We’re not saying {that a} theme tune could make or break a sequence, however generally it’s the fanfare at first of every present that will get us working to the TV set. It’s onerous to consider the influence of a theme tune nowadays when each streaming service has a “skip intro” function, as a result of it’s the theme tune that units the temper, and will get you within the temper to look at what’s about to unfold.
In this text, you will notice the way it solely takes a couple of chords, or a easy melody or lyric to take you to a different world within the type of a cartoon or sitcom. Sure, these exhibits might stand on their very own and not using a musical introduction, and a few exhibits do fairly properly with only a title card and a fast bumper earlier than leaping into the exposition, however we’re right here to speak concerning the theme songs which have legendary standing, and at the moment are synonymous with the present they represented.
11/11 The Adventures of Pete & Pete – “Hey Sandy,” by Polaris
If you have been an early Nickelodeon fan, then you definitely absolutely keep in mind this upbeat storage indie rock anthem. The opening lyric, “Hey smilin’ strange, you’re lookin’ happily deranged” sums up the awkwardness of teenage relationships. While The Adventures of Pete & Pete was largely a present about two brothers navigating by means of their loopy household life, the theme tune by Polaris talks about platonic relationships through which the narrator desires to be extra than simply mates. It’s additionally price noting that Polaris is an offshoot of Connecticut-based band Miracle Legion, and so they nonetheless carry out “Hey Sandy” to at the present time.
10/11 Malcolm within the Middle – “Boss of Me,” by They Might be Giants
They Might be Giants single-handedly put “nerd rock” on the map with quirky songs akin to “Particle Man”, and “Constantinople”, however they noticed the peak of their success with the Malcolm within the Middle theme tune, “Boss of Me”. Malcolm within the Middle is a real fish-out-of-water journey through which the title character has superior mind, and feels trapped in his decrease center class household. It’s solely becoming that They Might be Giants have been featured for the present’s intro, as a result of their whole catalog looks as if one thing that will come straight from Malcolm’s thoughts anyway.
9/11 Seinfeld – Synth Modeled Slap Bass
This Jonathan Wolff association isn’t only a theme tune, but in addition a sequence of bumpers all through the sequence that match the tempo and vitality of Seinfeld. Many aspiring bass gamers attempt to grasp the Seinfeld theme as soon as they’ve a stable grasp on slapping and popping, however to their disappointment, discover out that every one that well-placed syncopation truly comes from a synthesizer, and never a bass guitar. Regardless of instrument of origin, Seinfeld merely wouldn’t be the identical with out the enduring bassline that may very well be heard between each single scene for 9 seasons.
8/11 King of the Hill – “King of the Hill Theme” by The Refreshments
The King of the Hill theme is a blistering instrumental nation jam that units the tone for Arlen, Texas. But one of the best a part of all? The band goes right into a full-on groove after the sound of a beer can tab being pulled open, which is a working theme all through the sequence. There’s nothing fairly just like the twang of a fender telecaster shredding over a cowbell beat to let the viewers know what they’re about to get into, and all it takes to kick off is a straightforward E-Major chord.
7/11 X-Files – “X-Files Theme Song” by Mark Snow
How a lot of you may have creeped yourselves out whereas strolling alone at night time and considering of the X-Files theme tune by Mark Snow? We’d enterprise to guess that it’s fairly a couple of of you! When it involves supernatural synth sounds, the X-Files theme crawls underneath your pores and skin in simply the proper of manner. It’s catchy, it’s memorable, and it’s creepy however not too creepy. In different phrases, the X-Files theme lets the viewer know that the following hour of their life is about to get bizarre.
6/11 The Big Bang Theory – “Big Bang Theory Theme,” by Barenaked Ladies
Circling again to “nerd rock,” it’s solely pure that we’d finally have to handle the banger that is named the “Big Bang Theory Theme”. Leave it to the Barenaked women to sum up the whole lot of human existence in only a couple brief verses. Unlike Sheldon’s long-winded diatribes about actually something and every thing, The Big Bang Theory theme tune is concise as it’s intelligent.
5/11 Sanford and Son – “Sanford and Son Theme (The Streetbeater),” by Quincy Jones
“The Streetbeater” options an iconic sax line and a Hammond organ groove that’s rivaled by none. There is one thing concerning the easy melody and rhythm part that simply makes you need to strut, and the Sanford and Son theme may even stand by itself if it have been on a random mixtape. When you may have top-notch musicianship, and a memorable electrical blues and funk vibe, it’s onerous to not really feel good and take a scenic stroll.
4/11 Home Improvement – “Iron John’s Rock,” by Dan Foliart
It’s not typically {that a} theme tune includes a outstanding jazz flute melody, however Home Improvement pulls it off. But it’s the sum of its components that makes the “Iron John’s Rock” have extra energy. There’s an industrial beat that even Trent Reznor would envy, a sizzling blues guitar solo, and loads of Tim Allen grunts to set the scene in case you forgot what present you have been watching. When “Iron John’s Rock” is audible, everyone is aware of that it’s Tool Time!
3/11 South Park – “South Park Theme Song,” by Primus/Les Claypool
Leave it to Matt Stone and Trey Parker to recruit oddball Les Claypool to compose the South Park theme. Les Claypool and Primus have all the time been recognized to function unusual Americana of their lyrical storytelling, and it simply works completely for the residents of South Park, Colorado. This theme tune has advanced all through the seasons. The lyrics and composition stay typically the identical, however whamola jams and intense experience cymbal patterns have been added all through the years to make the tune extra bombastic and in-your-face because the sequence advanced equally all through its run.
2/11 Daria – “You’re Standing On My Neck,” by Splendora
We’re beginning to assume that Mike Judge is aware of a factor or two about making nice theme songs for his properties. Think about how a lot of a banger the Beavis & Butthead theme was, and the way that very same vitality translated over to King of the Hill. The Daria theme isn’t any totally different, and serves as a teenage anthem for Gen-X excessive schoolers when it says “I’ve got to be direct, If I’m wrong, please correct, You’re standing on my neck.” When you mix a ’90s various rock tune with tongue-in-cheek malaise, you get the Daria theme.
1/11 Friends – “I’ll Be There for You,” by The Rembrandts
If you’re a fan of Friends, then you’re clearly aware of the work of the Rembrandts. Studies have been achieved, and it’s been confirmed bodily unattainable to not clap together with this theme tune. Lyrically, the verse units the tone for the entire sequence. The protagonists in Friends all have their ups and downs, however all of them specific the sentiment “I’ll be there for you.” It’s brief and candy, and it will get the job achieved.