Disclosure: This post is a collaboration with One2One Network to spread the word about this upcoming album release. All opinions are my own.
As a huge fan of the series This is Us, the new album of music inspired by Season One is an essential to your collection.
Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, you’ve heard the buzz about the NBC drama This is Us. I remember seeing the first trailer for it last summer and I was so excited. After Parenthood ended, I felt like I had a void on my DVR for a tear jerking, relate-able drama. Plus, Milo Ventimiglia (aka Jess) from Gilmore Girls stars in it!
After it premiered, I knew I was going to be hooked –that ending of the FIRST episode was jaw dropping. The series follows the Pearson family across the decades in different stages from the 1980s to present time. This grounded, life-affirming dramedy reveals how the events in our lives – both big and small – impact who we become, and how the connections we share with each other can transcend time, distance and even death. Little did I know that the series would hit some really personal triggers as the season progressed.
Some may not realize this, but I’m a huge music buff. I like all genres and the music on this show is just perfect. Ricky said this album is the epitome of what he deems “Ashleigh Music”. There is nothing better than a perfectly placed song in a movie or TV show. A song that helps cue all emotions and ties everything together. I would give anything to have that job! I can confidently say that the music on this show is 80% of why I start sobbing every week. Bravo!
I frequently talk about my family here, yet many people don’t know that I’m adopted by my grandparents. It’s not the same situation as Randall, but there are so many relatable events in this show that really hit me hard. My birth father has been in and out of my life and I couldn’t help but think about our relationship when Randall was dealing with William. Also growing up at predominately white school had many challenges, which I feel the show will dive into even more this next season for Randall.
As a mother of multiples, I can relate to how Rebecca (Mandy Moore) struggles with everyday issues with raising children the same age, plus finding an identity beyond motherhood. Rebecca’s outlet is music, mine is writing! Next time we’re out for happy hour, ask me about my personal Mandy Moore story 🙂
This album of music inspired by the show, available this Friday (September 15), is sure to be a staple in your home for years to come. I would love this on vinyl to put on while I’m cooking –the grit of so many of these songs would be perfect!
- Death With Dignity – Sufjan Stevens
- You Can Call Me Al – Paul Simon
- Willin’ – Mandy Moore – Song on YouTube here
- Can’t Find My Way Home – Blind Faith
- Uptight (Everything’s Alright) – Stevie Wonder
- The Calvary Cross – Richard Thompson & Linda Thompson
- Watch Me – Labi Siffre
- The Wind – Cat Stevens
- Come Talk To Me – Goldspot
- Blues Run The Game – Jackson C. Frank
- If Only – Maria Taylor (featuring Conor Oberst)
- Northern Sky – Nick Drake
- If I Ever Was A Child – Wilco
- Because Of You – Gene Clark
- Evergreen Cassette (Tape Mix) – Goldspot
- Without You – Badfinger
- The World’s Smiling Now – Jim James
- Photograph – Ringo Starr
- We Can Always Come Back To This – Brian Tyree Henry
- This Is Us Score Suite – Siddhartha Khosla
The album starts with a recognizable Sufjan Stevens song from the first episode and continues to be a combination of more recent, original and classic songs that were inspired by the show. I have listened to the album on repeat for the last 2 days and I cannot get enough. I found myself singing into my spoon in the kitchen to Badfinger’s Without You, dancing with my girls to Uptight (Everything’s Alright), a Stevie Wonder favorite of ours…this album is seriously as addicting as the show!
Conor Oberst (from Bright Eyes fame) is one of my favorite artists and I adore the collaboration with Maria Taylor in the song If Only (track 11). It was featured in the 9th episode, which was one of my favorites from the season. The Trip is where the three siblings take a trip to the family’s old cabin and so much unravels. A MUST listen is Brian Tyree Henry’s We Can Always Come Back to This –absolutely beautiful.
Be sure to grab the album and tune in for the Season Two premiere on NBC September 26! I know I’ll be talking alllll about it on Facebook.
Want to join in on the fun? Catch a Facebook Listening Party on release date Sept. 15 at 10am PT/1pm ET!
What was your favorite part of Season One? Anything hit close to home?
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