Photo credits: TV Insider
Drawing inspiration from L.J. Smith's novels, the hit show The Vampire Diaries captivated the hearts of many with its 2009 premiere. Supporting the show's enchanting storylines, The Vampire Diaries features an iconic soundtrack that fans have grown to know and love. A soundtrack has the power to make a scene go from good to great, and The Vampire Diaries' does just that, enhancing memorable moments with songs that range from lighthearted and fun to romantic to heart wrenching. So, whether you're team "Stelena" or "Delena," you can't deny that there's plenty to love when it comes to the show's unforgettable music. Without further ado, here are our picks for the "Top 10 Pop Songs Featured in The Vampire Diaries."
A major milestone for team Stelena, "Cut" by Plumb begins to play after a deep, vulnerable disagreement happens between Stefan and Elena, ending with the latter confessing her love for the former. The song continues to play softly in the background as Stefan begins to accept Elena's feelings and the two begin to kiss passionately. Eventually, "Cut" becomes all-consuming with Plumb's powerful vocals taking center stage, reflecting what we see on-screen as Stefan and Elena give in to one another and share an intensely intimate, swoon worthy moment.
9. "Give Me Love" by Ed Sheeran
Giving us an epic "Klaroline" moment, "Give Me Love" by Ed Sheeran fuels the chemistry between Klaus and Caroline as the pair dance to the hit 2011 pop song at the Mikaelson family ball. The track is one of few examples of mainstream music being used in the show's soundtrack, being one of two Ed Sheeran songs used to accompany some of The Vampire Diaries' major moments. Complementing the soft scene between the two beloved characters, "Give Me Love" is a lush, tender ballad perfect for sweeping someone off their feet.
8. "Yours" by Ella Henderson
Adding depth to a loving and climatic moment between Stefan and Caroline, "Yours" by Ella Henderson accompanies the couple's first kiss after some heartfelt confessions. After getting his heart broken by Elena, the show sees Stefan start to fall for Caroline as they progress through a "friends to lovers" story arc, leading up to this moment in season 6. "Yours" is the perfect match to this scene and their relationship as Henderson expresses her readiness to accept the love being offered to her through a tender, heartfelt ballad.
7. "I Was Wrong" by Sleeperstar
A bittersweet and vulnerable moment for Delena fans early in the show, "I Was Wrong" by Sleeperstar sets the tone for a heartfelt, selfless confession from Damon to Elena as he admits his feelings for her but chooses to let her go as he feels Stefan is more deserving of her love. The poignant lyrics and gentle instrumentals of "I Was Wrong" complement the scene's mood, reflecting the heartache Damon probably feels over walking away from the girl he's come to love.
6. "Fire Breather" by LAUREL
After Damon and Elena finally get together in season 4, there are plenty of rollercoaster moments as the couple navigate their often-turbulent relationship. One such moment occurs in season 5 as the pair argue about their relationship becoming toxic but quickly kiss and make up (literally). The scene pivots from Damon and Elena agreeing they should break up to a spicy, intimate moment with LAUREL's "Fire Breather" playing in the background as the couple get down to business. LAUREL's seductive vocals and the track's sensual melodies match Delena's fiery passion to a T, giving fans a scene to remember.
Sensual and seductive, "Hypnotic" by Zella Day is exactly as mesmerizing as the song's title says, especially in the context of a spicy scene between Caroline and Stefan. The track accompanies the couple during the height of humanity-less Caroline as her and Stefan feed from a girl in a college dorm, later making out and getting hot and heavy against a poor, non-consenting vending machine. Zella Day's slinky melodies and intoxicating vocals match the scene perfectly, making the moment extra steamy.
Paired with a deeply emotional scene, "Always Take You Back" by Night Terrors of 1927 fosters a feeling of being reunited in season 6, episode 12 of The Vampire Diaries. The scene starts with Caroline's mom, Liz Forbes, flatlining in the hospital while Caroline begs her to come back. Liz wakes up and the song begins to play with its upbeat melodies reflecting the relief that everyone feels that she's okay (for now). The track continues as Damon and Elena share a private moment, vowing to live life to the fullest as life is so fleeting. It's a truly moving moment in the series and "Always Take You Back" makes it that much more impactful.
3. "Without A Word" by Birdy
Adding to the emotional gut punch that is Bonnie Bennett's funeral in season 5, "Without A Word" by Birdy accompanies the tear-jerking scene as Elena, Jeremy, Caroline, Matt, Damon, and Tyler gather to say goodbye their dear friend. Bonnie constantly sacrifices everything for her friends and is undoubtedly the backbone of The Vampire Diaries, making it hard to come to terms with the character's death despite it being temporary (IYKYK). The scene's heartbreaking context combined with Birdy's melancholic vocals and contemplative piano lines will have viewers and listeners bawling, but the song's irresistible beauty makes it impossible not to hear it again and again.
Delena fans rejoice during the scene that features "Never Let Me Go" by Florence + The Machine. The climatic season 3 moment shows Damon and Elena sharing their first real kiss in the series, finally giving in to the chemistry and buildup in their relationship thus far. "Never Let Me Go" matches the scene's intensity and the pair's passion with an epic, explosive chorus characteristic of Florence + The Machine, creating a feeling akin to fireworks shooting off as viewers get what they've been waiting for. Though it might be a tragic moment for team Stelena, no one can deny how iconic this scene is paired with this intoxicating Florence + The Machine masterpiece.
1. "Hunger" by Ross Copperman
Accompanying an overwhelmingly emotional and heartfelt scene, "Hunger" by Ross Copperman helped us say goodbye to Nina Dobrev's Elena as the actor and character made their departure from the show at the end of season 6. The intense moment shows Damon and Elena parting ways as the latter is placed in a magical coma by season 6's main antagonist, Kai Parker. "Hunger" plays over the scene as the two share a last dance in Elena's mind, giving Damon a sense of closure as he embarks on the next chapter of his life without her. The song's passionate and impactful melodies pair well with the couple's intimate moment, making fans wish to feel a love as powerful as Delena's.
Do you have any favorite songs from The Vampire Diaries soundtrack? Are there any in this list you'll be adding to your playlist? Let us know on our socials!
Written By Cheyenne Johnson
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