The Wire Soundtrack (

The Wire Soundtrack (2002) cover

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Rating: 9.30/10 from 373000 votes
Tags: wiretapping, drug war, police department politics
Alternate Names:
Title in Español:

The Wire (Bajo escucha)
Title in Italiano:

The Wire
Title in Português:

The Wire
Title in Français:

Sur écoute
Title in Türk:

The Wire
Title in Deutsch:

The Wire

Synopsis

The series is a well-planned story arc, with a different focus each year, and Baltimore is the star. Throughout the five seasons, the story is about one police unit and one drug network, so that we get to know each character very well.

The first season is an immersive experience in the drug trade and a deep introduction to the characters, both on the street and among the police, and the efforts of the police to set up the wire, which the police need to track down the drug dealers, who are very, very clever.

The second is about the harbor, with its desperate workers, human trafficking, and corruption. The people protecting their rackets- which they need in order to survive- are an even match for the police. In this season, there's a lot of death.

The third continues the work on the wire, and again how it affects the police and the people on the street. The work of both the police & the drug dealers comes to desperate measures. Some senior members of the police even set up a zone where people can buy and sell drugs freely, which works well but is wiped out by the city administration.

The fourth is about the politics of the city, all entwined with the drug violence and the police. There's a fascinating focus on teenagers, who become fully developed characters, and how the schools try to cope.

The last of the five seasons wraps up all the story lines via the Baltimore Sun. The newspaper runs into one roadblock after another, but it's eventually able to reveal the extent of the drug trade, the police work, the failing schools, and the dreadful corruption at the top of the city.

The same characters are present through all the seasons: we see how they change and what happens to them. Each has his or her own story, and each of their stories affects other characters and the story itself. All five seasons are a perfect whole.

Download and play the Soundtrack list

Play Title Artist
The Wire
Way Down in the Hole
Steve Earle: Performer
Tom Waits: Writer
Tom Waits: Performer
The Blind Boys of Alabama: Performer
The Fall
Blake Leyh: Composer

User reviews

Paul Lopez
6/10

In the final season, the soundtrack brings closure to the various storylines, reflecting the unfolding revelations and the impact of corruption on the city. The music helps tie up loose ends and leaves a lasting impression.

Betty Anderson
5/10

In the second season, the soundtrack reflects the desperation and corruption of the harbor setting. The music adds depth to the themes of human trafficking and the constant struggle between law enforcement and criminal elements.

Mark Allen
5/10

The music in the first season sets the tone for the immersive experience of the drug trade and the characters' struggles. The use of different genres and styles enhances the storytelling.

Steven Young
5/10

The soundtrack of The Wire is a perfect complement to the gritty and complex narrative of the series. It effectively captures the essence of Baltimore as the central character in the story.

Deborah Wilson
5/10

The soundtrack of The Wire is a masterful blend of original score and carefully selected songs that perfectly capture the mood and atmosphere of each season. The music becomes a character in itself, shaping the narrative and connecting the audience to the story on a deeper level.

John Baker
5/10

The use of music in The Wire demonstrates a deep understanding of how sound can enhance storytelling and evoke powerful emotions in the audience. The soundtrack is a vital component in bringing the world of Baltimore to life on screen.

Donna Roberts
8/10

The diversity of music genres featured in the show's soundtrack reflects the multicultural setting of Baltimore. From hip-hop to blues to classical, each song complements the narrative, making the viewing experience even more immersive and engaging.

Melissa Moore
7/10

The soundtrack of The Wire perfectly captures the gritty and intense atmosphere of the series. The music selection enhances the storytelling, adding depth and emotion to each scene.

Elizabeth Lopez
6/10

Overall, the soundtrack of The Wire is a standout feature of the series, elevating the viewing experience and leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

Donald Davis
2/10

I found the soundtrack of The Wire to be lacking in emotional depth and failed to enhance the storytelling of the series. The music felt repetitive and uninspired, often blending into the background without leaving a lasting impression.

Dorothy Lewis
5/10

Overall, the soundtrack of The Wire is a cohesive and integral part of the series, enhancing the viewing experience and adding emotional depth to the characters and their journeys.

Sarah Adams
5/10

The fourth season's soundtrack effectively underscores the political intrigue and the struggles of teenagers caught up in the cycle of violence. The music enhances the character development and adds layers to the narrative.

Richard Campbell
6/10

The third season's soundtrack continues to impress with its ability to mirror the escalating tensions between the police and drug dealers. The music heightens the sense of urgency and desperation in the storyline.

Charles Gonzalez
4/10

Additionally, I felt that the soundtrack did not effectively capture the essence of Baltimore as the main character of the show. The music did not evoke a sense of time and place, missing an opportunity to immerse the audience in the unique atmosphere of the city and its various layers of society.

Dorothy Evans
5/10

The variety of musical styles and genres used in The Wire showcases the diverse cultural landscape of Baltimore and adds authenticity to the series. The music helps create a rich and immersive viewing experience for the audience.