Blue Bloods soundtrack guide: A list of memorable songs featured in CBS' police procedural

"Blue Bloods," the CBS crime drama plodding along for over a decade, has won over a devoted fan base with its well-crafted storylines and the Reagan family's firm moral compass. However, beneath the life-and-death crime battles and cozy family dinner scenes, the show stands apart with its immensely detailed soundtrack that provides emotional depth and realism to every episode.

From old jazz standards to rock ballads and rock classics, music in Blue Bloods creates the right atmosphere. Whether it is an old Frank Sinatra number or a soulful modern song, the music featured throughout the series captures the depth of New York City's culture and enhances the drama.

The Signature Theme of Blue Bloods: Reagan's Theme

Every great TV show has its own musical identity, and in Blue Bloods, that comes in the guise of "Reagan's Theme" by Rob Simonsen. It is an instrumental piece that serves as the theme for the series and reflects the firm foundation of the Reagan family and its belief in justice.

In contrast to most crime dramas that employ sensational or suspenseful opening themes, the show uses a quiet but powerful theme. The melody embodies duty, nostalgia, and family strength—the values of the show. Played softly in the background or employed to end an episode on an emotional note, Reagan's Theme is always part of the show's identity.

Memorable Pilot Episode Songs

The pilot episode set the tone for the whole series, and their music selection contributed significantly to defining its emotional richness. Among the most memorable songs of the pilot are:

"New York, New York" – Frank Sinatra

An ageless song that immediately puts the show into its element, reflecting the city's spirit and determination.

"New York, New York" – Cat Power

A newer, sadder version of the same song - a nostalgic interpretation of the classic.

"Never Alone" – Deanna DellaCioppa & Matthew Tishler

A very emotional song that adds to the storytelling, especially at key points.

These early song selections laid the groundwork that Blue Bloods would use music not just as a backdrop but as a means to narrate the story, emphasizing the turning points and feelings of the characters.

A Deep Dive Into Soundtrack

Timeless Songs that Capture the Series

One of the most striking aspects of Blue Bloods' soundtrack is the way it uses traditional music, giving the show a touch of class and nostalgia. Some of the best include:

"Moonlight Serenade" – Glenn Miller & His Orchestra

A jazz institution that adds a little class and heritage to New York City.

"It Had to Be You" – Various Artists

Usually applied in sappy moments, highlighting the theme of love, fate, and union.

These classics assist in establishing an eternal touch to the series, supporting the Reagan family's strong bond to tradition.

Rock Anthems of Blue Bloods

Though Blue Bloods is a drama, it's not afraid to include high-intensity rock songs to boost energy in important scenes. Some of the standout tracks are:

"20th Century Boy" – T. Rex

A catchy and rebellious song played over scenes that require a burst of energy.

"Smoke on the Water" – Deep Purple

A hard rock anthem that increases tension during investigation and action sequences.

Emotional Ballads That Hit the High Notes

Some scenes of Blue Bloods use soft, contemplative ballads to highlight the emotional tension of a moment. Some of the most poignant musical moments are:

"Hallelujah" – Multiple Covers

An intense song that is employed when there is grieving, reflection, or victory.

"What a Wonderful World" – Louis Armstrong

A retro tune which brings warmth and hope to cinematic plots.

By incorporating these ballads into those pivotal moments, the emotions are heightened, and the episodes rise above their storylines.

The 2014 Soundtrack Album

Due to the series' strong music impact, a special album called "Blue Bloods Soundtrack (Music Inspired from the TV Series)" was released in 2014. Rendered by Frankie Reagan and The NYPD Big Band, the album contains vintage songs inspired by the series, including:

"It Had to Be You"

"Hallelujah" "What a Wonderful World"

Though not an official score featuring every piece of music heard on the show, this compilation most accurately represents the music of Blue Bloods on television, giving the listener a tastefully assembled playlist of songs that best capture the emotional intensity and mood of the show.

How Music Uplifts the Storyline

The highly effective choice of music in the show is not merely a detail—it actually adds to the storytelling in the following ways:

Creating the Emotional Mood

From a peaceful family moment, an energetic police chase, to a reflective moment, the music amplifies the mood and the emotional involvement of the viewer in the narrative.

Symbolizing New York's Cultural Diversity

The soundtrack portrays the vibrant, eclectic musical culture of New York City, mining numerous different musical genres from blues and jazz to classic rock and modern ballads.

Developing Character and Thematic Resonance

Various songs are attributed to specific characters or scenes and emphasize themes related to justice, duty, and family loyalty.

Establishing a Realistic Atmosphere

Having familiar songs rather than generic TV music makes the Blue Bloods world feel more realistic and engaging.

The Music Evolution Throughout the Seasons

With the progression of Blue Bloods throughout fourteen seasons, its musical options have also transitioned. Previous seasons heavily drew from classic recordings and jazz classics, while later seasons started featuring more alternative and contemporary music in order to best represent contemporary issues. This makes the show sound fresh.

Surprisingly, recent seasons have incorporated music from new indie bands, bringing a new sound without breaking the character of the show. The old and new together make the soundtrack riveting, making it attractive to both long-time fans and new audiences.

Help Us Improve