Only Music In The Building – True Crime: A Deep Dive Into The Music of “Only Murders In The Building”
The Musical Landscape of the Arconia
“Only Murders In The Building” skillfully uses music to establish character, mood, and setting. In this first installment of our series exploring the musical choices, we’ll analyze how specific songs in Season 1 Episode 1 of this Hulu original series help introduce the show’s central characters and themes.
Mabel Mora: Modern and Mysterious
Selena Gomez’s character Mabel Mora enters to the infectious beat of Dua Lipa’s “Don’t Start Now”. This song choice is particularly meaningful as it gained massive popularity on TikTok during the pandemic lockdowns when the series premiered. The lyrics “Don’t show up, don’t come out” could be interpreted as a reflection of pandemic-era social distancing, while also hinting at Mabel’s secretive nature and her attempts to distance herself from her past.
Oliver Putnam: Theatrical Flair
Martin Short’s Oliver Putnam is introduced with “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile” from the musical Annie – a brilliantly fitting choice for the flamboyant former Broadway director. The song underscores Oliver’s theatrical background while suggesting the theme of maintaining appearances that runs throughout the series. It perfectly captures Oliver’s tendency to mask financial troubles and personal disappointments behind an optimistic facade.
Debussy’s Clair de Lune: Finding Connection
Claude Debussy’s “Clair de Lune” makes multiple appearances throughout the episode. First referenced by Oliver as something he discovered on the “world wide web,” the piece traditionally evokes wistful nostalgia. However, the show uses a more rhythmically dynamic version (reportedly performed by Debussy himself), giving new life to the familiar composition. The piece returns later when the three protagonists find purpose together in creating their true-crime podcast.
Daniel Johnston’s Don’t Be Scared: Finding Hope in Darkness
The episode closes with Daniel Johnston’s “Don’t Be Scared” – a poignant choice that adds emotional depth to the narrative. Johnston, known for creating optimistic music while battling mental health challenges, mirrors how the show’s characters seek meaning and connection despite their individual struggles. This musical selection perfectly encapsulates the show’s blend of comedy, mystery, and unexpected humanity.
The Significance of Music in “Only Murders in the Building”
The thoughtful musical choices in “Only Murders in the Building” do more than simply enhance scenes – they provide psychological insight into characters, establish time and place, and create tonal contrasts that define the show’s unique appeal. As the series progresses, these musical moments continue to serve as storytelling devices that deepen our understanding of the Arconia’s eccentric residents.
Stay tuned for our next installment of “Only Music In The Building” where we’ll explore the soundtrack choices from episode 2 of this hit Hulu series!
Are you a fan of “Only Murders in the Building”? What other musical moments stood out to you in the series? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
