Gossip Girl’s 13 Most Memorable Music Moments
Sarah Hearon
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Gossip Girl is often associated with iconic fashion, scandal and New York City, but one of the more underrated elements of the series was its use of music.
However, it should come as no surprise to fans that The CW drama had an iconic soundtrack, because it was developed for TV by Josh Schwartz, the same man who gave us classic TV music moments for years on The OC.
Whether it's a steamy sex scene on a bus back from the Hamptons or a heartfelt confession from Chuck to Blair, here's the most memorable music moments from Gossip Girl's six seasons.
1. Peter Bjorn and John ft. Victoria Bergsman’s “Young Folks”
The whistles that started it all. Gossip Girl’s pilot episode opened with Serena van der Woodsen returning to New York City to “Young Folks.” It’s nearly impossible not to get the upbeat tune stuck in your head after you hear it, and it takes you right back to Grand Central Station when Dan Humphrey (and the rest of the Upper East Side) #spotted S for the first time in a year.
2. The Bravery’s "Believe"
Serena and Nate’s secret is out and everyone is dealing with the aftermath at the end of “The Wild Brunch,” and The Bravery’s “Believe” raises the dramatic stakes. And while it makes no sense for S to throw her phone out (couldn’t she have just changed her number?), the moment remains legendary.
3. Sean Kingston’s “Beautiful Girls”
Nothing screams 2007 like Sean Kingston and a digital camera! Plus, as Gossip Girl herself says in “Bad News Blair,” “Serena and Blair: they do besties better than anyone” and this song acts as an appropriate backdrop for their reunion.
4. Sum 41's "With Me"
“I don’t wait this moment to ever end…” and neither did Chair fans. Sum 41 provided the perfect soundtrack to Chuck and Blair’s first (and now infamous) hookup in the back of Chuck’s limo in “Victor/Victrola.” The moment was Gossip Girl at its best— shocking, steamy and (now) sentimental.
5. The Pierces’ “Secret”
Before “Secret” was the theme song to Pretty Little Liars, it was performed by The Pierces at Blair and Serena’s debutante ball in the episode “Hi, Society.” And just like the ladies of Rosewood, Manhattan’s elite has their fair share of secrets, so it only makes sense they danced to it at one of the biggest parties of the year.
6. Nicole Scherzinger’s “Happily Never Ever”
When they weren’t exchanging insults or fighting with field hockey sticks, S and B really had each other’s backs. One of the most genuine friendship moments between the ladies was when Serena stopped Blair from running away to Paris in “The Thin Line Between Chuck and Nate,” and the lead singer of The Pussycat Dolls’ provided beautiful vocals for a beautiful moment.
7. Death Cab For Cutie’s “The Ice Is Getting Thinner”
During the season one finale, “Much ‘I Do’ About Nothing,” Dan and Serena dance together at Lily and Bart’s wedding right after their breakup, while Blair and Chuck decide to give each other a chance. Death Cab For Cutie’s “The Ice Is Getting Thinner” manages to be a heartbreaking tune for S and D, while also creating a sweet moment for C and B.
8. Fratellis’ “Tell Me a Lie”
The chemistry between Dan and Serena was at an all-time high on their bus ride home from the Hamptons in “'Never Been Marcused,” and Fratellis’ sexy tune fits the scene perfectly.
9. Thurston Moore & Jemina Pearl’s “Sheena Is A Punk Rocker"
Jenny’s guerrilla fashion show in “There Might Be Blood” is an over-the-top, fun moment in the series, and Thurston Moore & Jemina Pearl’s cover of The Ramones’ “Sheena Is A Punk Rocker" totally compliments Lil J’s vibe. And Agnes (throwback!) just looks really cool dancing on tables to the song.
10. Jason DeRulo’s “Whatcha Say”
Perhaps the best use of a Jason DeRulo song ever, “Whatcha Say” goes extremely well with the most dramatic Thanksgiving meal in history in ”Treasure of Serena Madre.” Everyone is spilling each other’s secrets during the verses and reacting to the various scandals during the refrain.
11. M83’s “Too Late"
This one is a real tearjerker. Chuck struggles with the anniversary of his father’s death in “The Debarted,” and M83’s emotional song gives you all the feels for the misunderstood bad boy when he admits he is struggling and (finally) allows Blair to help him.
12. Robyn's "Dancing On My Own"
Hottest. Scene. Ever? Chuck and Blair’s piano “hate sex” would be epic on its own, but it’s next level thanks to Robyn’s “Dancing On My Own.” The electronic dance tune, featured in “War at the Roses,” is the perfect addition to one of Gossip Girl’s most iconic endings.
13. Florence + The Machine’s “You've Got The Love”
Florence + The Machine covers Candi Staton’s “You’ve Got The Love” in Gossip Girl’s final episode, “New York, I Love You XOXO”— the same song that is featured in Sex and the City’s series finale. The song helps wrap up in the series and end it on a high note with everyone getting together (in fabulous clothes) one last time.
