Television theme songs were a much part of our culture as top 40 hits. Unfortunately recent shows really don't have the punch of those from decades gone by. We can all recite our favorite cartoon theme songs but 'prime time' programs were pretty impressive.
Since I am a child of the 70s without a doubt I find that the decade with the most vivid songs. So I present to you the top 10 themes of all time.
1- 'Theme from Sanford and Son" I just found out this is Quincy Jones. Its hard to imagine such a cornerstone of music with a ditty like this but its memorable. I'd vote this the best instrumental theme of all time
2- 'Hawaii 5.0', drums and tons of them followed by some serious horns. I have never seen he show but I can whistle that tune like I own it and play that drum intro on any table.
3- 'The Odd Couple'. This is a goody since its instrumental with narrative. It tells you what happened to make Oscar and Felix end up roomies and the voice over is so cheeky.
4- "Welcome Back" This Welcome Back Kotter intro gave us the line 'your dreams were your ticket out'. This show was one of my childhood faves and I had a crush on Epstein. Written by John Sebastian of the Lovin' Spoonful who got a hit single out of it.
5-'Green Acres', this song has the best chorus shout out of all time "GRRREEEEEEEN ACRES is the Place to BE!", Eddie Albert was a cowpoke
6- Theme From Alice", this was Linda Lavin at her annoying best. Singing a story of I am woman hear me roar as a single parent starting over. Lame but funny
7- "Theme From That Girl", this is a great song and I adored the whole show. Its sorta like the Gumby theme only less doughy
8-Love is All Around' this is the theme from The Mary Tyler Moore show. Joan Jett did an amazing cover of this that you should search out for some real 'girl power'
9-Theme From Beverly Hillbillies', hear me out on this one. If you are over the age of 30 you've shouted out 'oil that is, black gold, Texas tea'
10-"Suicide is Painless' The Theme from MASH. This is interesting since the lyrics were rarely played. It was simply an instrumental for the opening and closing credits. Still powerful and cool.
Todays shows arent as memorable. First off its the luxury of time that is missing.. Thirty minute shows are 40% advertising so why waste valuable time with songs? Half the time the opening credits are being played under dialog. Its a much faster world. This was a cool trip down memory lane and I didn't even have a chance to go with "Miami Vice', or "Knight Rider', there are so many songs that are so memorable. I want to do this again.. a part two or something. Oh wait then theres "Good Times' and 'Maude'….I could go on forever…