The first episode of the iconic CW hit Gossip Girl aired on September 19, 2007 and has since then been at the forefront of pop culture. GG dictated what was cool and what could be tossed out like last season’s Manolos. We’ve compiled some favorites in honor of the 10 year anniversary, because even though it’s been off air for 4 years, we would follow the trends of “Manhattan’s elite” forever.
We’ve listed 10 songs that are either immediately recognizable to any GG fan, or were played during key scenes.
Hard to Live in the City – Albert Hammond, Jr.
S01 E01 Pilot
This plays in the Pilot when all the kids (because, yes, they were still kids then) are in the limo going to Kiss on the Lips.
What Goes Around…Comes Around – Justin Timberlake
S01 E01 Pilot
Season 1 Episode 1 was iconic. Obviously this is a well known song, but we can picture Serena stepping out of the cab to head into the Waldorf’s penthouse whenever we hear this song.
With Me – Sum 41
S01 E07 Victor, Victrola
This episode changed the entire course of Gossip Girl history. In this moment, Chair was born.
Secret – The Pierces
S01 E10 Hi, Society
GG did it WAY before PLL, just so you know. The Cotillion is the social event of the year, and they always chose racy performers, but the first season’s choice in was our favorite.
The Ice is Getting Thinner – Death Cab for Cutie
S01 E18 Much ‘I Do’ About Nothing
This song by itself is tragically beautiful, but couple it with Dan and Serena dancing for the last time as a couple (for now) and Chuck and Blair starting off their relationship (or so they thought), and we’re all in tears.
Watcha Say – Jason Derulo
S03 E11 The Treasure of Serena Madre
On Thanksgiving the Upper East Siders dish out much more than just turkey. GG laid this average pop song over the biggest scandal of the season — Serena’s affair with Tripp Vanderbilt.
New York, I Love You But You’re Bringing Me Down – LCD Soundsystem
S02 E02 Never Been Marcused
By season 2 our favorite UES have started to involve themselves in much more complicated problems, and this song depicts that perfectly.
Good Girls Go Bad – Cobra Starship
S03 E02 The Freshman
Remember when Leighton Meester tried her hand at a music career? It may have been short lived, but it made for an instant 2009 hit and the perfect backdrop for a NYU rooftop party.
I Can Feel a Hot One – Manchester Orchestra
S02 E03 The Dark Knight
Another sad Derena break-up song, but this time we knew it was for real because it happened in an elevator.
Road to Nowhere – Release the Sunbird
S06 E10 New York, I Love You, XOXO
This is what we waited 6 seasons for. We loved that Blair and Chuck’s wedding wasn’t elaborate; their love was what was front and center, not an elaborate ceremony.