American Horror Story is known for disturbing elements, gory scenes, and downright scariness. So it might sound a little weird to think about music when it comes to AHS. However, the series actually does a great job of incorporating well-choreographed scenes and musical numbers and writer Ryan Murphy puts a lot of thought into these scenes.
They make the show more enjoyable and at times give fans a break from the terror of the series. Some songs are played over perfectly choreographed visuals, others are performed by the cast members themselves. Fans should keep an eye out for these 10 great musical sequences.
Come As You Are - Nirvana (Freak Show)
Evan Peters covering Nirvana was an interesting choice for a season set in the '50s, but it kind of works. It's an appropriate song for Jimmy Darling to sing. He is accepting, welcoming, and protective of all the other members of the "freak show." Jimmy's performance is cut with scenes of Dell visiting a gay bar. It shows the contrast between Dell's shame in his relationships with men and his son Jimmy's acceptance of his own limb differences.
Gypsy - Fleetwood Mac (Apocalypse)
After Misty Day is retrieved from hell, Stevie Nicks sings a slow, instrumental version of her song "Gypsy." The performance is beautiful, with Nicks standing in front of a firelight room and the witches looking on. There is an element of sadness as Cordelia begins to realize that she must do something about Michael to protect the coven. Nicks also replaces the line, "she was just a wish" with "she was just a witch" as she sings to Misty.
Hotline Bling - Drake (Hotel)
In episode 10 of Hotel Donovan boldly decides to take out the Countess' lover, Rudolph Valentino, once and for all. Instead of running, he waits for her at the Hotel Cortez, drinking, smoking, and dancing to Drake's "Hotline Bling." It's an oddly appropriate song for Donovan and his tumultuous relationship with Elizabeth. The episode ends with the return of the song as Iris and Liz burst into the room, guns blazing.
Gold Dust Woman - Fleetwood Mac (Apocalypse)
Apocalypse starts off a little slow with the monotony of the bunker. Even the same song ("Time In A Bottle") keeps playing over and over again on the radio. Then suddenly in episode 2 the song mysteriously shifts to Stevie Nick's "Gold Dust Woman."
It seems apparent that a change is coming in the season as the song plays and Mr. Gallant spots the rubber man and follows him through the bunker. The song is the perfect slow, mystical tune for this confusing scene. The appearance of Nick's music also foreshadows the return of the witches later in the season.
Far From Over - Frank Stallone (1984)
Despite being a horror show, season 9 of AHS had a lot of fun with the '80s theme. The opening aerobics sequence was a perfect introduction. Frank Stallone's 1984 "Far From Over" plays while the main characters are introduced as if they were a part of an aerobics video. Although fans knew that murder and horror would come soon in the series, it was nice to start off the season on a high note.
Tear You Apart - She Wants Revenge (Hotel)
Lady Gaga chose this song specifically for her opening scene with Matt Bomer, so fans knew it was going to be good. In the first episode of Hotel, the Countess and Donovan prepare for a night out, where they meet another couple at a showing of Nosferatu.
The pair of vampires eventually invite the couple back to their hotel, where they engage in group sex turned murder and blood-drinking. Over all of this, the song "Tear You Apart" by She Wants Revenge plays. If any song was perfect for a date night/orgy/murder scene, it's this one.
Gods And Monsters - Lana Del Ray (Freak Show)
Fans might be wondering, why is a Lana Del Ray song being covered by Jessica Lange in a season set in the '50s? For Freak Show, Sarah Paulson explained to Vanity Fair that the modern songs are "a nod to Baz Luhrmann, who creates these worlds that are so hyper-real and hyper-fantasy-based all smushed into one thing." The song fits in well with Elsa's longing for fame at all costs and the scene is cut with spooky images of an approaching Edward Mordrake through a green mist.
Seven Wonders - Fleetwood Mac (Coven)
The opening sequence of the final episode of Coven could not have been more perfect. Stevie Nicks, now known to be a witch, sings "Seven Wonders" while the girls of the Coven prepare (appropriately enough) to attempt to perform the test of the Seven Wonders and reveal the next Supreme. Zoe levitates her bed, Madison lights candles from her bathtub, Misty revives plants and Queenie attempts to discover what happened to Nan. The girls then meet at the bottom of the staircase and Nicks wishes them luck.
Rebel Yell - Billy Idol (1984)
The episode "True Killers" opens with a flashback of Montana teaching a "Midnight Manerobics" class. The song playing, Billy Idol's "Rebel Yell," perfectly matches Montana's rebellious punk rock style and ties in with the appearance of Richard Ramirez, who talks constantly about Idol throughout the season. It's a little more hard-core of an aerobics class than the one in "Camp Redwood" and an amazingly choreographed scene.
The Name Game - Shirley Ellis (Asylum)
Possibly the most infamously bizarre scene in American Horror Story occurs in episode 10 of Asylum. Sister Judy has been subject to severe electroconvulsive therapy, and Lana finds her confused and disoriented in the rec room. Judy then spots "The Name Game" by Shirley Ellis on the jukebox.
The scene is then transformed into a dance number that is a welcome relief from the horror and death of Asylum. Jessica Lange's cover of the '60's jam was a perfect choice, and the dance scene is fun while still keeping a few creepy elements of the asylum.