The Umbrella Academy premiered on Netflix in 2019 and quickly became one of the streaming platform's most popular shows. Based on those created by Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá, the characters make for a standout spectacle, but the soundtrack also shines. The seemingly odd choice of songs juxtaposed against certain scenes creates a series with many memorable moments. Let's look at some of the best musical moments involving the Hargreeves siblings.
"I Think We're Alone Now" by Tiffany in "The Umbrella Academy" Season 1
The five members of The Umbrella Academy dancing to Tiffany's popular '80s song "I Think We're Alone Now" is one of the show's most iconic moments. The scene takes place at the start of Season 1, Episode 1, when the Hargreeves return to their childhood home for their father's funeral. None of the children remember their father so fondly, and their relationship remains strained.
However, when Allison discovers her old Tiffany album, she immediately places it on the record player. As the song echoes through the giant house, viewers watch each person from The Umbrella Academy dance in separate rooms. It's not a particularly happy scene, so the overly energetic melody provides an odd soundtrack, but it works nonetheless.
Allison clashes to the sound of the Backstreet Boys
The Umbrella Academy Season 2 begins with all of the Hargreeves spread across Texas in different years. When Five helped everyone jump back in time in the Season 1 finale, he made no guarantees that they would end up in the same place. They do not have. However, throughout the season, the siblings reunite as they attempt to thwart another apocalypse caused by Vanya.
During Klaus' time in Texas, he managed to create his own cult by pawning today's song lyrics as his own wise words. When The Umbrella Academy got a chance to return to their timeline, Klaus left his cult with these words, “Oh my god, we're back. Brothers, sisters, everyone sings. We will bring you the flavor; we'll show you how.
As he speaks, the sounds of "Everybody (Backstreet's Back)" begin to play. The scene then cuts to Allison as she battles the evil Swedes. Undoubtedly an odd choice for a fight scene, but it certainly stands out to fans of the show.
Season 1 of “The Umbrella Academy” plays “SATURDA-Y” under a rain of bullets
When fans reach the end of The Umbrella Academy Season 1, the Hargreeves realize that it is their sister Vanya who is bringing about the apocalypse. When the siblings must come up with a plan to stop Vanya from ending the world, they decide the best place to do it is at a local bowling alley. Never mind that the kid's birthday party is just a few lanes away. When Commission assassins show up intent on eliminating all members of the Umbrella Academy, gunfire erupts.
Allison decides her best chance to escape is using the end of the tracks as an exit. With Bay City Roller's "Saturday Night" blaring over the speakers, the Hargreeves rush to the bowling alleys and dive into the pins. It's fun, high-energy, and the exact opposite of the type of music most would expect to play during a shootout. However, The Umbrella Academy makes it work and cements it as one of the best scenes in the series.
Fans can expect to catch up with the Hargreeves when The Umbrella Academy season 3 premieres on June 22, 2022.