One Day Soundtrack Guide: Every Song & When They Play (2024)

Warning: This article contains MAJOR spoilers for Netflix's 2024 series One Day.The One Day Netflix soundtrack includes songs appropriate to the time period that help set the scene and mood. Based on the eponymous 2009 book by David Nicholls, this series follows Emma “Em” Morley and Dexter “Dex” Mayhew, two students at Edinburgh University who meet on July 15, St. Swithin’s Day. After hitting it off, the pair keep in contact. One Day covers the next twenty years of their lives, using July 15 as an anchor point.

In addition to a score written by Anne Nikitin, Jessica Jones, and Tim Morrish, available on One Day (Soundtrack From the Netflix Series), this show integrates music from the years in which the story takes place. This helps provide a realistic setting for Dex and Em’s love story. Additionally, One Day makes use of phenomenal artists like Vanbur and Badly Drawn Boy, whose music represents the more emotional and softer moments of the series. All of these elements come together to create Netflix’s absorbing romantic TV adaptation.

Here is every song on the One Day Netflix soundtrack:

One Day, Episode 1

1988

“Your Love” by Frankie Knuckles: The first song in One Day is “Your Love, “ which plays when Emma is dancing with her friends at the graduation day party, helping set the time period.

“Theme from S’Express” by S’Express: This song plays when Em and Dex dance after they meet at the party. S’Express is a British dance group from the late 1980s and popularized acid rock. This specific song was one of the first to feature sampling culture.

“Love in a Car (Alternative Version)” by The House of Love: As Em and Dex walk down the street and go into her apartment, this House of Love song plays. This is a band that rose to prominence in 1987, and while this specific song wasn't a single, it was on their debut album.

“Love and Affection” by Joan Armatrading: When Em and Dex start getting hot and heavy, “Love and Affection” plays in the background.

“Saturday Sun” by Nick Drake: This song plays in One Day when Em stops them making out so she can go to the bathroom. Meanwhile, Dex snoops around Em’s bedroom.

“Rip It Up” by Orange Juice: “Rip It Up” plays when Em, Dex, and Tilly have breakfast together in the morning.

“Temptation” by New Order: When Em and Dex reach the top of the mountain, this New Order song plays as they look into the distance. This song by New Order was a number-one single on the UK Independent Singles Chart in 1982.

“These Days” by Nico: This Nico song plays as Em and Dex lay on the grass looking up at the sky.

“Falling Colour” by Vanbur: The first time “Falling Colour” plays, Dex and Em run down the street hand in hand, making for a great romantic beat for the scene.

"This Is The Day" By The The: This song plays as Em and Dex say goodbye to each other on the steps and continues as the time jumps forward by one year, which becomes a theme of the show.

One Day, Episode 2

1989

“Puccini: Madama Butterfly: Act II: Un Bel Di: 1904 Version” by Heikki Kilpelainen, Bruce Rankin, and Bremen Philharmonic State Orchestra and Gunter Neuhold: This classical piece plays at the start of One Day episode 2 when Dex and Em have sex with their respective partners.

“Here Comes Your Man” by Pixies: When the theater troupe loads into the van and starts driving, this classic Pixies song plays.

“Bubba Dub Bossa” by Robby Poitevin: “Bubba Dub Bossa” plays when Dex makes coffee and talks to his hookup.

“Last Look” by Vanbur: This song sets the somber tone as Dex walks home after dropping off his mom.

“Nothing Gonna Stop Us” by Starship: Two of Em’s theater friends sing this song at karaoke. This song was a number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and even picked up an Oscar nomination for its role in the movie Mannequin.

“The Whole of the Moon” by The Waterboys: Gary sings this after Em walks out of the karaoke bar.

“Falling Colour” by Vanbur: The second time this Vanbur song plays, Dex writes a letter to Em as she talks on the phone with Tilly.

One Day, Episode 3

1990

“Back to Life (However Do You Want Me)” by Soul II Soul: In One Day, this Soul II Soul song plays when Em has coffee and leaves for work.

“Mariachi” by Francisco Becker: “Mariachi” plays when Em enters the Mexican restaurant at which she works.

“Fiesta Con Jarabe” by Los Mariachis Del Valle: As Ian and Em get to know each other, “Fiesta Con Jarabe” plays in the restaurant.

“La Cucaracha” by Jeremy Sweet: The staff of the Mexican restaurant is forced to dance to this song.

“Bill Is Dead” by The Fall: “Bill Is Dead” plays while Em works at the restaurant, hating her job.

“After Hours” by The Velvet Underground: This Velvet Underground song plays while Dex and Em buy wine and snacks and then lay together on the grass. This Velvet Underground song is a throwback from 1969, written by Lou Reed. It has since been covered by several bands, including R.E.M. and Blind Melon.

“Iceblink Luck” by Cocteau Twins: When Em says goodbye to Dex and walks away, “Iceblink Luck” sets the tone for this scene.

One Day, Episode 4

1991

“I Am the Black Gold of the Sun” by Rotary Connection and Minnie Riperton: This song sets the scene when Em and Dex walk through Greece after getting off the boat.

“You’ve Got a Woman” by Lion: After Em and Dex go back to their hotel, this song plays while Em stands out on the balcony.

“Greek Islands” by Alan Parker: “Greek Islands” plays when Dex and Em have dinner and talk about the things they don’t know about each other.

“Something on Your Mind” by Karen Dalton: Karen Dalton’s song plays when Dex and Em go to the beach and start skinny dipping together.

“Anyone Who Knows What Love Is” by Irma Thomas: At the end of One Day episode 4, Em swims back to the shore and gets dressed. It continues as Em goes to bed and Dex sits looking out the window.

One Day, Episode 5

1992

“Anthem” by N-Joi: “Anthem” plays in the club when Dex parties, drinks, and does cocaine. This was N-Joi's first hit, released in 1990 and reaching 45th on the UK music charts.

“On the Bone” by Helix A Techno Dred: This song plays when Dex looks at himself in the mirror of the club bathroom, feeling dreadful.

“Something Goin’ On (Tee’s Remix)” by Todd Terry: After waking up late, Dex drives to his parents' house with Todd Terry’s song playing in the background.

“My Dove, To Sleep (One Day Version)” by Vanbur: The One Day version of “My Dove, To Sleep” plays when Dex goes to bed drunk in his childhood bed.

“The Thunderer” by Keith Brion and the Royal Artillery: “The Thunderer” plays when Dex’s dad drives him to the train station.

“Save Me” by Joan Armatrading: After getting out of his dad’s car, Dex walks into the train station and over to the pay phone as this Joan Armatrading song plays. At the same time, Em leaves the house.

“Northern Sky” by Nick Drake: This Nick Drake song plays as Em and Ian kiss after their date and go back to his place. Simultaneously, Dex calls Em repeatedly, leaving messages on her machine.

One Day, Episode 6

1993

“Where Is Love?” from Oliver!: At the start of One Day episode 6, Em watches her student sing “Where is Love?” from the musical Oliver!.

“Jump” by Studio Pressure: While Dex walks across the set of the show, “Jump” plays in the background as he meets the band.

“Consider Yourself” from Oliver!: During the dress rehearsal, the students at Em’s school sing “Consider Yourself.”

“The Only One I Know” by The Charlatans: When Dex practices his lines, “The Only One I Know” plays.

“Step It Up” by Stereo’s MC: This song by Stereo’s MC plays as Dex practices his lines and drinks copiously in the dressing room.

“Fallen” by One Love: “Fallen” plays as Dex drunkenly leaves his dressing room and walks over to the backstage area.

“Arrange 9” by Michael Georgia: After choking on vodka, Suki sends the camera to the band when “Arrange 9” plays.

“Push the Feeling On” by Nightcrawlers: This Nightcrawlers song plays when Dex talks to the showrunner at the after-party.

“Thinking About You” by Radiohead: Radiohead’s classic hit plays when Em calls Dex on the phone, and he sits at the bar in the club. This is old-school Radiohead, from the band's debut album Pablo Honey. While never a single, it is a song that remains known to hardcore fans of the band.

One Day, Episode 7

1994

“Rocks” by Primal Scream: “Rocks” sets the tone as Dex and Emma enter the restaurant and order drinks.

“Boomrider” by Cortez: This Cortez song plays when Dex comes back from the bathroom and eats oysters. It continues as Em and Dex talk at the table.

“Glory Box” by Portishead: This song plays when Em and Dex get into a huge fight.

“The Wild Ones” by Suede: “The Wild Ones” plays when Em sadly cuddles up to Ian on the couch after returning home.

One Day, Episode 8

1995

“Connection” by Elastica: One of the few songs in One Day episode 8 is “Connection” by Elastica. This plays as Em hooks up with the headmaster of her school.

“Lo Boob Oscillator” by Stereolab: Em Listens to “Lo Boob Oscillator” on her Walkman as she walks home.

“Dreams” by The Cranberries: The classic Cranberries song plays when Em goes to her desk, turns on the computer, and starts typing up her first book.

One Day, Episode 9

1996

“The Four Seasons: Spring” by Anthony Newman, Cho-Liang Lin, and Sejong: This classical piece plays when Dex and Sylvie drive up to her parents’ mansion.

“To The End” by Blur: The Blur song plays in the background as Sylvia’s family plays the parlor game “Are You There Moriarty?” The song was a single by Blur in 1994, and while it wasn't one of their major hits, it did hit No. 16 on the UK Singles chart.

“On & On” by Long Pigs: When Dex says I love you for the first time, “On & On” by Long Pigs plays.

One Day, Episode 10

1997

“The Four Seasons: Spring” by Anthony Newman, Cho-Liang Lin, and Sejong: The quartet at Tilly’s wedding plays “The Four Seasons: Spring” as the guests enter.

“Brimful of Asha” by Cornershop: This Cornershop song plays when Emma drives through the city and pulls up to Tilly’s wedding venue.

“Set You Free” by N-Trance: Tilly and her husband-to-be walk down the aisle to this pop song.

“Candy” by Cameo: The party does the electric slide to “Candy,” but Em leaves the dance floor early.

“Sonnet” by The Verve: After they kiss in the maze, Em and Dex walk back to the wedding with “Sonnet” by The Verve playing in the background.

One Day, Episode 11

1998

“Save Tonight” by Eagle-Eye Cherry: At the start of One Day episode 11, Dex gets Callum’s restaurant ready in the morning, talking to a customer who brings up his past.

“Secret Smile” by Semisonic: This Semisonic song plays when Dex comes over to the table where Em sits and chats with her about his new job. "Secret Smile" was released by Semisonic in 1999 and gained popularity when it was released on the TV shows Charmed and Dawson's Creek.

“Get Me Away From Here I’m Dying” by Belle and Sebastian: Belle and Sebastian’s song plays when Dex walks down the street to his house.

“Trash” by The London Suede: “Trash” by The London Suede plays when Dex feeds Jazz after Sylvie leaves for her hen party.

“She Bangs the Drums” by The Stone Roses: This song plays when Dex picks up a wine glass and sings to Jazz while she plays with a toy.

“Protection” by Massive Attack and Tracey Thorne: Dex holds Jazz – who is asleep – and kisses her on the head, and “Protection” sets the tone.

“Waterloo Sunset” by The Kinks: The classic song by The Kinks plays as Dex sits on the couch in his house, taking in the state of his life.

“Rebel Without a Pause” by Public Enemy: In order to calm Jazz down after she wakes up from sleep, Dex puts on “Rebel Without a Pause.”

“Waterloo Sunset” by The Kinks: This Kinks song plays again when Dex sits on the couch upset.

One Day, Episode 12

1999

“Obsolete” by MC Solaar: This song plays when Dex talks on the phone while riding the train. At the same time, Em gets a haircut. “Obsolete” ends when the two meet on the platform and hug.

“The Shining” by Badly Drawn Boy: “The Shining” plays when Dex and Em walk to the café.

“Pitseleh” by Elliott Smith: The Elliott Smith song plays when Dex and Em leave the café and walk down the street to Em’s apartment.

“Earthing (One Day Version)” by Vanbur: The One Day version of “Earthing” plays when Em and Dex have sex after she returns home from pretending to have tonsillitis.

“The Book of Love” by The Magnetic Fields: When Em and Dex lie in bed together, this song by The Magnetic Fields plays in the background.

One Day, Episode 13

2000

“Flowers (Sunship Edit)” by Sweet Female Attitude: Em wakes up to this song as an alarm in the morning

“Up With People” by Lambchop: This Lambchop song plays when Em and Dex talk about her moving in with him in his apartment.

“Olympian” by Gene: After the jump forward in the One Day timeline, Em and Dex lay in bed talking about their wedding as “Olympian” plays faintly in the background.

“One Around the Block” by Badly Drawn Boy: This song by Badly Drawn Boy plays when Dex opens up the cafe and fleshes out his wedding speech. At the same time, Em outlines her next book and goes for a bike ride.

“Magic in the Day” by Badly Drawn Boy: Em, Dex, and Jasmine spend their afternoon and night together while “Magic in the Day” plays in the background.

“Weather With You” by Crowded House: During the second time jump in One Day episode 13, Dex and Em wake up to this Crowded House song. This song was a major hit when it was released in 1991, hitting the top 50 in 10 different countries.

“Asleep in the Back” by Elbow: “Asleep in the Back” plays when Dex opens the cafe, and Em sits down to write for the second time in the episode.

“Satellite of Love” by Lou Reed: While “Satellite of Love” plays, Dex leaves sweet messages on Em’s voicemail, reminding her that it’s the anniversary of their meeting. Concurrently, Em is riding home on her bike leading up to the tragic death in One Day’s ending.

“Show” by Beth Gibbons: This song by Beth Gibbons plays while Em lays on the pavement dying and has a flashback to swinging as a kid.

One Day, Episode 14

2004

“Three Carols” by The Choir of King’s College: In a flashback to their Christmas together in 1988, Em reads to Dex as they lay on the floor with this song playing faintly in the background.

“Cotton Eye Joe” by Rednex: At a kid's birthday party, Dex dances with the children to “Cotton Eye Joe.”

“Where Were You?” by Mekons: “Where Were You?” plays in the background while Dex drinks at the pub, gets into a fight, drunkenly stumbles down the street, and ends up in a strip club.

“Obsessed” by Van Ness: This song plays when Dex drunkenly tells a dancer about Emma’s death.

“Where Is My Love?” by Cat Power: Dex gets dragged out of a strip club by bouncers and thrown on the pavement while this Cat Power song plays.

“Lilac Wine” by Jeff Buckley: “Lilac Wine” plays after Dex gets a drink after everyone leaves, and he walks through his empty home. This is a song by Elkie Brooks from 1978 that several artists have covered. The only person to have success with it was Brooks, who saw it hit 16th on the UK charts. However, here, it is Jeff Buckley's 1994 cover that plays.

“Falling Colour” by Vanbur: The final time “Falling Colour” occurs, Dex speaks to a hallucination of Emma. The song continues one year later as Dex returns to where he and Em met and revisits places of importance to their love story.

“In Cold Light” by Vanbur: The last song in One Day is “In Cold Light” which plays when Jazz and Dex climb the mountain that he and Em climbed their first day together.

Where To Stream The One Day Soundtrack

There Is No One Day Soundtrack To Buy

There is not a One Day soundtrack available to buy anywhere and with 91 different songs played in the series, there wouldn't be one that has all the songs. However, there is a playlist on Spotify that has every song from the soundtrack available to listen to. There is also a version available on Apple Music for fans who use that service, although it only has 17 of the songs from the miniseries listed there, while the Spotify listing has over 90. There was also a playlist put together on YouTube with 56 of the songs offered up there for fans of One Day.

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One Day

Not Yet Rated

Drama

Romance

Release Date

February 8, 2024

Cast

Leo Woodall , Ambika Mod , Amber Grappy , Tim McInnerny , Jonny Weldon

Seasons

1

Creator(s)

Nicole Taylor , David Nicholls

Writers

David Nicholls

Directors

Molly Manners

Where To Watch

Netflix