Super Soundtrack + Review: “Modern Love” on Amazon Prime Video (Season 2)

Season 2 of Modern Love has premiered on Amazon Prime Video today, and it maintains that sense of charm we came to love with the first season. Pulling stories from essays in the New York Times column, there’s something about a thirty-minute slice-of-real-life that makes this stand out from the sea of streaming options. Showcasing love in all of its different forms is what has set this apart, and I’m happy to say that thread is consistent with this second season.

Modern Love really proves that truth can feel more authentic than fiction sometimes. Some of the craziest stories that you would never be able to come up with in your head happen in real life, especially in the romance genre.

Few shows compare to the star-power this series has, and I think the anthology structure lends itself to bringing in bigger stars because there’s less time commitment to the projects. There’s a level of comfort to the viewer knowing that you’re half an hour away from closure with a set of characters.

This season’s stars include Kit Harrington, Dominique Fishback, Anna Paquin, Minnie Driver, Sophie Okonedo, Tobias Menzies, Zoë Chao, Gbenga Akinnagbe, Tom Burke, Lucy Boynton, Jack Reynor, Lulu Wilson, Milan Ray, Isaac Powell, Garrett Hedlund, Ben Rappaport… wow, there are a lot!

Some standout actors this go-around, for me, include…

• Kit Harington: It was so good to see him on screen again. I loved him in Game of Thrones (of course). I just can’t wait for Eternals.
• Dominique Fishback: She just feels like someone I want to be friends with, and she’s such an incredible actress. I highly recommend watching Judas and the Black Messiah if you haven’t seen it yet. 
• Sophie Okonedo: Recently starring in Ratched, Criminal: UK, and Flack, Okonedo is one of the most versatile and interesting actresses.
• Tobias Menzies: You know him from The Crown and Game of Thrones, and his excellent acting carries right over into Modern Love.
• Zöe Chao: I think Chao is kind of flying under the radar a little bit with a great run of supporting roles in Love Life, Long Weekend, Downhill, Living with Yourself, and The High Note. It’s really nice to see her take center stage here and own the role she’s playing.

Now, let’s get into the music featured in the show…

Episode 1: “On a Serpentine Road, With the Top Down”

Starring Minnie Driver, Don Wycherley, Tom Burke

“Setting Sail” by Gary Clark & John Carney

“Everyday I Write The Book” by Elvis Costello & The Attractions

“Peace Frog” by The Doors

“Traveller” by Lir

“Toot Toot, Chugga Chugga, Big Red Car” by The Wiggles

“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”

“Days Like This” by Van Morrison

Episode 2: “The Night Girl Finds a Day Boy”

Starring Zoë Chao, Gbenga Akinnagbe, Apart Nancherla

“Dreamin’s for Free” by Ben Pirani

“Now Is The Time When All The Children Sleep” by Mighty Clouds

“Is This Nice?” by Devendrá Barnhart

Episode 3: “Strangers on a Train”

Starring Kit Harington, Lucy Boynton, Jack Reynor, Miranda Richardson

“Strangers on a Train”

“Walk Out to Winter” by Aztec Camera

Episode 4: “A Life Plan for Two, Followed by One”

Starring Dominique Fishback, Milan Ray, Isaac Powell, Pierson Salvador

“Find A Way” by A Tribe Called Quest

“I Can” by Nas

“Creator (vs. Switch and Freq Nasty)” by Santigold

“Pink + White” by Frank Ocean

“At Your Best (You Are Love)” by DJ DIRTFLARE

“Judgement” by Jasmine Villegas

“Corps” by Yseult

“Good for Both of Us” by Jay Wadley

Episode 5: “Am I…? Maybe This Quiz Will Tell Me

Starring Lulu Wilson, Pearl Zeldin, Telci Huynh, Maria Dizzia

“Two Colors” by Chong the Nomad

“Undervelvet” by Chong The Nomad ft. Stass THEE Boss

“Rooftop Dancing” by Sylvan Esso

“What If” by Sylvan Esso

Episode 6: “In the Waiting Room of Estranged Spouses”

Starring Anna Paquin, Garrett Hedlund, Ben Rappaport, Jenna Yi

“San Francisco Good Times” by Gold Star

“Fire” by Gary Clark

Episode 7: “How Do You Remember Me?”

Starring Marquis Rodriguez, Zane Pais, James Scully, Larry Owens

“A Memory” by Yumi Zouma

“Break My Silence” by Andy Shauf

Episode 8: “A Second Embrace, With Hearts and Eyes Open”

Starring Sophie Okonedo, Tobias Menzies

“Only Love Can Break Your Heart” by Neil Young

“Home Again” by Gary Clark & Gregor Philp

“Painted Glass” by Gavin Clark

Season 2 of Modern Love is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video.