Every True Detective Theme Song Ranked Worst To Best

Each season of True Detective is renowned for various elements, including its exceptional acting and its gritty, haunting narratives. The series is also noted for its impactful theme songs, although not all of them are considered the best. True Detective has captivated audiences with its dark, atmospheric storytelling and complex characters. The show’s anthology format allows for each season to explore new cases, settings, and themes, creating major mystery and intrigue. One of the most distinctive aspects of the series is its opening credits, which feature a carefully selected theme song that sets the tone for the entire season.

These songs, ranging from haunting folk tunes to unsettling covers, have become an integral part of all 4 seasons of True Detective, often reflecting the central themes and emotions of each installment. While some theme songs have resonated more strongly than others, each has contributed to the show’s unique identity and has sparked discussions among critics and enthusiasts alike. Considering that True Detective is one of the best anthology series of the 2010s, ranking every theme song will examine their effectiveness in capturing the essence of their respective seasons and their overall impact on the series’ legacy.

4
“Bury A Friend” By Billie Eilish

True Detective: Night Country Season 4

Ranking last among the four True Detective theme songs, Billie Eilish’s “Bury a Friend” for season 4 is not a bad song, far from it, but it falls short compared to its predecessors. The song’s popularity and widespread appeal make it an easy and somewhat predictable option, which may diminish its impact as a title sequence. However, the song’s dark, pulsating rhythm and nightmarish lyrics align well with the season’s themes. The track’s perspective, written from the viewpoint of a monster under the bed, resonates with the monstrous acts and the detectives’ inevitable draw towards them in Night Country.

The haunting final verse, “When we all fall asleep, where do we go?” is particularly fitting for the town of Ennis, where death is not necessarily the end. While the song choice may not please everyone, it was a deliberate decision that brings an exciting change to the True Detective intro formula. The visuals, though lacking the signature double exposure, offer intricate details that demand closer inspection. Despite its shortcomings, “Bury a Friend” effectively captures the irony, melancholy, and poetry that inform the series, making it a suitable, though not the best, addition to the True Detective soundtrack.

3
“Death Letter” By Cassandra Wilson

True Detective Season 3

In True Detective season 3, Cassandra Wilson’s cover of “Death Letter” serves as the theme song, setting the mood for the series effectively. Despite being a beautiful cover of the Son House song, and accompanied by the equally beautiful title sequence True Detective is known for, it doesn’t pack the same punch as the top two contenders. The song’s mournful and depressing tone aligns perfectly with the show’s brooding and dark atmosphere, making it an appropriate selection for the opening credits. The Delta blues tune’s geographical connection to the season’s southern U.S. setting further reinforces its suitability.

However, what sets “Death Letter” apart is its potential thematic connection to the story of True Detective character Wayne Hays, who, in his old age, is haunted by the memory of Amelia Reardon, a woman he met during a child disappearance case in the ’80s. The song’s lyrics, about a man receiving a letter informing him of a loved one’s death, resonate with Hays’ personal journey and the weight of his past. While “Death Letter” is an effective mood-setter and thematically relevant, it slightly misses the level of influence that’s present in seasons 1 and 2.

2
“Nevermind” By Leonard Cohen

True Detective Season 2

Despite True Detective season 2 being a disappointment, Leonard Cohen’s “Nevermind” is a unique song with an unsettling tone and funky beat that perfectly aligns with the season’s LA Noire vibe, setting the stage for a narrative steeped in uncertainty and betrayal. These themes have long been staples of crime stories set in Los Angeles, and “Nevermind” skillfully encapsulates them through its haunting melody and enigmatic lyrics. The song’s composition creates a disturbing atmosphere that permeates throughout the season, reflecting the complex web of deceit and mistrust that the characters navigate.

While the lyrics may be somewhat on the nose, they nonetheless reinforce the central motifs of the story, making “Nevermind” an ideal fit for True Detective season 2. The track’s ability to establish an immersive and unsettling ambiance from the very beginning is a testament to its effectiveness as a theme song. Although it may not surpass the song chosen for True Detective season 1, “Nevermind” stands out as a compelling and well-suited accompaniment to the season’s dark and intricate narrative, solidifying its position as the second-best True Detective theme song.

1
“Far From Any Road” By The Handsome Family

True Detective Season 1

“Far From Any Road” by The Handsome Family is undoubtedly the best theme song among the four seasons of True Detective. The Southern Gothic melody and evocative lyrics perfectly encapsulate the dark, atmospheric tone of season 1, setting the stage for a narrative that delves into the depths of human nature and the bleak landscape of Louisiana. The song’s eerie, folksy sound and cryptic lyrics, such as “I have seen what the darkness does / Say goodbye to who I was,” align seamlessly with the show’s exploration of the characters’ inner turmoil and the moral decay that surrounds them.

The track’s composition, with its unsettling guitar and mournful vocals, creates an apocalyptic atmosphere that permeates the entire season, reflecting the shattered world that the protagonists inhabit. The visuals accompanying the opening credits further enhance the song’s effectiveness, making it one of the best opening credits on an HBO show. “Far From Any Road” not only sets the mood for each episode, but also serves as a reminder of the show’s central mysteries and the psychological toll they take on the characters. It captures the essence of season 1, solidifying its position as the best True Detective theme song.