Why the same songs keep appearing in movies and TV shows

[WORLD] Music has an undeniable influence on human emotion. Whether it’s the powerful beats of an action sequence or the tender melody of a love story, songs have the remarkable ability to evoke specific feelings in viewers. As you watch your favorite movies or binge-worthy TV shows, you might notice a recurring trend: the same songs appear time and time again, in various settings and genres. But why do certain songs keep popping up in different shows and films? In this article, we’ll dive deep into the reasons behind this phenomenon, exploring the emotional, financial, and practical factors at play.

The Emotional Connection: Music as a Tool for Storytelling

One of the primary reasons certain songs keep appearing in movies and TV shows is their ability to evoke strong emotions. Music is a powerful storytelling tool that can enhance the overall narrative, setting the tone and adding depth to a scene. Songs with recognizable melodies or lyrics often trigger specific emotional responses from audiences. These songs might remind viewers of a particular era, event, or emotion, creating an immediate connection that enhances the storytelling experience.

Music directors and filmmakers often choose songs that resonate deeply with audiences. A familiar song can make a scene more impactful because viewers have already formed emotional associations with it. In this way, music becomes a character in itself, guiding the emotional trajectory of a film or show.

Take, for example, the use of classic rock songs in nostalgic coming-of-age films. When a well-known track like “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey plays in the background of a pivotal scene, it doesn't just provide a soundtrack—it amplifies the nostalgic, carefree feeling of youth. Songs like this have a pre-established emotional weight, making them more effective in conveying the mood the filmmakers want to create.

The Power of Nostalgia

The emotional power of nostalgia is another reason why the same songs keep appearing in movies and TV shows. Music plays a major role in evoking memories, whether it’s a song from your teenage years or a track that brings back a specific moment in time. By using familiar songs, filmmakers tap into the collective nostalgia of their audience.

It's highlighted that the use of nostalgic music serves as a way to connect with audiences on a personal level. “Music has the ability to take us back to a particular time or place,” says music supervisor and composer, Elad Marish. “It can instantly transport you to a moment in your life when you heard that song for the first time, making it a powerful tool for filmmakers.”

For instance, movies that focus on the 1980s often use hits from that era. From Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time” to The Police’s “Every Breath You Take,” these songs immediately place the audience in the 80s, evoking a sense of time and place. It’s not just about the music itself—it’s about the memories and experiences associated with that music.

Licensing and Financial Considerations

Another factor that influences why the same songs keep appearing in movies and TV shows is the financial and logistical aspects of music licensing. When filmmakers choose a song to feature in a film or TV show, they often have to negotiate with the song's rights holders, which can be a complex and expensive process. The cost of licensing a well-known song can be prohibitive, and so producers and music supervisors often prefer to reuse songs that are already licensed or readily available.

The ease of licensing popular songs can also be a factor. Once a song has been cleared for use in a movie or show, it might be reused in future productions without the need for extensive renegotiations or additional costs. This practice is common because “it’s often cheaper to reuse a song that’s already been licensed than to negotiate new terms for a different one.”

Furthermore, music supervisors may choose to work with specific artists or labels, which means they might frequently use songs from those artists across different projects. These decisions are driven by both financial considerations and the desire to build a consistent musical theme in a film or show.

The Rise of Music Supervision in Film and TV

The role of music supervision in modern film and television production has grown significantly over the past few decades. Music supervisors are responsible for selecting, acquiring, and licensing songs for use in a project, ensuring that the music aligns with the overall tone and narrative. As the importance of music has grown in modern storytelling, music supervisors often have a significant influence on the songs that are featured in films and shows.

Music supervisors are often tasked with “making sure that the song fits the mood, tone, and era of the show or film.” By reusing certain songs that have already been vetted and licensed, music supervisors can streamline the production process while still offering emotional depth and resonance through familiar music.

The Familiarity Factor: Why Repetition Works

Familiarity is a key psychological factor that plays into the repetition of songs in movies and TV shows. When a song is used repeatedly, it creates a sense of recognition, which can have a comforting effect on viewers. This repetition creates an association between the song and a particular scene, making it easier for audiences to connect emotionally with the film or show.

The power of familiarity is not just limited to the songs themselves. It also extends to the artists performing them. For example, when a well-known band like The Rolling Stones or David Bowie makes an appearance in a film or TV show, audiences automatically have expectations based on their music and public persona. This built-in familiarity makes the song’s inclusion feel more natural, as it evokes an immediate connection.

It’s mentioned that “certain songs are used repeatedly because they become ingrained in the collective consciousness, making them a shorthand for a particular emotion or theme.” Whether it’s the use of “Take On Me” by A-ha in TV shows or the iconic “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees in movies, these songs become cultural touchstones that resonate with audiences long after their initial release.

Iconic Songs and Their Impact on Pop Culture

Some songs have become so iconic that their presence in movies and TV shows elevates the scene itself. Think of the opening credits of Stranger Things, where “Should I Stay or Should I Go” by The Clash plays, or the unforgettable “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion in Titanic. These songs have transcended their original context and have become synonymous with the films or shows they accompany. Their inclusion in future projects can evoke a sense of nostalgia and pop culture recognition, making them instantly recognizable.

The impact of iconic songs on pop culture cannot be overstated. The inclusion of these songs in various media—whether through remixes, covers, or new interpretations—keeps them relevant and ensures that they continue to resonate with new generations of viewers.

The repetition of certain songs in movies and TV shows is not just a coincidence—it’s a carefully considered choice by filmmakers and music supervisors. Whether it's the emotional resonance, financial considerations, or the power of nostalgia, these songs serve as integral elements of storytelling. As audiences, we respond to familiar tunes because they trigger emotional reactions, create connections to the past, and even help us make sense of the characters and narratives on screen.

From iconic classics to contemporary hits, the songs that appear over and over again in movies and TV shows have a lasting impact. They continue to shape our experience of the media we consume, creating memorable moments and enhancing the stories that unfold before us. As the role of music in film and television continues to evolve, it’s likely that we’ll continue hearing the same songs in different contexts, helping us connect to the emotional core of the stories they accompany.