As for the series, The Sopranos had everything going for it and it doesn't take a genius why it was so successful. For starters our main anti-hero Tony Soprano sees a psychiatrist. That alone in of itself makes the show so unique . If you've seen your fair share of mafia films you know that the rule is to never rat out the members of your family and tell your secrets to nobody .However , Tony sees Dr. Melfi to help balance his panic attacks, family life and the lifestyle he has chosen. It doesn't hurt that aside from the late great James Gandolfini playing the legendary character that you have a dream supporting cast and fantastic writing that really made you forget you were watching a television program.
Just like the writing, the music used in the series is just as brilliant if not more so. For starters let's go to the infamous finale scene. Tony deposits change into a jukebox and plays Journey's "Don't Stop Believin" which when you look back at it now is the perfect song. At this point, Tony is a dead man walking. He is either going to get whacked or live the rest of his days out in prison . Don't Stop Believin is his optimistic way of seeing his future . Who knows? maybe he'll get off scot free. That being said, the screen cuts black and it's up for us as the viewer to decide . If you can catch it , the other Journey song that could of been chosen form the jukebox was their smash hit "Any Way You Want It" which proves that you can conclude for yourself if Tony lives or doesn't . That is genius.
If we go back to the pilot , the song used in the ending credits is Johnny Cash's ' cover of The Beast In Me" from his 1994 landmark album American Recordings . We know from the pilot that Tony is seeing Dr. Melfi to help cope with his panic attacks, family life and the lifestyle he has chosen . On top of that , we get a glimpse of what his childhood was like with his sadistic mother Livia and her turmoil with the rest of the family . This song is the perfect choice because Tony wants to control his inner demons. Hence forth 'the beast "
In the season 3 episode 'University " The Kinks classic "Living on a Thin Line" is used during the ending credits. When watching the episode again after multiple viewings its hauntingly appropriate. Ralph Cifaretto shows his true wicked colors and beats Tracee to death. Tracee was a stripper at the Bada Bing and was pregnant with Ralphie's child. His satanic actions now have him 'walking on a thin line ". Also, the lyrics also reflect of England and its glory days and how times have changed . That same mentality can be applied to the mafia and how the glory days of the 60's and 70's are long gone.
Finally, the last track that seemingly makes the music important in the series is The Rolling Stones classic "Through and Through" from 1994's Voodoo Lounge. This is played during the season 2 finale as Tony sacrifices friendship for business and kills Sal "big pussy" Bonpensiero for ratting out the family. The song showcases Tony Soprano's endangerment of what he's been through , what's occurring at the moment , and what is to come.
This show is truly the greatest of all time .You don't need to hear it from me . See for yourself if you sadly haven't already .
