It’s been over two and a half years since the Gossip Girl finale and we’re still not over it. So, to make ourselves feel better, we’ve put together a playlist to remind us of all of the good times.
One of the most iconic things about Gossip Girl was always the show’s choice in music. In fact, while the whole series had its fair share of great musical moments, the first season is especially notable for its soundtrack. Whenever we hear a single one of the songs from the first season, we can’t help but have flashes of Gossip Girl scenes. (That’s a large reason why there are so many season one songs on our playlist. They’re just so iconic.)
You know you miss it. We hope that our carefully curated Gossip Girl playlist makes the pain of its absence hurt a bit less. XOXO, Hypable.
‘Young Folks’ by Peter Bjorn and John
Because this song initially played over a glamorous, sunny shot of New York City, we can’t help but envision that same shot whenever we hear this catchy, whistling tune. It always gets us in the mood for Gossip Girl.
‘What Goes Around’ by Justin Timberlake
Any show that starts with a Justin Timberlake song is sure to be a memorable one. While we didn’t know why Serena left New York at the point when this song started playing, we could tell that it was going to be an interesting story. After all, the song is about what goes around comes around…
‘Glamorous’ cover by The Constance Billard Choir
There was no way that this song wasn’t making our Gossip Girl playlist. Sure, the Constance Billiard choir only sang it for a few seconds, but it was a moment that was never repeated in later episodes. Plus, it’s “Glamorous.” It’s a total Gossip Girl anthem.
‘The Gift’ by Angels & Airwaves
“The Gift” was the perfect song choice to close out the pilot. It just has this shiny whimsy to it that made us feel that, no matter what happens on the show, everything is going to be okay in the end. It just has such a comforting and happy feel to it. We love it so much.
‘Hard to Live in the City’ by Albert Hammond, Jr.
New York City may be classy and glamorous but, as this song croons, it’s hard to live in the city. Played in the pilot during a scene for the “Kiss on the Lips” party, this tune proves the existence the shadows of the upscale city life.
‘The Way I Are’ by Timbaland feat. Keri Hilson
The funny thing about this tune is that it’s the total opposite of what the Upper East Side society stands for. They expect fancy cars and RED American Express. This song will make for a nice change of pace for your listening enjoyment.
‘Hang Me Up To Dry’ by Cold War Kids
Also featured in the pilot, this song sets the perfect mood for drama and secret-keeping. It’s especially perfect if you’re in the mood for betrayal. This song is just another great representation of the dark side of the Upper East Side.
‘Believe’ by The Bravery
While a lot of the songs on the show (and on our Gossip Girl playlist in general) are generally upbeat, this one brings the mood down a bit and gives us an insight into the mindset of not just these teens, but all teens. (It also has a bass line that’s too good to ignore.)
‘I Got It From My Mama’ by will.i.am
Who could ever forget Blair and Serena exchanging physical blows to this song while running around and playing recreational field hockey? This song really makes that scene because of its boastfulness and funky beat.
‘Kids’ by MGMT
When it comes down to it, our favorite Upper East Siders are just kids. They’re kids that are forced to or that pretend that they’re able to handle mature situations. This song has a NYC-appropriate beat and melody that’s worth of any Gossip Girl playlist.
‘With Me’ by Sum 41
“Victor, Victrola” is one of the most memorable episodes, in our opinion, and this song is part of the reason why. Who could ever forget Chuck and Blair’s first (and steamiest) hook-up, especially when it was set to this song and shot like an old movie?
‘Rich Girls’ by The Virgins
We’re suckers for sassy bass lines, hence our love for this song. Plus, it perfectly sums up the Upper East Side socialites in a mere 3:47. The only thing that makes the appearance of this song on the show better is the fact that Nate listens to it on his iPod. You go, Nathaniel. He knows what’s up.
‘Do You Wanna’ by The Kooks
“Haven’t you heard? I’m the crazy bitch around here.” This phrase, while quipped by Blair Waldorf, was really immortalized in Gossip Girl history thanks to the fun guitar riffs in “Do You Wanna” by The Kooks.
‘Secret’ by The Pierces
Before it was the Pretty Little Liars theme song, this tune was the perfect mood music for an Upper East Side debutante ball. It’s classy with an alluring, dark tone. Plus, it’s all about secrets so it obviously represents the show perfectly.
‘Apologize’ by Timbaland feat. One Republic
This song starting up right after Rufus tells Lily “I should have never let you let me go” is like a punch in the feels. And then there’s Dan carrying Serena out of the debutante ball and Nate and Blair getting it on. This song will forever remind us of “Hi, Society.” #AllTheFeels
‘All That I Want’ by The Weepies
Unlike a lot of the songs on this playlist, “All That I Want” is light and innocent. It is the perfect accompaniment to a few sweet moments during the episode “Roman Holiday,” and we couldn’t get it out of our heads for days after first hearing it.
‘Three Wishes’ by The Pierces
We couldn’t help but put a second song by The Pierces on our playlist. This one also appears in the debutante ball and lends a bit more darkness and mystery to the episode. Plus, it has such a lavish and lush tone to it that it’s hard to not become entranced.
‘Good Girls Go Bad’ by Cobra Starship
How could a track that Leighton Meester appears on not make it onto our Gossip Girl playlist? It’s such a fun and upbeat song, perfect for a party (even a party thrown by a certain vixen named Georgina). Besides, is it not an anthem for all Upper East Side girls?
‘Bitch’ by the Plasticines
As you can maybe tell, we’re a sucker for rockin’ bass lines and tunes about the ladies. This one perfectly sums up all of the young women on the show who are just trying to find their way without getting stepped on too much. This song allows all of us ladies to own the term “bitch.”
‘Whatcha Say’ by Jason Derulo
Here’s the scene: The entire Humphrey/Van der Woodsen family at the Thanksgiving table with pretty much the entire Gossip Girl cast. Drama, of course ensues. This song choice was perfect not only for the scene but for the show in general.
‘The Only Exception’ by Paramore
It’s always a notable scene when a Paramore song starts playing. It set the perfect mood for a tender moment, more than earning it’s place on our Gossip Girl playlist.
‘Stripper’ by The Sohodolls
While the melody may be the most recognizable part of this song, it’s still totally worth putting on your playlist. After all, the scene where Blair strips off a bit of her clothing on the stage in Victrola is one of the most memorable of the series.
‘Bad Romance’ by Lady Gaga
Though there may have been one or two more of her songs featured on Gossip Girl, Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance” had to make our playlist for the sheer fact that she performed it on the show. In fact, she had a whole episode pretty much built around her. You go, Mother Monster.
To discover more music that was featured in Gossip Girl over the years, head on over to TuneFind!