Dearest Reader... for your consideration a Benedict Bridgerton playlist
Enchanted: A Benedict Bridgerton Love Story
As the time draws nearer for the release of Bridgerton Season 4, I think it’s time to share a playlist I made while reading Benedict’s story two summers ago. (🚨There will be book-related spoilers about this upcoming season; you have been warned.🚨)
As I think most of us agree, Benedict is our favorite Bridgerton. (Contrarians can fight in the comments. Hahaha.) Anthony is plagued by the responsibility and societal expectations of being the eldest son and his role as Viscount. Let’s be honest, he’s a little uptight. Collin is so thick-headed that he can’t see Penelope is right in front of him. Plus, he’s so hell-bent on finding purpose by traveling away from home that he doesn’t see what’s right in front of him.
But Benedict is different. Of the three brothers, he is the most three-dimensional. (I’ll be honest, I haven’t read Greggory’s story yet, so I can’t speak on him.) He’s caring and family-oriented, but not in a bossy way like Anthony is. (I’m thinking specifically of his sweet one-on-one moments with Eloise here.) He’s an artist, a free spirit. He does not seem to be wrought with pressure about what he “should” be doing, like Anthony and Collin. In fact, he seems more interested in finding meaning through more unconventional avenues in an unserious way. He’s rebellious, but still respectful. And isn’t that all we really want?
I’ll be honest, I’m worried about this season. I don’t know if I like the Cinderella trope. It’s a little too cliche for me and flat for me. Additionally, I also don’t really like the book version of Benedict, so I’m curious to see how they tell the story without making him come off as pretentious like he does in the book. I’m worried that his loveable playfulness won’t hit the same way, especially because so many of the plot points of the book depend on him being unlikable. He basically forces her to stay with him and work in his family’s home. Don’t get me started on the idea that a subservient maid is a desirable mistress. We will have to see. Maybe they will switch it up, and I’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Having said that, here is the playlist I made after reading An Offer from A Gentleman. You’ll notice nods to the story and the motifs in the book. Obviously, I had to start with Taylor Swift’s Cinderella-esque meet-cute, “Enchanted,” and I had to hit the literal nail on the head with “Ten Minutes Ago” from the classic Rodger and Hammerstein’s Cinderella.
Many of the songs are cute ones about having a crush and romantic meet-cutes. “the lakes”by Taylor Swift illustrates how they end up in the cottage alone after they get caught in the rainstorm. "Silver” by Say She She is a simple nod to how Benedict refers to Sophie as the Lady in Silver before he discovers her true identity. I added “Women Who Look Like You” because I wanted to allude to how Benedict is looking for the Lady in Silver in everyone he meets. “When He Sees Me” and “Young and Beautiful” were included because I think it expresses how Sophie feels knowing that Benedict might reject her when he finally realizes she is the Lady in Silver.
Overall, it’s a playlist for easy listening and an amuse-bouche for when the first part of the season drops in a couple of weeks.
Happy listening!