*Slight spoiler ahead*
Not even a full season in, I have come to love the 2001 series Smallville for more than its heartbreakingly adorable representation of Lex Luthor (Michael Rosenbaum—shoutout to him because he actually shaved his head for the role) and the jaw-dropping beauty of both Clark Kent (Tom Welling) and Lana Lang (Kristin Kreuk). To my sister and me, the show’s true success lies within its soundtrack. Typically, series soundtracks don’t stand out to me in any way, shape, or form—yet Madonna Wade-Reed, Smallville’s music supervisor, chose the absolute most perfect songs for every scene.
To start, the theme song, “Save Me” by Remy Zero, is an absolute perfect fit for the series. Not only does the lyrics—“somebody save me”—perfectly fit a show about Superman, it also captures the show’s emotional core, but the song is so incredibly catchy that it’s impossible not to sing along—even if you are as tone deaf as I am.
Other song choices, specifically in those iffy moments between Lana and Clark, are just as spot-on. For example, “Wherever You Will Go” by The Calling plays as Clark decides to return Lana’s necklace (made of kryptonite), and the effect is so perfectly heartbreaking. The song suits the moment Clark—aka Superman—gives the girl he “loves” (and I use that term loosely, since Lana has an actual boyfriend who is not Clark) the power to literally strip him of his abilities whenever he is near her.
Another moment that stood out to me, specifically because of the song choice, comes in the second episode of the series. “Love You Madly” by Cake plays in the background, moments before Clark has a conversation with one of his “best friends,” Chloe Sullivan. Knowing full well that Clark is already completely obsessed with Lana, the only reason that song would underscore a scene of two friends is because Chloe has feelings for Clark. I felt so smart as I came to the realization of what the song meant, and even though I wasn’t proven right for a few more episodes, what a plot twist—and what a plot twist to reveal through the music.
Smallville’s soundtrack is so good that I listen to it on its own. Every song is as catchy and upbeat, yet perfectly fits every scene it accompanies. Madonna Wade-Reed did her job, and she did it perfectly.