At first glance, the soundtrack to Netflix’s Julie and the Phantoms (JATP) could be dismissed as another polished collection of teen pop-rock. It has all the trappings: catchy hooks, slick production, heartthrob vocals, and choreographed energy. But to leave it there is to miss the profound, almost alchemical quality that has made these songs resonate so deeply with audiences far beyond the show’s target demographic. The music of JATP isn't just accompaniment to the plot; it is the plot, the subtext, and the emotional catharsis rolled into one. It is a masterclass in using pop songwriting as a vehicle for processing grief, identity, and the terrifying beauty of being alive.
The genius of the songwriting team—led by the legendary Dan Kanter (longtime music director for Justin Bieber) and featuring songwriting heavyweights like Ali Theodore and others—lies in their ability to write dual-narrative songs. Nearly every track works on two distinct levels: the literal (what’s happening in the scene) and the metaphorical (the unspoken emotional truth of the characters). julie and the phantoms songs
What makes the JATP soundtrack a true outlier is its refusal to let the ghosts be just a gimmick. Songs like and "Edge of Great" crackle with the reckless energy of boys who were frozen at seventeen. Their music isn’t nostalgic; it’s urgent. Every guitar riff is played like it’s their last—because, metaphorically, it is. They don’t have the luxury of a future tour. Each performance is an act of defiance against the void. This imbues even the most straightforward pop-rock tracks with a palpable desperation. It’s the sound of making your mark before you fade to dust. At first glance, the soundtrack to Netflix’s Julie