MobLand, the Paramount Plus crime drama executive produced and directed in part by Guy Ritchie, has concluded its first season, leaving viewers eager for any news about a possible second instalment. The show, known for its intense atmosphere, notable performances, and particularly striking soundtrack, continues to capture attention with its musical selections, making the Guy Ritchie MobLand Paramount Plus crime drama soundtrack a key highlight for fans and critics alike.
MobLand’s Debut and Distinctive Style
The initial season of MobLand is now complete on Paramount+, sparking discussions about its future. With Ronan Bennett as creator and Guy Ritchie directing the first two episodes, the series established a gritty narrative style from the outset. Audiences have praised Ritchie’s direction, which brought with it clever narrative twists and a signature vibrancy. Alongside an all-star cast, including Tom Hardy, Pierce Brosnan, and Helen Mirren, MobLand became especially recognizable for its memorable use of music throughout its episodes.
The Opening Theme Song: A Central Feature
Central to the MobLand musical experience is its captivating theme song. The track underscoring both the opening and closing credits is “Starburster” by Irish rock band Fontaines DC. Released on April 17, 2024, as the leading single from their album Romance, “Starburster” garnered critical acclaim and received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Alternative Music Performance early in the year. This choice helped set the tone for every episode, playing a significant role in defining the show’s unique soundscape.
Breakdown of Songs by Episode
Music in MobLand goes beyond the theme, with individual episodes featuring iconic tracks and artists. Listeners can expect to hear songs by The Prodigy, Artic Monkeys, and St Vincent woven through the narrative. Each episode contributes its own slice of atmosphere through carefully selected music. The episode titles for the first season include:
1. Stick or Twist
2. Jigsaw Puzzle
3. Plan B
4. Rat Trap
5. Funeral for a Friend
6. Antwerp Blues
7. The Crossroads
8. Helter Skelter
9. Beggars Banquet
10. The Beast in Me
Every episode incorporates music to heighten suspense and emotional resonance, although a precise list of tracks used in each episode is not provided here. The series is particularly lauded for its seamless blending of contemporary and classic songs to support the evolving mood of each chapter.
Composer Ilan Eshkeri’s Contribution
In addition to its licensed tracks, MobLand benefits from a compelling original score. Ilan Eshkeri is the composer behind the series’ dramatic musical backdrop, contributing to the tension and atmosphere in every scene. Eshkeri brings an accomplished history of scoring popular films such as Layer Cake, Stardust, The Young Victoria, Kick-Ass, Coriolanus, and Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story. His previous television work includes titles like Waking the Dead, Strike Back, Riviera, Annika, and SAS Rogue Heroes. This expertise enriches MobLand, providing a cinematic quality to its presentation.
The Influence and Popularity of MobLand’s Music
The selection of both well-known and emerging artists for the MobLand soundtrack has added to the show’s appeal. With plotlines involving characters played by James Hibbs, Tom Hardy, Helen Mirren, and Pierce Brosnan, the music serves not just as background but as a vital storytelling device. Contemporary acts and composers such as Fontaines DC, The Prodigy, Artic Monkeys, St Vincent, and Ilan Eshkeri, among others, contribute layers of texture, heightening viewer immersion and supporting dramatic beats.
MobLand is currently streaming in full on Paramount+, with its music and cast drawing continued interest from fans. As speculation builds about a second season, the show’s soundtrack remains a standout element that cements its place among memorable crime dramas, blending impactful original composition with a curated tracklist reflecting the show’s tone and narrative style.
