Licensed songs are once again making a powerful impact in the Dexter sequel series.
Another week, another killer episode—Dexter: Resurrection continues to ramp up the suspense, and fans are loving every second of it. Episode 3, titled “Backseat Driver,” is now available to stream, and early reactions suggest the series is hitting its stride. Viewers are praising its clever blend of dark humor and a thrilling return to Dexter’s classic murderous instincts.
One standout element that continues to spark conversations is the show’s use of licensed music. While the original Dexter series relied heavily on Daniel Licht’s iconic score, Dexter: New Blood shifted toward incorporating well-known and obscure songs alike. That musical trend is alive and well in Dexter: Resurrection, since the show picks up just 10 weeks after the events of New Blood, despite a production gap of over three years.
A Tale of Two Cities: Miami and New York
“Backseat Driver” takes us on a journey between New York City, where Dexter navigates his new reality under the radar, and Miami, where fan-favorite Angel Batista returns to action. Following Dexter’s escape from the Seneca Nation clinic in Episode 1, Batista is back at Miami Metro—and once again entangled in the mystery that refuses to die.
This episode may feature fewer songs than the season premiere, but it still spans multiple genres and tones. Interestingly, Episode 3 is the first to completely forgo any of Daniel Licht’s original Dexter score, including the iconic “Blood Theme.” Instead, viewers are introduced to fresh compositions by Pat Irwin, the composer behind the prequel series Dexter: Original Sin.
If you’ve been wondering, what song was playing in that scene?—we’ve got you covered.
Dexter: Resurrection – Episode 3 “Backseat Driver” Soundtrack Guide
Here’s a full breakdown of (almost) every song featured in Season 1, Episode 3, along with the scenes in which they appear:
1. “Left Hand Free” – alt-J (2014)
Scene: Kicking off the episode, this indie-rock anthem plays as Dexter picks up a passenger in his UrCar rideshare, setting the tone for what follows.
2. “I’m a Killing Bee” – The Stone Foxes (2011)
Scene: As Dexter tails Red from his apartment and breaks into his place, this gritty rock track adds a punch of tension and swagger to the moment.
3. “Stayin’ Alive” – Bee Gees (1977)
Scene: Claudette’s favorite song returns—this time fueling her determination as she investigates a hotel connected to the cover-up of Ryan Foster’s disappearance. A fitting track for a detective hot on the trail.
Update: We were able to identify every song:
4. “Desconocido” – Tom Z
Scene: Batista gets a call from Teddy about the discovery of Dexter’s truck in New York.
5. “Amor En La Island” – Leif Shires
6. “Escape A Las Bahamas” – Leif Shires
Scene: Both songs played during the Miami bar scene where Batista, Masuka, and Quinn share drinks.
7. “This is the Beginning” – Marqus Clae
Scene: This song underscores the powerful ending and replaces the Blood Theme by Daniel Licht in the end credits.