Supernatural’s Top Ten Musical Moments

Hi, everyone. I hope everyone is keeping well and being safe during this uncertain and stressful time. With recently being ‘temporarily’ laid off,  I have found myself with more time than I have had in a very long time. Now with our show on an unexpected hiatus, I started to reflect on things that I love about Supernatural. One of the main things I’ve loved has been the music that has been used in the past fifteen years, so I decided to pick my top ten favourite music moments. This is the music that, when I hear the song on the radio or on my playlist, I immediately think of Supernatural and the episode it was in. With there being so many Music Moments over these past fifteen seasons, I chose my list by picking the first ten that came to me. I figured these impacted and affected me the most.  

Now before you read my list, write down what you would pick. What ten songs and their moments do you think of first? 

1) The first one that came to me was “Don’t Fear The Reaper” by Blue Oyster Cult in “Faith”

The lead up to the song was done so well, with Sam and Dean figuring out they are dealing with a Reaper.  The song truly added an eerie  vibe, with the scenes jumping back and forth to the jogger being chased down and killed by the Reaper to the Reverend healing one of his believers.   

2) “Renegade” by Styx in “Nightshifter”

This song was brilliantly done. I love how the song starts after Henriksen finds two of his SWAT team tied up and their uniforms removed.  Then we see the brothers dressed in the uniforms heading to the Impala. 

Once they are safely in the car the music stops for a moment as they remove their head gear and  Dean exclaims “We are so screwed.”  The song then continues as they drive off.      

3) “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” by Rosemary Clooney in “A Very Supernatural Christmas”

I love how the song starts  as Dean opens the door and enters the motel room after picking up supplies. His reaction when he sees that Sam has put up Christmas decorations and even decorated a tree – it’s just so heartwarming. The song continues as background music during their gift exchange and as they settle to watch the football game.   

4) “Wanted Dead or Alive” by Bon Jovi and assisted by Jared and Jensen in “No Rest For The Wicked”

This was kind of a bittersweet  scene and so memorable. As time starts running out for Dean, they head to find and kill Lilith. Dean turns on the radio. Bon Jovi is playing and to Sam’s surprise Dean doesn’t turn it off as “Bon Jovi rocks, on occasion.”  Dean, trying to lighten the mood, starts singing along.                                                

After a little persuasion , Sam eventually joins in. 

          

5) “Cold As Ice” by Foreigner in “No Exit”

The first time I saw this, it made me laugh and to this day it still brings me a smile when I hear this song. On their trip back to the Roadhouse with a very angry Ellen, Dean turns on the radio to relieve the tension. However, Foreigner’s “Cold as Ice” starts in and Ellen immediately shuts it off, making it even more awkward.   

  

6) “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” by Bob Dylan in “House of the Holy”

This was a very deep and emotional scene. Dean comes in from solving the case, to find an upset Sam.  Sam tells Dean that he was right, that there wasn’t an angel but a ghost.  The song starts quietly playing as Sam explains his feelings.       

                              

Sam: I don’t know, Dean, I just… I wanted to believe, so badly. It’s so damn hard to do this, what we do. All alone, you know? There’s so much evil out there in the world, Dean, I feel like I could drown in it. And when I think about my destiny, when I think about how I could end up…

Dean: Well, don’t worry about that, alright? I’m watching out for you.

Sam: Yeah, I know you are. But you’re just one person, Dean. And I needed to think that there was something else watching too, you know? Some higher power. Some greater good. And that maybe…

Dean: Maybe what?

Sam: Maybe I could be saved.

7) “Silent Lucidity” by Queensryche in “Heart”

I don’t hear this song often, but when I do I can’t help but get a little misty eyed. This end scene was just so sad and heartbreaking. Madison asks Sam to kill her as she can’t live knowing she is a monster. Sam says no that he can’t.  

Dean takes the gun and the music starts in. Sam leaves the room and Dean follows. Sam comes to terms that he will do it and takes the gun and goes back to the room with Madison. The song continues to play as they camera stays on Dean. The song stops when the gun is fired.    

8) “Spirit in the Sky” by Norman Greenbaum in “Good God Y’All”

The song starts as Sam and Dean walk along a deserted town.  I loved how the music switches from background music to coming from a car radio. Sam turns off the car and the music stops.   

9) “Fare Thee Well” by Rob Benedict in “Don’t Call Me Shurley”

Rob did a fantastic version of this song. It added a haunting feel to the montage scenes.  As Metatron reads the end pages of Chucks manuscript, Chuck gets up and plays a beautiful rendition of “Fare Thee Well.” As he sings, a montage begins, with Dean finding his amulet glowing in Sam’s coat pocket.  Sam recovers and as they follow the glow of the amulet, it eventually leads them to Chuck.

              

10) “Heat of the Moment” by Asia in “Mystery Spot”

I don’t think there will ever be a time that I don’t think of this episode when I hear this song. The episode begins with Sam being awakened to Asia’s “Heat of the Moment” and Dean’s “Rise and shine, Sammy.”  By the end of the day, Dean is killed and Sam wakes again to Asia’s “Heat of the Moment” and Dean’s “Rise and shine, Sammy.”  This is, of course, Supernatural‘s version of Groundhog Day.     

                          

Honourable Mention: “Carry On Wayward Son” by Kansas

With this song being used in every season finale since season two , I felt it was best to put is as an honourable mention.  This song has truly become symbolic to the show, much like a theme song or an anthem.  

However, I do have to give a shout out to “Fan Fiction.”

The stage production version of this was beautiful.  Those girls were so talented. I was really moved by their rendition and I was moved by not only….  

Dean and ….       

Sam’s reaction, but also I believe I read that this was the true reaction of Jensen and Jared.      

Ok now it’s your turn. What were your top ten songs and moments? Share below!

Editor’s Note: Robbie Thompson, the writer or a few of the episodes features in Karen’s Favorite Music Moments, recently shared his behind-the-scenes knowledge of all of the music in his stories, including the ones here. In “Details are What Make A Story Great”, he explained why specific songs were inserted into his stories, then in the interview’s “Music is Magic” segment, talked specifically about how and when music was chosen for each episode, giving us a rare glimpse at the process that goes into making Supernatural‘s musical score. Go deeper into the music of our show by reading his insights!

Play through Supernatural’s other Musical Features, listed in WFB’s Music Tag!

Enjoy More Top Ten Highlights of Supernatural, including Best (and Worst) episodes, running bits, creepy kids, grossest scenes, classic rock scenes and so much more!

Karen is WFB’s Game, List and Poetry Master! Find more of her work on her writer’s page!