Songs from The O.C.

Nowadays, television shows have mastered the art of pairing a truly powerful song with a dramatic or meaningful moment - as the plot thickens, love is lost, or everyday fun takes a turn for the worst. If you watched "The O.C" (like I did), then you probably longed for Marisa to kick the habit while secretly awaiting her next blunder; the Cohens unite as one to overcome drug issues, infidelity, and hard liquor; and wait for Marisa and Ryan to ride off into the sunset with one another....or something like that.

When it comes to The O.C. - the music definitely makes the scenes all the more special and memorable with a knack for delivering just the right tune that lingers long after the show explodes into credits.

My top ten selections include:

1) "California" - Phantom Planet - How can we not add the theme song as one of the best pieces of music concerning The O.C.? If the initial tickling of the ivories doesn't capture your attention - the refrain "California, here we come..." is too catchy to ignore.

2) "Hallelujah" - Jeff Buckley - With flames behind him and darkness swallowing his short walk holding the limp body of Marisa - Ryan lays his sweetheart onto the pavement and whispers words of encouragement to "hold on." With faint ambulance sirens in the background - it's not enough - and one of the most important characters of The O.C is gone. The haunting vocals of Jeff Buckley play before and after Marisa's death.

3) "Paint the Silence" - South - Nothing like a passionate first kiss to get over your fear of heights, as Marisa comes up with a brilliant idea on how to get Ryan to calm down during his "Ferris wheel" apology.

4) "Speeding Cars" - Imogen Heap - As the commencement speech hits full swing and the cast of The O.C. begin receiving their diplomas, the high notes of the song and musical accompaniment are perfect for conveying the triumph of graduating high school, happiness, ever-lasting friendship, and new beginnings.

5) "Maybe I'm Amazed" - Jem - As a happy Julie and Caleb take to the dance floor on their wedding day, the focus is entirely on the heartbroken couple Marisa and Ryan, as she professes her love to him and he stoically stands by and contemplates his decision to leave Newport.

6) "Fix You" - Coldplay - The song begins with a joyful expression of love (Seth claiming his prom queen and Ryan rescuing Marisa from her sorrows outside of the festivities), but in the same breath - Caleb drowns after suffering a heart attack and Kirsten slowly slips away from her husband with her vice (alcohol) in hand after hearing the news of her father's passing.

7) "Dice" - Finley Quaye & William Orbit - The anticipation of a New Year's Eve countdown swells with intrigue and hope, as Ryan makes a mad dash to avoid disappointing the love of his life. Bursting into the party at the stroke of midnight, they embrace and kiss, where Ryan then exclaims that he loves Marisa. However, Summer is left with thoughts of Seth, who is embracing another while bringing in a New Year.

8) "Eve, the Apple of my Eye" - BellX1 - While Marissa may have shared a lesbian kiss on the beach while this song played - it doesn't compare to the depth of a few seconds showing Sandy walking up the stairs to an abandoned Kristen on Valentine's Day and getting the door shut in his face.

9) "Champagne Supernova" - Oasis - Seth and Summer recreate the "Spiderman Kiss" right after Seth manages to get himself into yet another pickle.

10) "Lover I Don't Have to Love" - Bettie Serveert - Marisa feeling lonely and starved for attention goes to Volchek's place and engages in a physical encounter built purely on lust and animal attraction. The music is perfect for conveying this scene filled with ripped-off clothes and tons of rapid body motion.