A diverse collection of songs, at least on paper, representing retro-soul, art pop, folk, and more,
Big Little Lies [Music from the HBO Limited Series] features music from the acclaimed miniseries about three mothers in Monterey, California. The well-curated set of 14 tunes hits on a consistent atmosphere, though, in the manner of Twin Peaks but earthier. It includes contemporary soul artists like
Leon Bridges and
Charles Bradley (who appears twice), folkier entries from
Martha Wainwright and
Villagers,
Alabama Shakes, an atmospheric piano instrumental from
Agnes Obel ("September Song"), and Ituana's smooth bossa version of
the Rolling Stones' "You Can't Always Get What You Want." Stylishly poignant, the collection works just fine without the show's context as well as on shuffle play. ~ Marcy Donelson