Fans of The Bear know that the soundtrack to each episode is almost as important as the story.

The darling of FX’s lineup, which debuted its 3rd season on Thursday, gets a lot of press for the show’s realism, cast, directing and writing, but the music behind the story is also newsworthy.

‘Nine Inch Nails’ haunting instrumental “Together” plays throughout season three’s first episode, which contains almost no dialogue. Though a typical episode will feature several songs, the premiere relies on this song only, as it jumps from main character Carmy’s (Jeremy Allen White) past to present.’ NIN’s Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross are credited as the composer’s of the episode’s score.

Episodes two through ten will feature songs like Eddie Vedder’s cover of “Save it for Later.” a previously-unreleased cut that Vedder contributed that will be featured in two different episodes. Vedder also posted what looks like a 7-inch vinyl single of the cover, credited to his own Seattle Surf Co. imprint, on Instagram, but it’s unclear whether it’s meant for commercial release in that format. For now, it’s available only on streaming services.

Also featured are Brian Eno and John Cale, The Cocteau Twins, Van Morrison, more Reznor and Ross, Taylor Swift, Kool & the Gang, Ghetto Brothers, Carole King, The Sundays, and The Ronettes, to name but a few.

The Bear swept last year’s Emmy Awards, winning Outstanding Comedy Series, writing and directing awards for Christopher Storer, who also executive produces, and acting awards for stars White, Ayo Edebiri, Ebon Moss Bacahrach and guests Jon Bernthal and Oliver Platt, an award for casting, and technical awards, including statues for sound editing and mixing.

But, as Emmy Awards for music are only given for original songs and music, The Bear didn’t get an award for that. But maybe it should have. Storer, who is also the show’s creator, and executive producer Josh Senior also serve as music supervisors (a move intended to cut production costs), are passionate movie fans who draw from their own favorite tunes, as well as collaborating with the cast and crew to find the perfect mix.

“It’s the most fun thing we get to do on the show, in my opinion. It’s a blast,” Senior said in an interview with Variety “It’s an integral part of the process.”

In season one, the show relied on 90’s alternative rock from bands like Pearl Jam, R.E.M., Radiohead, and Counting Crows to keep the story moving, as well as memorable cuts from LCD Soundsystem, Sufjan Stevens, Van Morrison, Genesis, and Refused, along with Windy City (where the show is set) mainstays like Chicago and Wilco.

In season two, the show used music from several of the bands featured in the first season, and added a greater range of needle drops, featuring classic rock from AC/DC, alternative rock from Smashing Pumpkins, the throwback pop of Fine Young Cannibals, and The Motels, and tracks from other musical icons such as Mavis Staples, Neil Finn, and David Byrne.

Each song enhances a scene’s emotional impact and narrative significance – often in unexpected juxtapositions. When Richie (Moss-Bachrach), the most hot-headed of all the characters (which is really saying something) undergoes a stunning character transformation, he is seen belting out Taylor Swift, finally connecting with his estranged daughter.

Season two’s Christmas episode, far from being festive, amplified the high-stress, high-stakes holiday gathering by mixing mellow seasonal tunes with The Ramones singing “Merry Christmas (I Don’t Want to Fight Tonight)”, which was almost too on the nose.

“If the music, at least in our opinion, isn’t furthering your appreciation, or understanding, or depth of engagement with the actual story of the show and the characters, we try not to do it,” Senior said during an interview with Salon.

“We’re trying to tell the story the best way possible.”