It’s a Sin quickly became a cultural phenomenon in 2021, captivating audiences with its poignant portrayal of life during the 1980s AIDS crisis in London. Starring Olly Alexander, alongside acclaimed actors like Stephen Fry and Neil Patrick Harris, the Channel 4 drama resonated deeply with viewers due to its powerful storytelling and authentic depiction of the era. Beyond the compelling narrative and stellar performances, a significant element contributing to the show’s immersive atmosphere was its meticulously curated soundtrack. Bursting with iconic 80s classics, the music of It’s a Sin doesn’t just provide a backdrop; it acts as a crucial storytelling device, amplifying the emotions, reflecting the zeitgeist, and enriching the viewing experience.
It’s a Sin on Channel 4. Picture: Channel 4
For fans captivated by the show and its unforgettable musical landscape, here’s a comprehensive guide to every song featured in each episode of It’s a Sin. Get ready to take a nostalgic trip back to the vibrant and transformative decade of the 1980s through the incredible sounds of its musical icons. And if you haven’t already, be sure to check out Years & Years’ breathtaking piano rendition of Pet Shop Boys’ seminal hit, ‘It’s a Sin’, a cover that further cements the song’s central theme within the drama.
Episode 1: New Beginnings and Upbeat Anthems
Episode one sets the stage with a burst of energy and optimism as Ritchie, Roscoe, and Colin arrive in London, ready to embrace new adventures. The soundtrack mirrors this upbeat mood with a selection of songs that were defining sounds of the early 80s:
OMD – Enola Gay
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark – Enola Gay (Official Music Video)
Alt text: Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark Enola Gay music video still, 1980s synth pop
Kelly Marie – Feels Like I’m in Love
Soft Cell – Tainted Love
The Teardrop Explodes – Reward
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Louis Clark – Hooked on Classics Parts 1 & 2
Toni Basil – Mickey
Bronski Beat – Smalltown Boy (Official Video)
Alt text: Bronski Beat Smalltown Boy music video, 80s pop band performance
Blondie – Call Me
Bad Manners – Nee Nee Na Na Na Na Nu Nu
Bronski Beat – Smalltown Boy
These tracks, ranging from the synth-pop sophistication of OMD and Soft Cell to the energetic pop-rock of Blondie and Toni Basil, perfectly capture the youthful exuberance and sense of possibility that defines the initial phase of the characters’ journey in London. Bronski Beat’s ‘Smalltown Boy’, a poignant yet defiant anthem of self-discovery, subtly foreshadows the challenges and societal prejudices that lie ahead.
Episode 2: Festive Cheer and Growing Tensions
Episode two unfolds against the backdrop of Christmas and New Year celebrations, but beneath the festive surface, tensions and anxieties begin to emerge. The soundtrack reflects this duality:
Barry Manilow – One Voice
Wizzard – I Wish It Could be Christmas Everyday
Joy Division – Love Will Tear Us Apart
Hazell Dean – Whatever I Do (Wherever I Go)
Culture Club – Karma Chameleon
Culture Club – Karma Chameleon (Official Music Video)
Alt text: Culture Club Karma Chameleon official music video featuring Boy George, 1983
Patrick Cowley & Sylvester – Do You Wanna Funk?
Carmel – More More More
Gwen Guthrie – Peanut Butter
Kim Wilde – Kids in America
The Flying Pickets – Only You
Laura Branigan – Gloria
While tracks like Wizzard’s ‘I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday’ and Culture Club’s ‘Karma Chameleon’ maintain the 80s pop vibrancy, the inclusion of Joy Division’s ‘Love Will Tear Us Apart’ introduces a note of melancholy and impending heartbreak, hinting at the darker themes that will become more prominent as the series progresses.
Episode 3: Joyful Freedom and Shadows of Reality
Episode three sees moments of liberation and joy juxtaposed with the increasing awareness of a looming crisis. The music mirrors this shift:
Erasure – Oh L’amour
Bronski Beat & Marc Almond – I Feel Love
Wham! – Freedom
Wham! – Freedom (Official Video)
Alt text: Wham! Freedom official music video with George Michael, 1984 pop duo
Divine – You Think You’re a Man
Queen – Who Wants to Live Forever
Wham!’s anthemic ‘Freedom’ encapsulates the desire for liberation and self-expression central to the characters’ experiences. However, Queen’s powerful ballad ‘Who Wants to Live Forever’ injects a somber and reflective tone, foreshadowing the fragility of life and the looming threat of AIDS, subtly preparing the audience for the emotional weight to come.
Episode 4: Fear, Denial, and the Inevitable Truth
Episode four marks a significant turning point as the reality of the AIDS epidemic becomes undeniable. The soundtrack becomes more introspective and poignant:
Eurythmics – Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)
Yazz – The Only Way is Up
Pet Shop Boys – It’s a Sin
Pet Shop Boys – It’s A Sin (Official Video) [HD REMASTERED]
Alt text: Pet Shop Boys It’s a Sin music video Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe, 1987 synth-pop
Belinda Carlisle – Heaven is a Place on Earth
The inclusion of Pet Shop Boys’ ‘It’s a Sin’, the namesake of the show, is particularly impactful in this episode. The song’s themes of guilt, sin, and societal judgment resonate deeply with the characters’ internal struggles and the external stigma surrounding AIDS. While tracks like Eurythmics’ ‘Sweet Dreams’ and Yazz’s ‘The Only Way is Up’ offer a sense of 80s pop familiarity, the overall tone is undeniably shifting towards a more serious and emotionally charged atmosphere.
Episode 5: Reflection, Loss, and Enduring Hope
The final episode is marked by profound loss and reflection, but also by enduring hope and the strength of human connection. The music in episode five reflects this complex emotional landscape:
Kate Bush – Running Up That Hill
Ronnie Hilton – A Windmill in Old Amsterdam
Penguin Cafe Orchestra – Telephone and Rubber Band
It’s a Sin Cast – Roll Out the Barrell
REM – Everybody Hurts
R.E.M. – Everybody Hurts (Official Music Video)
Alt text: REM Everybody Hurts music video Michael Stipe in black and white, 1992 alternative rock
Kate Bush’s ethereal ‘Running Up That Hill’ provides a moment of emotional depth and yearning, while REM’s ‘Everybody Hurts’ serves as a universal anthem of empathy and shared pain, perfectly encapsulating the collective grief and resilience at the heart of the episode. The soundtrack culminates in a poignant and fittingly emotional resolution, leaving a lasting impression long after the credits roll.
Conclusion:
The soundtrack of It’s a Sin is far more than just a collection of 80s hits. It’s a meticulously crafted tapestry of music that enhances the narrative, deepens the emotional impact, and provides a powerful connection to the era. From the exuberant pop anthems of youthful beginnings to the heart-wrenching ballads of loss and reflection, the “It’s a Sin song” selection is integral to the show’s success, making it a truly unforgettable viewing experience. The music serves as a time capsule, transporting viewers back to the 1980s while simultaneously underscoring the timeless themes of love, friendship, prejudice, and resilience that resonate deeply today.
