If you are a fan of “Steven Universe” (which you most likely are because why else would you even bother to read this) then you are quite aware just how mesmerizing, captivating, and down-right enjoyable the songs of this beloved show are. It is due to how personal these songs are for the respected character singing, and how each song reveals more about him or her, and expresses their emotions through another medium besides action or dialogue. That is evident in the fact that all the songs that Pearl sings are accompanied by piano or more classical instruments, and are essentially ballads to orchestrate (pun) her refined, elegant and more conservative nature. How songs sung by Amethyst are more pop oriented and quickly paced to resemble her upbeat and fun-loving self. That Garnet’s songs are stylistic with synthesizers and drum machines, to parallel her cool and powerful gem-fused persona. How Greg’s songs are all of an 80’s glam rock to demonstrate his fatherliness and to comment on how he has already been young and lived his life to the fullest. Or the interesting way the writers have written Steven’s songs to vary from genre to genre, using influences from Pearl, Amethyst, Garnet, and Greg’s songs to act as a fusion (pun) for his music. All the songs in Steven Universe are outstanding and is one of the reasons why I adore this cartoon, but this would not be a ‘Top 10’ list if it contained every song (believe me, it was incredibly difficult to narrow it down). In my opinion, these 10 songs are the best in the series thus far, but be cautious, if you are not caught up, then big spoilers are ahead for you.

10. “Share This Jam With Me” – Steven and Connie

The friendship between Steven and Connie is precious and so genuine. One may be human and the other half magic (on his mom’s side) but even still, they are constantly looking out for each other and always have the other’s best interests at heart when making decisions. This song perfectly captures the bond the two possess, in how they are perfectly in synch, using two different instruments to showcase their differences, and how “they mix together perfectly” in a folk-esque tune.

9. “Just a Comet” – Greg

Guitar solos, wavy hair, song referring to celestial objects; this is the kind of song that my dad would say “see, 80’s buddy, it’s the freaking best” (add in a polish accent and I swear it is dead on). It is the song that brings Steven’s mother Rose and his father Greg together, and acts as introduction to Greg’s past, and his devotion to music which parallels his love for Steven. Greg was the comet that flew, soared, and crashed into Rose’s life and changed it forever. Without this song, there would be no Steven, think about it.

8. “Strong in the Real Way” – Pearl and Steven

After Steven and Pearl witness Garnet and Amethyst fuse to become Sugilite, Steven becomes obsessed with strength and to become as massive and as strong as her. Pearl tries to convince Steven that being huge is not real strength and the two have a sort of a battling duet on their opinions with Pearl's rhetoric consisting of pianos and Steven's utilizing guitars until they overlap one to simulate a present arguement. It is the first instance where Pearl sings and it is great. It is an epic ballad showing Pearl's true emotions and her yearning to teach Steven the best way she knows how, smooth and in control. It is especially brilliant when Pearl refuses to admit her jealousy at the 23 second mark.

7. “It’s Over, Isn’t It?” – Pearl

In this point in the show, we find that Pearl quite earnestly detests Greg for stealing Rose from her. This emotional song is Pearl admitting to herself that she lost in the love triangle between her Rose and Greg; that she was bested by a mere human and that there is no moving on from Rose Quartz because in Pearl’s mind, Rose completed her and now she’s lost. It really is a beautiful ballad, showcasing the battles Pearl and Greg had for Rose, while her voice actor, Deedee Magno-Hall, impresses the hell out of us with those pipes, damn. What is also significant is the fact that it is a song about a woman expressing her love for another woman in a cartoon show. A song like this encapsulates the maturity progressiveness and boldness of “Steven Universe.”

6. “What Can I Do?” – Greg and Rose

“Just a Comet” introduced Greg and Rose’s relationship, but in this song, we see the courtship that has gone underway between Greg and Rose, as they ask one another, “what can I do for you?” They both want to know what they can do to make the other person happy, feel fulfilled and be more connected in the relationship. It is a perfect love song that demonstrates how a healthy relationship works, mutual understanding and love, while also showing us where Steven gets his brilliance in understanding relationships. Also, Garnet yelps “woo” during the song and it is gold.

5. “Do It for Her” – Pearl and Connie

Another duet featuring Pearl, and it is addictive. This song can be an ear-worm, staying in your head for days, like a Disney song because, well, it sounds like a Disney song. It reminded me of Hercules training to be a hero, which makes sense because in this song Pearl trains Connie to be Steven’s knight and we hear Pearl commenting on Connie’s performance during the song like Phil may do with Hercules. Besides its wonderful harmonies, Steven’s facial expressions and playful music, under the surface the song portrays a danger as Pearl is molding Connie into a soldier who would give up her life for Steven, like she did for Rose in the gem wars. We also get a sniff at the devotion and love Pearl had for Rose, acting as an introduction to the relationship the two had.

4. “Here Comes a Thought” – Garnet and Stevonnie

The first song featuring Garnet, and it is a slow, philosophical jam. It is a lesson about mindfulness and being aware of your negative or troubling thoughts, so that you may be able to accept that they are just thoughts that can not harm you, for you are still standing. Are you kidding? A lesson about mindful meditation in a cartoon? Making this song even better is Garnet, which Garnet typically does, make things better. Estelle, the British pop star voicing Garnet, can always be a great asset to any song but the reason why the addition of Garnet makes the song awesome is because she teaches Stevonnie about mindfulness. Garnet being a teacher is one of her many character traits, and it is perfectly implemented in this song.

3. “Both of You” – Steven featuring dialogue between Pearl and Greg

Steven is the best! This ballad is gorgeous as Steven plays the piano while singing to bring Pearl and Greg together with a mutual understanding, they both love Steven and Steven loves both of them. Steven’s song allows the feuding Greg and Pearl to see that they have a lot in common besides loving Steven (we all have that in common). The two loved Rose immensely, and know what the other went through during their struggles to win Rose’s heart and talking to each other can help ease the pain of Rose’s loss, for she is still present in each other’s memories and hearts. It is so heartwarming and as you see Steven, Greg and Pearl shed tears, it makes you reciprocate it.

2. “Full Disclosure” – Steven

Back to the solos. This song is excellent in showing the effects of experiencing a potentially life-ending mission can have on a person. Seeing Garnet get obliterated, Lapus Lazuli’s refusal of his assistance and to be left alone in the world, crashing back on earth and Jasper coercing Lapus to fuse with her only to be dragged and chained to the bottom of the ocean is some heavy stuff. While traumatized, Steven is receiving constant phone calls from Connie and does not know what to tell her. How can he convey what just happened to him? Steven’s benevolence and care for Connie is shown as he wants to protect Connie from all this gem business. Steven thinks pushing Connie away is the best way to keep her safe, because if Connie becomes too close with Steven she can get hurt physically or emotionally while watching Steven be afflicted or even worse. Quite the conundrum for a thirteen-year-old boy to have, but what a mature rock song it is, and with such a catchy chorus.

1. “Stronger Than You” – Garnet

Estelle, what a way to begin singing as Garnet. “Do It for Her” may be an ear-worm but this is the ear-worms of all ear-worms in Steven Universe. I have had this song stuck in my head ever since I finished watching that episode, I even memorized the part where Peridot calls the crystal gems “clods,” but it is heartbreaking to see Lapus cast her head down in hopelessness. Do not take that as complaining because I love this song. It is a funky synth-pop track that perfectly defines who Garnet is in less than three minutes: cool, confident, smooth, savage, tough, badass, passionate, resilient and above all, a fusion of pure love. It is also just inspiring. As an athlete, I need to stay enthusiastic, confident, certain of my abilities or I cannot perform the way I want to on the ice. When I listen to the song, I swear I get fired up, and I think I can beat anyone and I will not let myself be bested without a fight. I may have a personal bias to this song which makes me believe it trumps other songs but, you have to admit, it is dope as hell and Garnet is involved, and who is not Garnet’s favorite character in the show?