5 Albums Featured In 'The Last Of Us' Series

It’s the show that had all of us cowering down in our couches every Sunday earlier this year.

The one and only ‘The Last Of Us’ starring powerhouse actors Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey.

While we still recover from our newfound fear of mushrooms and THAT divisive season finale, let’s take a moment to give a standing ovation to all those involved in the multi-EMMY-nominated series, as well as the haunting soundtrack that brought the show’s deeply complex and touching stories to life.

From the legendary artist Gustavo Santaolalla on composing duties once more to Etta James’ “I Got You Babe” breaking all of our hearts, here are five records for your vinyl shelf that were featured in the monster hit TV show and gaming series. 

Warning: Spoilers for the show ahead!

1/ 'The Last Of Us: Season 1 (Original Soundtrack)' by Gustavo Santaolalla

Long-time fans of the critically acclaimed game have been warning us that we were not ready for the season finale – and as always, they were right.

Like everyone else, we have numerous burning questions about Joel’s fateful decision and the inevitable consequences that will unravel because of it. All to be revealed in the upcoming second season of the beloved show, which has been soundtracked by the legendary composer Gustavo Santaolalla, the multi-GRAMMY-winning artist with over 3k official music credits to his name including work on esteemed films like 'Babel' and 'Brokeback Mountain'. 

2/ Music for the Masses by Depeche Mode

This song "Never Let Me Down Again" appears twice throughout the series – at the end of the pilot episode and again, later on in the series as a haunting rendition by Jessica Mazin. The hard-hitting lyrics mirror the tumultuous ups and downs of familial bonds – Joel and Tommy, Joel and Ellie – and the murky waters that we often tread through for the ones we love.

Similarly to Kate Bush and Stranger Things, Depeche Mode tripled its streams overnight upon "Never Let Me Down Again" being featured in the hit series.

3/ Fleetwood Mac self-titled

Another one from Bill and Frank’s beautiful episode!

Lifted from Fleetwood Mac’s self-titled debut album, “I’m Coming Home To Stay” is a song that not only encompasses Bill and Frank’s beautiful story but also a recurring theme that is the heart of the show – that love is a simple and complex force that keeps us going especially in the face of adversity.

With poetic lines like “You know I ain’t going to leave no more” and “I’ll give you all my love, little darling”, we can’t help but think about Joel and Ellie’s relationship especially in the heart-tugging scene in the finale when he reveals to her that it wasn’t time that healed his wounds – it was her. Cue the waterworks.

4/ 'Riot Act' by Pearl Jam

This one's for Ellie.

"All Or None" hits you right in the guts especially given everything that has led up to Episode 7 – the track perfectly embodies the endless circle of hopelessness that our heroes are feeling at this time. And yet, they persevere despite it all.

"It's a hopeless situation..." / "But I try to run on. It's all or none"

5/ 'Tell Mama' by Etta James

It’s safe to say that the ‘The Last Of Us’ series was not only jam-packed with phenomenal story-telling, visuals and acting, but also with memorable needle-drop moments – “I Got You Babe” by the one and only Etta James being one of them in Episode Seven.

Before that episode’s tragic conclusion, we were treated to a beautiful and tender scene between Ellie and Riley – dancing together like they were the only people in the world. 

Once again, cue the waterworks.

(Photo: HBO)