Not too long ago, I wrote an article on movie musicals and how powerful they can be. That got me thinking about how music in general can improve a viewing experience. Without it, we would just be watching an scene of dialogue or action where the underlying tension or excitement is not accompanied by a musical score to directly give us the proper emotion.
While silence does have its uses - i.e. "Silence" is a beautiful Scorsese film that uses quietness to its incredible advantage - but I feel that with the proper music the experience can become memorable. Plus, the better the song is the more likely we are to casually listen to it without watching the actual scenes.
Since I have been engrossed in a few TV shows lately, I felt as though it were only appropriate to pick out some of the songs that made a show more fantastic, in my opinion. If you have not heard of these shows or have not seen them, I highly recommend checking them out if you can!
"The Rains of Castamere" from "Game of Thrones"
I would have picked the iconic title sequence piece, but I enjoy this one much much more. When I first heard this rendition of it (since there are a plethora of arrangements throughout the show) during the end credits of a particularly exciting episode, my jaw dropped in pure amazement. Not only does it fit perfectly with the feel of the show, "The Rains of Castamere" becomes a special connection with the Lannister family that when you hear it play you can't help but think about the horrible atrocities they have committed and what they will do or what will happen to them next. I have yet to come across a song that is not only simple and catchy, but also holds such an intense meaning for the events of the show.
"Bakusou Yume Uta" from "Soul Eater"
I thought "Soul Eater" was a fairly lackluster anime that had an original idea, but did not deliver enough with the story arch it attempted to create. However, this end credit song for season three I find to be the perfect motivator to intensely type out a paper or even an article! For some reason, the beat and energy of the vocalist just send my fingers into a different world as they type out words at a faster pace than normal. Yet, since I do not understand the words, I can just focus on how the song sounds and use it as a burst of energy.
"The Long Song" from "Doctor Who"
One of my favorite songs of all time, I cannot help but get chills every time blare this piece through my speakers, despite the fact that I have listen to it probably more often than anything else. The one feeling I get while listening to this song is a beautiful and incredible sacrifice. It hurls me right back into Matt Smith's wonderful days as the Doctor and this piece is forever fitting for him.
"Vale Decem" from "Doctor Who" (spoiler alert in the video!)
Two songs from the same show? What do you expect from probably my favorite show of all time? "Doctor Who" is filled with incredible music that it was difficult to pick only two. Of course, the iconic theme could have been chosen, but most people know that. "Vale Decem" is similar to "The Long Song" in that the intense emotion builds up throughout the very thing until it just throws it all at you and you fall into that pit of amazement at how such a piece could capture a particular moment in the show so perfectly.
Main Title of "Xena: Warrior Princess"
This show was one of the first shows I watched seriously, along with "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys." My brother had each season and I would borrow them from him until I watched every single one. Unfortunately, I was young and did not always pay full attention to the show while it was on. I even remember watching the SERIES FINALE while CLEANING MY ROOM! What was wrong with me...Anyway, I still listen to the title sequence quite often. The tribal sense of it is just too epic to ignore. Often, it gave off a more intense feel that the show itself!
Title Sequence of "Stranger Things"
This is another one of those songs that creates the exact feel of the show. The title sequence is simple, spooky, and creates the supernatural emotion of the unknown that the plot weaves together masterfully. The techno music fits both the modern audience it was created for and the 80's style the show has adopted. Who else is pumped for season 2??
"Brunnen-G Fight Song" from "Lexx"
This oddball of a show is actually quite entertaining. Yet, this is pretty much the very first thing you experience in the entire series. It is another one of those things where simplicity equals intensity. It sets up exactly what the characters are feeling; one last fight against the darkness that will not end in their favor. I probably would have never experienced this short song or the show itself if my brother had not posted it on his Facebook page one day. Thanks, bro!
What do you think? Do these songs make you want to watch the shows? Have any songs from TV shows you think deserve to be on this list as well? Let me know!
