If you have read some of my other blog posts, you know that the music played in TV shows is very important to me. Music is such an important tool in movies and television—a song selection can easily make or break a scene. For example, a mediocre scene can be completely elevated by the right song. Similarly, a great scene can be ruined by a poor song selection. However, when a great scene is accompanied by the right song, it is truly magic.
Here are four times that tv shows chose the right song to pair with a scene: (In no particular order)
One Tree Hill Season 4, Episode 9: “Some You Give Away”
Song: “Heartbeats” by Jose Gonzalez
This song is at the center of one of the happiest moments on One Tree Hill. First, the Ravens win the state championship. This song was a unique choice for a scene with so much energy (everyone celebrating after the big win) because it’s slow and quiet, but it worked perfectly. What tops it off is Lucas finally realizing that he loves Peyton after several seasons of “will they/wont they”. If Lucas saying “It’s you Peyton. When all my dreams come true, the one I want next to me—it’s you”, doesn’t melt your heart, I don’t know what will.
The Vampire Diaries Season 3, Episode 1: “The Birthday”
Song: “A Drop in The Ocean” by Ron Pope
The Vampire Diaries has had SO many great music moments, so this one was hard to choose. The ending scene to the first episode of season three is a montage with a LOT going on— Alaric moves out of the Gilbert house, Caroline and Tyler hook up, Damon is upset he can’t find Stefan, and finally, (the best part) Stefan calls Elena. Even though Stefan doesn’t say anything, Elena knows its him. This scene is heartbreaking, and the song sends it over the edge. To this day I can’t hear this song without thinking of Stefan’s sad eyes and quivering lips.
Grey’s Anatomy Season 3, Episode 25: “Didn’t We Have It All?”
Song: “Keep breathing” Ingrid Michaelson
Grey’s Anatomy is another show that is known for their music moments. After 17 seasons there are a TON to choose from, but this moment from season three is a classic. Meredith cutting Cristina out of her wedding dress after she has been left at the alter is truly iconic. This scene/song combination was so popular that it actually catapulted Ingrid Michaelson’s career. It was also the start of a great working relationship between Ingrid and Grey’s because she has had countless of her songs featured on the show since then. In fact, her most recent single “To Begin Again” was in the season 17 finale of Grey’s Anatomy that aired just last week.
Pretty Little Liars Season 6, Episode 20: “Hush, Hush, Sweet Liars”
Song: “Home” by Rhodes
The first time I watched this scene in Pretty Little Liars, I immediately grabbed my phone to find out what song was playing. If you couldn’t tell by now, I’m a sucker for a good sad song/ballad. In this scene Hanna admits to Caleb that the night they broke up (when she left for New York) she had actually come back because she didn’t want to give up on their relationship. However, when she got back to her and Caleb’s apartment, he was already gone. Watching Caleb realize he might still be with Hanna if he would have waited just a few minutes longer, is truly the best kind of heartbreaking. The best because the hurt in his face showed he was still in love with her—a real relief for “Haleb” fans at the time.
Those were just a few of my favorite TV music moments. Please share one of yours!
Alayna Elyse Media 