Heated Rivalry is an incredible series with an amazing soundtrack. And while I’ve pre-ordered the blu-ray, I also picked up a physical copy of the soundtrack – which feels tailor-made to be displayed alongside posters and well-worn copies of Rachel Reid’s now-beloved novels. Unlike the lavish vinyl package—which arrives with trading cards, printed sleeves, and a gatefold presentation—the CD edition is comparatively restrained. Packaged as a double-disc set, it includes not only the series’ infectious pop tracks, but also Peter Peter’s complete score, all housed within a fold-out package featuring production stills, credits, and liner notes from creator Jacob Tierney.

The soundtrack’s first disc focuses on the series’ eclectic collection of pop songs, spanning indie rock, synth-pop, and French-language ballads. Featuring artists including Dumas, Wet Leg, Philippe B, Baxter Dury, Wolf Parade, Feist, Satine, t.A.T.u., Harrison, La Bronze, and Cailin Russo, the collection feels every bit as carefully curated as the series itself. Standout tracks such as ｢mangetout｣,｢My Moon My Man｣, and the unforgettable pairing of t.A.T.u.’s ｢All the Things She Said｣ as well as Harrison’s beautifully haunting cover that amplifies one of the series most sensual moments.

Disc two is devoted entirely to Peter Peter’s atmospheric score, which expands the series’ emotional world far beyond the confines of the screen. Spread across thirty-four tracks, the composer guides listeners through every stage of Shane and Ilya’s relationship—from the sweat-soaked tension of ｢Rivalry｣ and ｢Face-off｣ to the aching intimacy of ｢Two Souls｣, ｢It’s You｣, and the recurring ｢Heartbeat｣ suite. 

Perhaps the most striking aspect of the release is its artwork, which places shirtless images of Shane Hollander (who adorns the score disc) and Ilya Rozanov (featured on the pop soundtrack) front and centre. The colour palette is equally evocative: icy blues and stark whites dominate the packaging, conjuring frozen arenas and winter nights while subtly reflecting the series’ central contradiction. Beneath the cold exterior of its protagonists lies something intensely passionate. It is a bold design choice—one that immediately distinguishes Heated Rivalry from traditional sports soundtracks and reinforces the fact that, beneath the hockey rivalries and championship dreams, this is ultimately a love story.

For me, the fact that the soundtrack was not only available in Japan, but given its own display at Tower Records Shibuya, was nothing short of extraordinary. Heated Rivalry is a queer series based on a queer novel—one that was originally conceived as an intimate, independent production. Yet somehow, against all odds, it has evolved into a global phenomenon. Seeing Shane and Ilya’s story celebrated in one of the world’s most iconic music stores is a reminder of just how far queer storytelling has come.  And how important it is to share.

It’s beautiful.

I can’t wait for season two. There will be more Heated Rivalry soon so… 

Stay Tuned!