Be warned: this article reveals major plot details from both the final episode of Mr. Robot and the second season of Landman. Read with caution if you haven’t seen them!
A surprising battle is unfolding on the music and TV charts, and it’s more compelling than just a fight for popularity. Recently, a curious trend appeared on the iTunes Top TV Shows list – as noticed by the team at Collider – where the critically acclaimed West Texas drama, , was unexpectedly bumped from the top five by a show that finished its run years ago: .
These two shows seem completely different at first glance. One is a gritty, Western-style drama set in the oil fields, while the other is a tense, futuristic thriller about a hacker. However, a closer look – especially at the soundtracks – reveals a surprising connection. Both shows treat music as more than just background noise; it’s a central element that drives the story.
Sheridan blends authentic, rustic sounds with tense, electronic music to create a realistic yet unsettling atmosphere. The return of Mr. Robot shows that audiences enjoy familiar, comforting country music, but they’re also drawn to the exciting, anxious energy of electronic music when used effectively.
| Feature | Mr. Robot (The Techno-Thriller) | Landman (The Neo-Western) |
| Musical Style | Dark, industrial techno and clinical synth. | Authentic Americana, country, and roots. |
| The Vibe | Anxiety-inducing, clinical, and paranoid. | Lived-in, grit-and-grace, and blue-collar. |
| Key Instrument | The Synthesizer (Mac Quayle’s signature). | The Acoustic Guitar and Billy Bob’s raspy vocals. |
| Philosophy | Music is an extension of Elliot’s fractured mind. | Music is the heartbeat of the Texas soil. |
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Emerson Miller/Paramount+
1. Mr. Robot: “Where Is My Mind” (Maxence Cyrin Cover)
This is a perfect example of effective music use in a TV show. By featuring a melancholic piano version of the Pixies’ famous song, the show’s creator cleverly referenced the film Fight Club and subtly told viewers that the main character, Elliot, was losing touch with reality. The music instantly transformed the show from a fast-paced thriller into a deeply emotional and tragic story.
2. Landman: “Livin’ It Up Down In Texas” (Billy Gibbons)
Taylor Sheridan’s shows always strongly feature their settings, and this song—co-written by the show’s lead actor— perfectly captures that spirit. It’s a confident, catchy tune that feels like the soundtrack to the oil fields, making the often-complex world of land negotiation seem both exciting and down-to-earth. It has a broad appeal, like a really good, simple pleasure – a gourmet cheeseburger – that everyone can enjoy.
3. Mr. Robot: “Take Me Home” (Phil Collins)
Okay, so there’s this scene in the show – it’s brilliantly messed up. A character just starts torching piles and piles of cash, and it happens during a classic 80s song. It’s not just a flashy moment, though. To me, it perfectly captures how Mr. Robot uses music to really twist the knife – it’s almost laughing at the comfortable, corporate world Elliot is so desperately trying to take down. It’s a really clever bit of irony.
4. Landman: “Sunshine” (The Red Clay Strays)
Sheridan is known for letting his scenes unfold naturally, and this music perfectly matches that style, evoking the feeling of a peaceful drive through the West Texas desert. It offers a grounded, realistic tone that balances the show’s intense moments, giving viewers a brief respite before the next conflict.
5. Mr. Robot: “Outro” (M83)
As the show ended and Elliot finally understood his true identity, the music by M83 delivered the emotional resolution fans had been hoping for throughout the series. It felt like the sound of a broken psyche finally finding peace.
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The continued success of the Mr. Robot soundtrack, even against popular new music like Taylor Sheridan’s, highlights the impact of a unique atmosphere. While Yellowstone (represented by Landman) connects with audiences through strong characters and a raw energy, Mr. Robot captivates with its mood. Viewers seem to be drawn to both: the comforting warmth of a Texas setting and the thrilling tension of a high-tech rebellion. These soundtracks essentially ground the audience emotionally. Whether it’s the gritty, hardworking feel of the oil industry or the unsettling, digital anxiety of a cyberattack, music is what truly brings these shows to life and makes them believable.
With so many streaming options available in 2026, shows that have a particularly memorable sound are the ones that stick with viewers the longest. So, if you unexpectedly find yourself humming a tune from a show while doing something completely unrelated, that’s no accident – you’re experiencing the impact of a compelling audio experience and the competition between shows for your attention.
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2026-02-18 22:59