Soundtracks

There are four soundtrack albums for HBO's *Succession*, all of which were composed by Nicholas Britell.

## History and composition

On November 17, 2017, it was announced that Nicholas Britell would serve as the series' composer, having previously worked with Adam McKay, an executive producer and director for the series, on films *The Big Short* and *Vice*.

For the series' soundtrack, Britell was heavily inspired by late-18th century classical music, often utilizing very loud bass and experimenting with piano, bells, strings, and percussions. He decided to stray from being "musically funny" despite the series being a sardonic comedy, fearing that it would drain its humor and instead opting for a darker approach. He also often infused the score with hip-hop beats to reflect the lifestyle and tastes of its focal character, Kendall Roy, using a Roland TR-808 drummed machine to do so. He has said that he often approached the composition with "what the Roy family might imagine for themselves" in mind.

Britell and the series' score, predominately the main title them, have been nominated and won several accolades, including a Grammy Award.

## Soundtracks

### Season 1

***Succession: Season 1 (HBO Original Series Soundtrack)*** was released on August 9. 2019 by Milan Records. The main title theme was released as a single on July 20. 2018.

### Season 2

***Succession: Season 2 (HBO Original Series Soundtrack)*** was released on May 22, 2020 by WaterTower Music. "L to the OG", performed by Jeremy Strong, was released as a single on May 20, 2020.

#### "L to the OG"

One of the most well-known songs from the series is "L to the OG", performed by Jeremy Strong (Kendall Roy) himself. Britell insisted that the rap, which Roy performs in celebration of his father, be well-executed despite being inevitably cringe-inducing. Britell decided to use a beat that he himself had made as an aspiring musician in college which he felt best represented his interpretation of the character and his tastes. Britell says Strong did an "incredible job", revealing that his performance was entirely live.

### Season 3

***Succession: Season 3 (HBO Original Series Soundtrack)*** was released on April 29, 2022 by Republic Records.

### Season 4

***Succession: Season 4 (HBO Original Series Soundtrack)*** was released on May 29, 2023 by Lake George Music Group.

## References

1. ↑ Adam McKay Reteams With Composer Nicholas Britell On Two Projects – Deadline
2. ↑ How ‘Succession’ composer Nicholas Britell captured the HBO series’ gravitas and absurdity - The Washington Post
3. ↑ The Music of 'Succession': Composer Nicholas Britell on Show's Score - Variety
4. ↑ ‘Succession’: Nicholas Britell’s Score Mixes Classical and Hip-Hop – IndieWire
5. ↑ Grammy Nominations: Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Adele, Brandi Carlile Lead (variety.com)
6. ↑ ‎Succession: Season 1 (HBO Original Series Soundtrack) by Nicholas Britell on Apple Music
7. ↑ WaterTower Music - SUCCESSION: SEASON 2 - HBO ORIGINAL SERIES SOUNDTRACK AVAILABLE MAY 22 (watertower-music.com)
8. ↑ Kendall’s ‘Succession’ Rap Finally Got an Official Release (vulture.com)
9. ↑ Succession theme: how Nicholas Britell wrote the show's iconic music (nme.com)
10. ↑ The Succession Season 3 Soundtrack Album Is Out Now (udiscovermusic.com)
11. ↑ Nicholas Britell Releases 'Succession' Season 4 Soundtrack - Variety