Work Rotation
I mostly can’t write words or code with lyrics in the background, so I listen to a lot of soundtracks. I’ve listened to each one here at least a handful of times, if not an embarrassing number. Ordered by frequency.
-
Nicholas Britell, Succession: Season 1 (HBO Original Series Soundtrack)
If there was a twelve hour version of the title track, I would have longer work days. But I also love each season’s soundtrack except when Jeremy Strong sings. (No offense, Jeremy.)
-
I love the intensity and retro vibes.
-
Siddhartha Khosla
Playful, moody, and utterly unique score that’s always a blast to work to!
-
Rupert Gregson-Williams, Hans Zimmer, The Crown: Season One (Soundtrack from the Netflix Original Series)
Epic and gorgeous, sometimes intense. Lots of seasons and all quite good.
-
Michael Giacchino, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Starts with a bang and good through the end.
-
Ludwig Göransson, The Mandalorian: Chapter 1 (Original Score)
As fun to listen to as the show is to watch. Sometimes better, even! Again many seasons, and again all great.
-
Clinton Shorter
Moody space music. Who doesn’t need that?
-
Ramin Djawadi, Westworld: Season 1 (Music from the HBO Series)
The most rocking saloon piano + orchestra covers I’ve ever heard. Also the only ones?
-
Various Artists
Every single time, “I Remember My Name” makes me stop what I’m doing and listen. Follow me for productivity tips.
-
Ramin Djawadi, Game Of Thrones: Season 8 (Music from the HBO Series)
The show’s nosedive didn’t stop the music from being great and getting better. Season 6’s “Light of the Seven” was a banger, but I have the most favorited tracks in this final album.
-
Carlos Rafael Rivera
Big, intense, and lovely.
-
Jeff Russo, For All Mankind: Season 2 (Apple TV+ Original Series Soundtrack)
Can’t not stop and listen to “The Run” and feel some feelings.
-
Daft Punk
Late addition I almost forgot because somehow it’s not in my usual playlist. It’s Daft Punk scoring Tron.
-
Johan Söderqvist, Patrik Andrén, EA Games Soundtrack, Battlefield 1
Nostalgic Battlefield jams that are satisfyingly brassy.
-
Tomáš Dvořák
A pleasant oddball here that I adore. It’s what curiosity and internet sound like, I think.
-
Hans Zimmer, Blake Neely, Geoff Zanelli
I usually listen to a score when I watch a movie or show, then move on. This one had staying power.
-
Michael Giacchino
It ... sounds like the cover. Which is a plus.
-
Theodore Shapiro
Yes, I realize how strange it is to work to this.
-
Johan Skugge, Jukka Rintamäki, EA Games Soundtrack
Lots of electronic distortion and intensity, but mostly nostalgia for a group I used to play with.
-
Bill Ryan, Grand Valley State University New Music Ensemble
Not a soundtrack! 🎉
Might as well be though, because it has film energy. Brandon was right.
-
Michael Giacchino
More brooding!
-
Bear McCreary, Battlestar Galactica: Season 4 (Original Soundtrack)
Come for “Kara Remembers” and stay for all the huge percussion.
-
Michael Giacchino, Star Trek (Music From The Motion Picture)
A fun ride where once again the title track stops me for a second every time.
-
Various Artists
Energetic, fun, retro sound. Sadly licensing with Apple Music has made a bunch of these tracks unavailable.
-
Michael Giacchino
Upbeat 🤣 and yeah, it has that one track you’re already thinking of and yeah I stop at that and maybe sometimes have a small cry about it but it’s because it’s beautiful.
-
John Williams
Here we get “Rey’s Theme,” and in different variations. Blew my mind realizing how Williams came up with it, which is very simple and extremely satisfying.
-
What a massive and sprawling movement this thing is!
-
Antonio Sánchez
Weird great film, weird great percussive soundtrack.
-
There’s some slower stuff in here that drags a bit, but it also ramps up and maintains a pretty distinct vibe through all its seasons.
-
Clint Mansell
Just as weird as working to Severance if we’re being honest, and must be followed with time outside or something more upbeat.
Do you like albums?
Want to make a list?
It’s free & easy &
the Whale is nice!
Learn more