It’s no secret that a quality soundtrack can do wonders for a television show, be it an original instrumental score or a selection of meticulously curated vocal music. However, it’s also important to recognize the careful thought that must be put in to selecting particular songs for specific parts of the story. Realistically, a song has the power to make or break a scene — it can emphasize the impact of what’s happening and evoke an even deeper emotional response in viewers, or it can fall entirely flat and serve as nothing more than a distraction.
FOX’s 9-1-1 is a procedural drama that follows the high-pressure experiences of a group of first responders in Los Angeles. Over the course of three seasons thus far, the series has had a multitude of unbelievable, thrilling, heartwarming, funny, and some downright tragic plot lines, both on the job and off. The show’s incredibly talented cast pulls viewers directly into the stories, and it’s hard not to play off of the palpable emotions that they bring to the screen.
And now, you take these great actors, add in the show’s superb storytelling, and the final element that seamlessly pulls it all together is its fantastic soundtrack. The show has pulled songs across decades of music, from a wide variety of genres, so you could really say that there’s a little something for everyone.
Looking back on all three seasons, we’ve put together a list of some of our favorite music moments throughout the course of the show. Some of them are happy, some are sad, some are bittersweet, some are powerful, and some are just downright fun. And yet they all have one thing in common — they were perfect for the moment.
“Under Pressure” by Queen feat. David Bowie
Heard During: Buck pulls back into the station, Athena talks to Bobby on the phone, the 118 heads back out onto another call (S1E1, “Pilot”)
“I Found” by Amber Run
Heard During: Hen lets go of her father and Buck lets go of Abby (S2E7, “Haunted”)
“Once In My Life” by The Decemberists
Heard During: Eddie’s “end of probation” firefighter ceremony, Bobby and Athena get married (S2E18, “This Life We Choose”)
“The Bones” by Maren Morris feat. Hozier
Heard During: Michael and Bobby tear down the fireplace, the Grant family takes prom photos at the hospital, Chimney and Maddie talk, Karen and Hen talk (S3E17, “Powerless”)
“In the Air Tonight” by Phil Collins
Heard During: The 118 slows down the runaway sports car with the firetruck (S3E1, “Kids Today”)
“Carry You” by Ruelle feat. Fleurie
Heard During: Eddie’s escape from the flooded tunnel (S3E15, “Eddie Begins”)
“Rise Up” by Andra Day
Heard During: Athena arrests her ex-fiancé’s killer (S3E7, “Athena Begins”)
“Sanctuary” by Welshly Arms
Heard During: The crowd rushes forward to rescue Buck from where he’s pinned under the ladder truck (S2E18, “This Life We Choose”)
“Heavenfaced” by The National
Heard During: Bobby rescues a passenger from the plane crash (S1E4, “Worst Day Ever”)
“Keep Me in Your Heart” by Jorge Calderón
Heard During: The firefighter salute to Red as he exits the hospital with Buck (S3E16, “The One That Got Away”)
“Spirit in the Sky” by Norman Greenbaum
Heard During: Buck and Eddie balance on top of a moving firetruck to rescue a man dangling from a plane (S3E11, “Seize the Day”)
9-1-1 will return to FOX with its fourth season in 2021. In the meantime, take a look at our review of what to expect next season, as well as our top moments from season 1, season 2, and season 3!
What’s your favorite music moment from 9-1-1? Let us know in the comments!
