The CW’s Supernatural utilized more than one way to get fans invested in it, with music being a highly vital component in the show’s presentation. Sam and Dean Winchester were shown to be music buffs and frequently listened to classic songs while traveling across the country in their Chevy Impala.
On other occasions, the show embedded the songs into the plot itself, so that they were associated with either the characters or thematic qualities of the series. Overall, there were some songs that did the job better than others, and these are worth listening to over and again to pay tribute to Supernatural’s 15-year run.
O Death (Jen Titus)
Death is usually considered a Supernatural character who left too soon, owing to his natural charisma and killer style. This song played out during his introduction scene, with a slow-motion sequence that went along great with the slow nature of the tune.
The track gives off both an ominous feel and an intimidating one, in a way that those who listen to it realize that the person the song accompanies is someone they need to take seriously.
Night Moves (Bob Seger)
This classic song has been used in plenty of shows and sitcoms, with its use here as part of the brothers’ trip. Dean has lots of quotes about Baby the Impala on Supernatural, but this song did the trick in portraying how at ease he was in the car.
The scene had Sam and Dean sing along to the song as a way to relax while on a hunt, with the two even coming up with their own lyrics. “Night Moves” is the perfect track to highlight how the Winchesters usually passed the time, and that it was supposed to be a fun activity for the brothers.
Rock Of Ages (Def Leppard)
After Lucifer took control of his true vessel, he planned on using Sam for his villainous activities in Supernatural’s finale. However, he and Michael were interrupted before their fight by Dean, who used this track to announce his arrival.
It’s a blend of rock music with an easygoing feel attached to it, which made it the best track for Dean to appear with as the song took center stage in the scene. Also carrying a triumphant rhythm in its composition, “Rock of Ages” has that sense of finality about it that went well with the season finale.
Wanted Dead Or Alive (Bon Jovi)
The title itself is appropriate for Supernatural, seeing as it can be used to define how Sam and Dean lived their life. Bon Jovi’s popular song was used in a heartwarming note, as the brothers sang it aloud as a way to take the edge off Dean’s possible death when they headed to confront Lilith to get his soul back.
The two were always wanted dead or alive by their enemies and even the authorities, as they got on the wrong side of the law plenty of times. The upbeat aspect of the track is a good take on how Supernatural showed their dangerous lives as sensational.
Highway To Hell (AC/DC)
Supernatural has a mischievous style to it due to its characters looking to take down monsters of evil, while Dean, specifically, sports a bad boy image. “Highway to Hell” can be considered as a way to showcase Dean’s characterization, in that it’s a high-octane track with bad intentions, given the interpretation.
The brothers can also be collectively regarded as being on the road to Hell, as their battles regularly saw them go up against demons and Lucifer himself. The song is the kind of music to rock out to in the Impala, and Dean surely would have done just that.
Heat Of The Moment (Asia)
The signature song of the band Asia was played so many times on Supernatural that fans will likely have memorized the opening portion of it. It signaled the beginning of a new cycle in Sam’s endless day, with Dean singing along to it each time.
It’s a good way to start the day, though, as the track has an uplifting aspect about it that doesn’t compromise how catchy it is as well. As Dean showed, “Heat of the Moment” can very well be a headbanger if the listener is as invested in it as he was.
Eye Of The Tiger (Survivor)
Supernatural fans won’t ever forget this song, as it represents the comedic potential of Dean Winchester’s character. Although “Eye of the Tiger” is a classic that has been used in many forms of media, it can be seen as Dean’s theme song in many ways.
Chief among them is the fact that he did an impromptu performance of the song on the Impala, which is one of the iconic scenes from the show. On its own, the track is the way to go if fans want to hype themselves up due its hook.
Brother In My Arms (Dire Straits)
An instant tearjerker if there ever is one, “Brother in Arms” brought millions of Supernatural viewers to tears when it played during Sam’s grieving phase after Dean’s demise. The music has a slow build that rises by its end to fully encapsulate the listener in the intended melancholy.
The lyrics to this track perfectly sum up Sam’s depression at losing his brother, as he wandered the bunker endlessly, remembering the memories he shared with Dean. The song has an evergreen quality that will make listeners feel just as sad, no matter how much time passes.
Americana (Jay Gruska & Christopher Lennertz)
This is part of the original soundtrack of the series and usually played out during the saddest scenes in Supernatural. It was almost always heard at the end of an episode when something significant happened as a way to highlight the poignancy of the situation.
Fittingly, it was the last piece of music played on the show when Sam and Dean entered Heaven, this time carrying a happy sentiment with it. The soft composition of the track makes it great for Supernatural fans to feel the emotional quality the series brings with it.
Carry On Wayward Son (Kansas)
The unofficial theme song of the series is the one that fans associate with Supernatural overall. Having played out in just about every season finale, the track is also notable for its lyrics that can point toward the Heaven and Hell concept of the show.
All in all, this is the song that will always remain in the hearts of the Supernatural fanbase, with the series itself paying tribute to it by showing Sam and Dean’s final moments with a slower rendition by the Neoni sisters. From high points that provide thrills for the listener to slower moments intended for emotional depth, “Carry on Wayward Son” is easily the show’s greatest use of music.