communication breakdown

Top 10 TV Theme Songs

A podcast I listen to (Jay and Jack's RambleCast) recently did a list of their Top-10 favorite TV theme songs. I enjoyed some of their entries a lot, but disagreed with enough that I was inspired to make my own list. So, here we go (click on the speakers to hear the songs)...

Growing up, there were two songs that all suburban white boys knew by heart: "Ice Ice Baby" and the theme song to Fresh Prince. It may have been cheesy, but for many of us it was our first introduction to rap - and for my money, rap's never been better.

What can I say, this one is just fun, and it fits the tropical nature of the show quite nicely.

This is a totally underrated but awesome little jazzy number that is utterly hummable and unforgettable.

Probably my oddest entry, but I stand by my decision. It would probably make more sense to have a separate list of top 10 game show theme songs, but if I had to pick one to make my overall list, this would be it. Like "Night Court", it's a very catchy and memorable jingle, which is the hallmark of great theme songs.

Don't give me no jibber-jabber! I don't know what I like best about this one, the song itself or the introductory statement that kicks it off:

"In 1972 a crack commando unit was sent to prison by a military court for a crime they didn't commit. These men promptly escaped from a maximum security stockade to the Los Angeles underground. Today, still wanted by the government, they survive as soldiers of fortune. If you have a problem, if no one else can help, and if you can find them, maybe you can hire the A-Team."

How cool is that? To be honest, the best thing about this song is that it feels so patriotic and heroic; nothing short of that would be fitting for my man Mr. T.

This song rocks, end of story.

Major points here for effectiveness - in fact, I would argue no theme song in the history of theme songs sets the mood better than the X-Files theme. It's utterly creepy and mysterious, very much like this great show.

I've seen countless lists of great theme songs, and why does it seem like this one is never included? The theme to the Jeffersons is so much fun - from the soulful lead vocals, to the hallelujah chorus, to the quirky lyrics ("Fish don't fry in the kitchen; Beans don't burn on the grill!"), it is a work of art. And the cherry on top is the final note, where she drags out the word "pie" for like 5 seconds. This one is timeless.

I was so tempted to put this at #1, but I just couldn't do it. This song earns its spot by winning the award for catchiest theme of all time. Just fire up this tune in a crowded room and you're guaranteed to have at least 20 people singing "Believe it or not, I'm walking on air". I can listen to this song a hundred times and not get tired of it.

Classic, understated, lyrically effective and musically beautiful. The theme to "Cheers" not only sets the mood for the show perfectly but it's a great tune in its own right. The lone piano at the beginning and end of the song strikes the perfect chord. The song, like the show, is a perfect blend of happiness and sadness, and it's the kind of tune that just makes you want to get sentimental. Call me unoriginal, but there's a reason people love to name this song the best theme ever.

Honorable mention:

Dukes of Hazzard
Law & Order
MacGyver
Saved By The Bell
Cops
The Wire (Season 1)
Highlander (Queen version)

Posted by sdishman at September 10, 2007 10:45 PM

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