The show Gilmore Girls remains a favorite series to so many even though its original run ended over a decade ago. Every episode features a few key components: quick dialogue, Rory and Lorelai making niche pop culture references, and an iconic score and soundtrack.
The music throughout the show mirrors the emotions and obstacles Lorelai and Rory are going through. Fans love the music featured on the show and know the series would not be the same without it. Some of the most memorable songs are featured in scenes that can have viewers crying laughing or completely swooning.
"Where You Lead?" by Carole King
Carole King feels like one of the muses for the show. Every fan will recognize this song as the theme of the show and immediately want to sing along. The lyrics feel as if they were written for Lorelai and Rory's relationship as a mother and daughter.
In the show's revival on Netflix, the theme is missing from the first three episodes which many fans were disappointed by. This song is just as much a part of the show as all of the characters that viewers loved throughout all seven seasons. It is definitely one of the first songs fans and those just familiar with the show would think of when they hear Gilmore Girls.
"The Candyman" by Sammy Davis Jr
Rory and Dean, who is married, end up sleeping together at the end of the fourth season. At the moment, they are both extremely happy and Rory decides to pick a song for the two of them. She puts on "The Candyman" and begins to joke that whenever they hear this song they will think of each other.
Both fans and Rory agree this was not one of her best decisions. It is the first time fans really see her have to cope with being in the wrong. It is a major moment and shifts the entire series especially since it is one of the few times Rory and Lorelai have a falling out.
"Maybe Next Week" by Sam Phillips
Sam Phillips composed the score for Gilmore Girls. Phillips was tasked with creating a score that conveyed Lorelai and Rory's emotions and journeys throughout the show. While many of her songs, primarily composed of "la las" are recognizable to fans, this one, in particular, was used throughout the show for countless moments.
It is one of the happier tracks created by Phillips. Fans may also remember this song since it was the theme for the Gilmore Girls-focused podcast, 'Gilmore Guys.' All of Phillips's score is recognizable to fans and the show would definitely not be the same without her touch as its composer.
"Wedding Bell Blues" by The 5th Dimension
After Richard and Emily separate in season four, their vow renewal in the fifth season is a beautiful moment in their relationship. Richard adorably recalls a memory from when he and Emily started dating that Emily loved this song and wished Richard's name was Bill so that it could be their song.
Emily is surprised that Richard remembers this small moment and loves that he says for one evening, he will be Bill and this will be their song. Fans do not get to see Richard's romantic side often throughout the show, which makes him and Emily dancing to this song even more special.
"I Can't Get Started" by Ella Fitzgerald
When Sookie chooses this Ella Fitzgerald song to walk down the aisle to, everyone is opposed since the lyrics are depressing. However, Sookie sticks to her guns and keeps the song at her wedding. This choice leads to the final moment of the second season as Rory and Lorelai walk down the aisle as Sookie's bridesmaids to the song.
It is very memorable for fans since Lorelai is walking down that aisle right after Christopher finds out Sherry is pregnant. Rory also had just kissed Jess moments before walking down the aisle and she decides to go to Washington DC for the summer. Ella Fitzgerald singing about how she can never get her relationship started with the man she loves makes these huge moments for the characters even more impactful.
"Gonna Fly Now" (Theme from Rocky) by Bill Conti
When Lorelai and Rory attend the town's danceathon in season 3, it is a big turning point for Rory and Dean's relationship. While Lorelai is stuck in a mini rivalry with Kurt over winning the event, Rory gets dumped by Dean in front of everyone there.
Rory finds her mother on the dance floor and while Lorelai comforts her, Kurt hilariously starts running around the dance floor to the Rocky theme as his victory lap. This moment and song encapsulate the whole tone of the show. There is always a bit of comedy even in the hardest moments the girls are going through.
"Hollaback Girl" by Gwen Stefani (performed by Gil & Brian)
When Zach goes to find Gil and Brian to convince them to bring back their band Hep Alien, they are performing an iconic cover of this Gwen Stefani hit. It is one of the first moments we see Zach take accountability for his fault in breaking up the band, but more importantly, it is just a fun moment on the show.
Seeing Sebastian Bach, who plays Gil, perform Gwen Stefani when he is famous for being in the heavy metal band Skid Row was a moment for the books on the show. Gil is always the member of the band who always put the performance first and this performance in particular really encapsulates his attitude towards being a musician.
"I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston (performed by Lorelai Gilmore)
The seventh season of the show is a controversial one amongst fans since Amy Sherman Palladino wasn't its showrunner. Palladino's absence leads to some interesting moments, one of them being Lorelai singing "I Will Always Love You" at karaoke to Luke.
It is a vulnerable moment for Lorelai, which is rare for her character. She is typically guarded so her singing to Luke is very unexpected. It remains one of the most memorable Luke and Lorelai scenes.
"Reflecting Light" by Sam Phillips
This is Luke and Lorelai's song. They dance to it at Liz's wedding and it is the beginning of their romantic relationship. Lorelai is impressed when Luke knows how to lead her through the dance, and it is the moment she really begins to consider dating Luke.
In the revival, Palladino brings this song back for Luke and Lorelai's long-awaited wedding. It brings their relationship full circle and was perfect for the fans. Luke and Lorelai getting married in the town's gazebo while the song that they first danced to plays in the background was a beautiful happy ending for the couple.
"There She Goes" by The La's
This is the first song fans ever hear on the show. As the title card comes up, the song fades in and viewers watch Lorelai walk to Luke's diner for the very first time. It is the beginning of the entire series and it really sets the tone of the show.
The song embodies the early 2000s, and viewers are immediately drawn into the world of Stars Hollow. Fans get their first glimpse of Stars Hollow as Lorelai walks across the town square as the song plays. It is hard to imagine the show starting any other way.