Spoiler Alert: These songs have us reliving our favorite TV moments again and again. From “Grey’s Anatomy” to “How I Met Your Mother,” music sets the mood for our favorite comedies, dramas and everything in between. Check out the songs that had their revival through popular TV shows.
“How To Save A Life”- The Fray
When this song plays on TV, audiences know it’s time to get a crash cart.
The Fray’s “How To Save A Life” sets the tone for some emotional moments in the show, including many surgery montages and medical emergencies. The song originally came out in 2005 and is the titular song on The Fray’s debut album. Soon after its release and before its popularity, “Grey’s Anatomy” used it during the second season of the show. Because of the song’s tear-jerking melodies and lyrical storytelling, ABC began using it in commercials for the medical drama. Since then, the song has been featured as the backdrop of TV’s most dramatic scenes.
“Running Up That Hill”- Kate Bush
Max may have escaped Vecna, but we’ll never escape this 80s bop (we’re not mad about it).
Kate Bush released “Running Up That Hill” in 1985 and almost 40 years later, it went viral on social media after the season 4 premiere of “Stranger Things” hit Netflix in May 2022. In the sci-fi series, Max Mayfield (played by Sadie Sink) uses her favorite song to avoid being killed by the devilish D&D villain, Vecna. Kate Bush’s magical vocals and staple synthesizers fit perfectly within the story’s setting. The song has since blown up on TikTok and spent several weeks in Billboard’s top ten. Now, Gen-Z claims it as their own.
“Don’t Stop Believin'”- Journey
Although this song is undoubtedly the best karaoke track of all time, Gleeks praise it for a different reason.
In the TV show’s pilot episode, the glee club finds their footing despite being William McKinley High’s biggest losers. Amidst converting a group of awkward teenagers into seasoned performers, “Don’t Stop Believin’” becomes the New Direction’s first energetic anthem. After the show gained popularity, the Journey showstopper had a resurgence 30 years after its initial release.
“Goo Goo Muck”- The Cramps
Let’s face it; we’ve all tried to master the iconic Wednesday dance.
In episode 4 of “Wednesday,” the title character slays (literally) at the Rave’N dance with her eclectic, ominous choreography. The song was initially released in 1962 by Ronnie Cook & the Gaylads but was rereleased by The Cramps in 1981. Neither version made much noise then, but Netflix changed the game. Fans of the TV show have rallied behind the song and Jenna Ortega’s original dance, especially through TikTok.
“I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)”- The Proclaimers
As if the theme song isn’t catchy enough, “How I Met Your Mother” has a stacked soundtrack.
The song was initially released in 1988 and quickly became the band’s biggest hit. In 2006, “How I Met Your Mother” used the call-and-response song as part of one of their many ongoing bits. During a disaster road trip, Marshall and Ted make the most of being snowed in by listening to their Proclaimer’s cassette. The theme provides an exciting jam session that turned stale after the track gets stuck on repeat. Thankfully, audiences never got bored of this classic and it’s made a comeback with a new generation.
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