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.