The seven-episode run of Apple TV+'s sleek, high-stakes crime thriller Lucky has officially concluded, delivering a tense, emotionally charged finale that solidifies the limited series as one of the platform's standout summer releases. Adapted from Marissa Stapley's bestselling novel by showrunners Jonathan Tropper and Cassie Pappas, the show stars Emmy-nominated powerhouse Anya Taylor-Joy as Luciana 'Lucky' Armstrong—a former con artist attempting to build a legitimate life before a multi-million-dollar heist goes catastrophically wrong.
Flanked by a formidable ensemble cast including Timothy Olyphant as her criminal mastermind father, Annette Bening as a ruthless mob leader, and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor as a relentless FBI agent, Lucky's desperate cross-country flight requires a soundtrack capable of balancing intimate character psychology with pulse-pounding chase momentum. Curated with razor-sharp precision, the musical landscape of Lucky succeeds on every level, driven by an original opening theme from Fiona Apple, a muscular score by Florence + the Machine's Isabella Summers, and an inspired selection of post-punk and electronic needle drops.
Fiona Apple's Custom Opening Theme: "Horns of a Bull"
One of the series' greatest sonic triumphs is its opening sequence, featuring an exclusive original song titled "Horns of a Bull" written and performed specifically for the show by legendary singer-songwriter Fiona Apple. Her iconic, gravelly vocal delivery and intricate, percussive piano arrangement establish an immediate atmosphere of dangerous unpredictable charm.
The lyrics directly evoke the thematic core of Lucky's journey—the inevitable reckonings that come with living a life built on deception and the instinctual drive to survive against overwhelming odds. Apple's theme provides the series with a unique, unmistakable sonic signature from the very first frame of Episode 1 through to the dramatic curtain call of Episode 7.
Isabella Summers' High-Octane Score
The original score for Lucky is crafted by Isabella Summers (widely known as 'Isa Machine', co-founder and keyboardist of indie rock titans Florence + the Machine). Summers proves once again to be a powerful force in modern television scoring, building an exhilarating hybrid score that blends distorted analog synthesizers, heavy rhythmic percussion, and haunting ambient string textures.
During high-tension heist sequences and desperate escapes—such as the pulse-pounding warehouse chase in Episode 1 ("Anything Goes" and "Truckyard Chase")—Summers employs driving, synth-heavy motifs that accelerate the viewer's heartbeat. Conversely, during tender, introspective scenes between Lucky and her husband Cary (Drew Starkey), the score pivots toward minimalist ambient textures ("Desert Memories"), reflecting the fragility of her dream of normalcy.
Standout Needle Drops: Post-Punk, Retro Soul, and Synthwave
Beyond its original compositions, Lucky boasts a rich, curated tapestry of licensed tracks across its seven episodes. Rather than relying on predictable radio hits, the music supervisors selected tracks that mirror the protagonist's chaotic mindset and nocturnal environment.
In Episode 1 ("No Shortcuts"), the narrative momentum is ignited by Fred again..'s euphoric dance anthem "Delilah (pull me out of this)" and Sleater-Kinney's fierce indie rock track "Hunt You Down", contrasted against the haunting croon of Roy Orbison's "In Dreams". Episode 2 ("Make 'em Dance") kicks off with David Bowie's iconic 1983 classic "Modern Love", underscoring Lucky's desperate attempts to blend into civilized society before shifting to raw post-punk cuts like The Mysterines' "Goodbye Sunshine".
As the series approaches its climax in Episodes 3 through 6, the needle drops become darker and more urgent, featuring Siouxsie's powerful "Into a Swan", Chromatics' synthwave masterpiece "Into the Black", Savages' intense "She Will", and The Kills' visceral "Dna". Each song choice feels earned, elevating key dramatic turns without overshadowing the actors' performances.
Final Season Verdict
With its brilliant seven-episode trajectory, Lucky proves that a crime thriller's soundtrack can be just as compelling as its narrative twists. By pairing Fiona Apple's haunting custom theme with Isabella Summers' muscular score and a stellar lineup of alternative needle drops, Apple TV+ has delivered a musically unforgettable television experience.
Final Season Soundtrack Rating: 8.9 / 10