Doja Cat for the song, which has been one of the most viral hits of 2021. It is also the third single off Saweetie’s upcoming debut album, Pretty Bitch Music.

“Lavender” by Disclosure & Channel Tres

This episode features one of the most electrifyingly fun party scenes in television or film over the past few years. With that comes an exceptionally relevant playlist of party music (if we were able to have parties like we used to). The first song playing at the party is Disclosure and Channel Tres’ “Lavender,” released on Disclosure’s 2020 album, ENERGY.

“Waves of Blue” by Majid Jordan

The next party song is “Waves of Blue” by Majid Jordan. The duo premiered the song on OVO Sound Radio before releasing it earlier this year. It is the first single off their upcoming third album.

“Body” by Megan Thee Stallion

“Body-ody-ody-ody” soundtracks the next scene of the party with Megan Thee Stallion’s hit song. It’s one of the biggest hits of the year, we’ve all heard it and loved it, and it’s featured on her 2020 album, Good News. 

“Say So” by Doja Cat

The budget for this episode’s soundtrack music have been absolutely insane, so they pulled out all of Today’s Top Hits. Doja Cat’s second song in this episode alone (third in the series so far), “Say So” was a monumental hit for her, going on to be nominated for countless awards, and even featuring Nicki Minaj on a remix.

“Levitating” by Dua Lipa

The party continues with Dua Lipa’s smash hit “Levitating” playing in the background. Notably, the solo version of the song is heard. The song was featured on Dua’s 2020 album, Future Nostalgia, exquisitely combining the sounds of electro-disco-dance-pop that only Dua can do. Every time you turn on the radio, you hear this playing.

“Impact” by SG Lewis, Robyn & Channel Tres

This song is playing at the party, and it can also be heard during Princess Nokia’s guest star where she makes a cameo in a role playing herself. The second song Channel Tres is featured on in this episode, “Impact” is a collaboration with SG Lewis and Robyn. 

“It’s Not My Fault” by Princess Nokia

Princess Nokia guest stars in the episode, and she performs her song “It’s Not My Fault” live at the party after Julien’s speech. If you didn’t love the song before, you will now.

“Dionne” by The Japanese House ft. Justin Vernon

After Julien and Zoya’s conversation at the party, “Dionne” is heard playing. Japanese Breakfast and Justin Vernon of Bon Iver’s voices are a match made in heaven. This collab is featured on The Japanese House’s 2020 Chewing Cotton Wool EP.

Episode 5: “Hope Sinks”

“Gospel for a New Century” by Yves Tumor

While title card drops, Yves Tumor’s 2020 song, “Gospel for a New Century” is playing over it. The song appears on Tumor’s fourth album, Heaven to a Tortured Mind. This song is likely the most critically acclaimed song off the album.

“Solar Power” by Lorde

Julien, Zoya, Audrey, Luna, and Monet are talking at lunch while one of Lorde’s latest hits, “Solar Power,” is heard. This might just be the most recently released songs on the soundtrack, as Lorde released this as a single less than two months ago.

“The Kiss of Venus” by Paul McCartney & Dominic Fike

This is heard playing under a scene while Audrey and the rest of group are talking. Paul McCartney recruited a variety of contemporary artists to cover the songs off his 2020 album, McCartney III, for a new Reimagined version. Dominic Fike was chosen for the song “The Kiss of Venus,” but really any song from Fike would fit the vibe of Gossip Girl.

“RHYTHM IN YOUR POSE” by SJU

A short cut of SJU’s song, “Rhythm in Your Pose,” plays in the background of the show. SJU released the song earlier this year on the album, RHYTHM IN YOUR POSE.

“By Now” by Vérité

Another song that is subtly featured in the background of a scene is Vérité’s song, “By Now.” This alternative pop song from Vérité was released this April, and it possesses both an upbeat yet haunting sound.

“Gem” by Jane Inc.

Jane Inc.’s song, “Gem” is heard quietly playing in the background. Jane Inc. released their disco-inspired song “Gem” on their project, Number One, in early 2021. The synth-pop single fits right in to the vibe of this episode.

“Nada” by Christine and the Queens

During a scene that takes place at the bar, Christine and the Queens’ “Nada” is playing. While this might be considered “just an album track” by some, “Nada” appears on Christine and the Queens’ 2020 project, La vita nuova. Christine and the Queens is one of the most critically acclaimed artists to debut in recent years.

“If I Were A Bell” by Blossom Dearie

In a scene set at Audrey’s house while she is finishing up dinner for her mom, this song is playing in the dining room. “If I Were A Bell” was originally composed by Frank Loesser for his 1950 musical, Guys and Dolls, but Blossom Dearie sings a version of this song on Once Upon a Summertime.

“Chaise Lounge” by Wet Leg

At the Halloween party, “Chaise Lounge” is playing. The band’s debut single, “Chaise Lounge” was released by Wet Leg this summer. It was the English group’s first release since signing with Domino Records. 

“I Put A Spell On You” by Billy Porter

Billy Porter appears as a special guest star on this episode to perform “I Put A Spell On You” live at the Halloween party. Tony Award-winning, Grammy Award-winning, Golden Globe Award-winning, Emmy Award-winning actor Billy Porter makes a guest appearance to perform a live rendition of “I Put A Spell On You.”

“Perdido” by Count Basie & Sarah Vaughn

Heard playing in the background at the party, “Perdido” is off a jazz album aptly titled Count Basie/Sarah Vaughan by singer Sarah Vaughan joined by the Count Basie Orchestra.

“Sack o’Woe” by Jamie Cullum

In 2015, Jamie Cullum released his album, Interlude, and it featured this song, “Sack o’Woe.”

“Rockin Zombie” by The Crewnecks

Heard in the background at the bar where the teachers, Mrs. Kate Keller and Mr. Jordan Glassberg, meet up to talk, The Crewnecks released “Rockin’ Zombie” back in 1959.

“Mambop” by Lao Schifrin

Another song playing at the Halloween party is “Mambop.” Lao Schifrin is an Argentine-American pianist and composer, who has worked on the scores for several films and TV scores.

“Halloween” by Phoebe Bridgers

This Phoebe Bridgers song is the final song of the episode. It plays while Zoya and Julien talking before the scene switches to show Audrey and Aki talking. Capping off all of the Halloween related drama that transpired during this episode, Appearing on her 2020 album, Punisher, “Halloween” features Phoebe Bridgers singing with background vocals from Bright Eyes’ Conor Oberst. It is also especially fitting that the song played in the Halloween episode.

Episode 6: “Parentsite”

“Hey Lou” by Liz Phair

The first song in the episode plays while we watch each of the kids with their parents or at home preparing for the day. Liz Phair’s first new song in nearly two years, “Hey Lou” was released in early 2021 and appears on her album, Soberish.

“Medallion” by Jenevieve

While Julien is meeting with the reps, this song is playing. R&B singer Jenevieve released the song “Medallion” in 2020 on her project titled Division.

“If You Wanna (Gianna Brezzo Remix)” by J.Lamotta

J.Lamotta originally released the song “If You Wanna” on the album, Suzume, before releasing a remix album titled Suzume Remixed. Gianna Brezzo remixed the song, and their version is featured in the show. 

“Mozart’s Piano Sonata No. 3 in B-Flat Major, K. 281: I. Allegro” by William Youn

William Youn released this rendition in 2017, but, of course, Mozart composed Piano Sonata No. 3 in 1774.

“I Don’t Know” by Bill Withers

While Ms. Kate Keller and Nick Lott are talking, this song is heard under the scene. Every Bill Withers song just sounds like a classic, but this one, “I Don’t Know,” was originally released in 1972 on his album, Stay Bill.

“WAKING UP DOWN” by Yaeji

In the background at Julien’s party/meeting with hundreds of reps, we hear the chill house song, “WAKING UP DOWN,” which was the lead single off Yaeji’s mixtape, WHAT WE DREW 우리가그려왔던.

“Burn Your Life Down” by Bleachers

This song plays while Julien and Obie are talking on the sidewalk, the Jack Antonoff-lead band, Bleachers, covered Tegan and Sara’s song “Burn Your Life Down” on the duo’s 2017 album of covers, Tegan and Sara Present The Con X: Covers. Cyndi Lauper, Hayley Williams, Sara Bareilles, Mykki Blanco, CHVRCHES, and others also offered up their own covers on the project.

“(You Don’t Know) How Glad I Am” by Nancy Wilson

Aki and Max are at Audrey’s house for dinner when this Nancy Wilson song plays. Written by Jimmy Williams and Larry Harrison, Nancy Wilson is the one that made the song, “(You Don’t Know) How Glad I Am,” a hit when it became her first top 40 pop hit single.

“Hieroglyphs” by TRZTN ft. Karen O

During a mashup of scenes with very pivotal moments involving Aki, Audrey, Max, Julien, and Obie, “Hieroglyphs” serves as the soundtrack. TRZTN is an artist based out of Paris, who recruited the Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ Karen O to feature on the song, “Hieroglyphs.” The two of them previously worked together on the soundtrack for Where The Wild Things Are.

Episode 7: “Once Upon a Time in the Upper West”

“Psycho Hole” by Ashwarya

Heard as the first song in Part B when we see the characters getting ready for their day

“Focus” by H.E.R.

Heard when Audrey is having flashbacks

“Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh” by Say Hi

Heard when Gossip Girl makes a new post on Instagram, and everybody gets the notification

“this is me trying” by Taylor Swift

Heard after Julien and Zoya hang up the phone after talking to each other, and then Julien goes and kisses [REDACTED]

“I Walk A Little Faster” by Blossom Dearie

Heard playing in the background at Audrey’s apartment while she is setting the table for Thanksgiving

“Softly As In A Morning Sunrise” by Wynton Kelly

Heard as the (many, many, many) guests are arriving to Zoya’s apartment for Thanksgiving

“To Life (L’chaim)” by Cannonball Adderley

Heard playing during “the most iconic Thanksgiving ever”

“Losing True” by The Roches

Heard playing as all of the guests are seen leaving the Thanksgiving dinner

Episode 8: “Posts on a Scandal”

“PAIN” by King Princess

Heard at the very beginning of the episode

“It Makes You Forget (Itgehane Edit)” by Peggy Gou

Heard playing at the party while Julien and Lola are talking

“Willow Weep For Me” by Ray Bryant

Heard playing in the background of Max’s date

“It’s Not for Me to Say (from the album Johnny’s Greatest Hits [1958])” by Johnny Mathis

Heard when Aki walks into dinner with his father

“Apricots” by Bicep

Heard at the party while Julien and Zoya argue

“Rules (Big Miz Remix)” by Hot Since 82 & Big Miz

Heard at the party as Max arrives

“We Could” by Al Martino

Heard playing in the background at the grill while Aki, Ali’s father, Obie, and Obie’s mother are talking 

“Bets Off” by alexmaax

Heard at the end of the episode while Julien is reading the messages off of the phone to her dad

Episode 9: “Blackberry Narcissus”

“Boys Will Be Boys” by Dua Lipa

Heard at the very beginning of the episode

“Bunny Is A Rider” by Caroline Polachek

Heard while Audrey is at the coffee shop talking to the barista and watching Aki

“Summer Kisses Winter Tears” by Elvis Presley

Heard in the background when Max gets home and sees Gideon in the front room

“Wrapped in Red” by Kelly Clarkson

Heard playing at the coffee shop while Aki and Audrey are talking

“Note To Self” by Jim-E Stack ft. Empress Of

Heard during a montage of what all of the different characters are up to, separately

“I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)” by Whitney Houston

Heard in a video clip of Julien singing the song

“No Hard Feelings” by Wolf Alice

Heard when Audrey and Aki get back from their dates apart

“traitor” by Olivia Rodrigo

Heard at the end of the episode after Julien talks to the victim, when Max goes over to see Audrey and Aki, and Gossip Girl shares a new post

Episode 10: “Final Cancellation”

“What’s The Point” by Empress Of

Heard at the very beginning of the episode

“White Christmas” by Ray Coniff

Heard in the background

“Back On The Fence” by Healy (feat. Becky and the Birds)

Heard when Zoya is meeting with her new scholarship donor

“Fiddler On the Roof” by Cannonball Adderley

Heard playing in the background at the party that Audrey invited herself to attend with her mom Kiki

“Julien” by Carly Rae Jepsen

Heard playing at Julien’s party

“Matchmaker (from Fiddler On The Roof)” by Cannonball Adderley

Heard playing in the background at the party that Audrey invited herself to attend with her mom Kiki

“Keep Moving” by Jungle

Heard playing in the background at Julien’s party

“Walk The Beat” by Tierra Whack

Heard in the background at Julien’s party when the “Julions” — Julien’s stans — arrive to the party

“Papa, Can You Hear Me?” by John Williams with Itzhak Perlman and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra

Heard playing in the background

“Wildfire” by Cautious Clay

Heard while Obie and Julien are talking at her party

“Blades of Grass” by Wet

Heard while Audrey, her mom Kiki, and Aki are walking down the street together

“Lonesome Tears” by Beck

 Heard at the end of the episode when we check in with each of the characters

Episode 11: “You Can’t Take It With Jules”

“Merry Christmas, Baby” by Ike & Tina Turner

Heard at the very beginning of the episode

“God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” by Annie Lennox

Heard when Obie’s sister, Heidi, arrives early

“It Won’t Be Long ‘Til Christmas” by Diana Ross and The Supremes

Heard when Julien arrives home to find her grandma putting up a Christmas tree

“Cocoa Beach” by MUNYA

Heard while Obie, Heidi, her fiancé, and Max meet for drinks

“Only Yesterday” by The Carpenters

Heard while the two teachers — Kate and Jordan — visit Sharon

“Cool Yule” Louis Armstrong & the Commanders

Heard while Kate and Wendy are talking at the party

“I’ll Be Home For Christmas” by The Beach Boys

Heard while Audrey and Julien are talking in the lobby, and Julien gives Audrey an early Christmas gift

“Silent Night (from the album Taylor Mac’s Holiday Sauce)” by Taylor Mac

Heard when the song is performed live at a speakeasy

“Fairytale of New York” by The Pogues & Kirsty MacColl

Heard while the teachers’ “phones are stolen” during intermission

“Ole Santa” by Dinah Washington

Heard during intermission when all of the characters’ chaos continues to ensue during intermission

“Christmas Wrapping” by The Waitresses

Heard while Zoya is talking to her dad

“Pressure Machine (Abridged)” by The Killers

Heard at the end of the episode while different characters’ conflicts turn a new corner

Episode 12: “Gossip Gone, Girl”

“brutal” by Olivia Rodrigo

Heard at the very beginning of the episode while the whole city is facing Gossip Girl’s Google doc leaking everything, as well as who reported what to Gossip Girl

“Big Wheel” by Samia

Heard while Julien and two friends are packing Julien’s clothes from her closet

“True Seekers” by Sleigh Bells

Heard when Julien finds out that Obie has been seeing someone

“Golden” by Zella Day

Heard when we see Julien and Zoya pull up to the trip at the weekend house

“Witchoo” by Durand Jones & The Indications

Heard while Julien brings the duck sausage to the table, and Obie’s date brings pasta to the table

“Get Over Here” by Aly & AJ

Heard playing while the group is playing Jenga

“B.O.M.B.” by St. Panther

Heard playing while the group is playing a card game together

“Wild Heart” by Stevie Nicks

Heard playing at the bar that the group visits every year (ironically, of course)

“Blue Gardenia” by Dinah Washington

Heard in the background while Kate and Zoya’s dad are talking

“Be Sweet” by Japanese Breakfast

Heard playing at the bar while Lulu and Rob are talking

“Something Just Like This” by The Chainsmokers & Coldplay

Heard when Rob picks the song to play on the jukebox for Lulu, and then Audrey and Aki pull Max onto the dance floor while Julien and Obie sing along to the song sitting at the bar

“Shallow” by Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper

Heard when Obie’s new girlfriend sings the song for bar karaoke while drunk

“Good Ones” by Charli XCX

Heard while Audrey and Aki are getting dressed before Max comes into the room

“Have Mercy” by Chlöe

Heard playing in the background at the 

“Introvert” by Little Simz

Heard while Julien is typing up a scathing message to Gossip Girl

Season one of Gossip Girl is now streaming on HBO Max, and the show has already been renewed for a second season.