Top Ten Theme Songs That Became Chart Hits

Mastermix Label Manager Richard Lee lists the Top Ten theme songs that made it into the UK Top 40 charts and became hits in their own right!

A TV theme tune can be as memorable as a classic track from a well known artist. Theme songs have the same power to evoke memories of times and places in our lives and can work well in many DJ sets.

In fact, the popularity of a good theme tune is reflected in the fact that some of the best have even made it into the UK charts during their time on screen.

Boon Theme Tune

The Boon theme tune is one of the greatest TV themes of all time…in my humble opinion! It was performed by Scottish singer Jim Diamond. He penned the song, ‘Hi-Oh Silver‘, in 1986 and it climbed the charts to reach number 5 in the UK. It’s a wonderful track that is always worth adding to an 80s party playlist.

Van Der Valk Theme Tune

At a time when the charts included hits from Elton John, Carpenters & Paul Simon there came a TV theme, ‘Eye Level’, performed by the Simon Park Orchestra. In 1973 it topped the charts against all the odds. It sold over 1 million copies and as a result was one of the 12 biggest selling singles of the 70s.

Friends Theme Tune

One of the best-loved tv themes of all time was a huge hit in the UK when it reached number 3 in 1995. The track was performed by the Rembrandts and called ‘I’ll Be There For You‘. It remains a great party tune and a must-play for any 90s Theme Night!

Baywatch Theme Tune

I’ve played this theme tune many times at weddings, mainly at the request of the Groom who, along with his Best Man & ushers, can’t wait to strip off to the waist and perform their homage to the show. The track ‘I’ll Be Ready‘ was written and recorded by Jimi Jamieson. Because of its association with Baywatch it can be a real show-stopper. For the record, the original theme didn’t chart in the UK. However a cover version by Sunblock reached number 4 in 2006.

The Theme from M*A*S*H

The theme song for both the TV series & film was called ‘Suicide Is Painless‘ and reached number one in the UK in 1980. The movie was directed by Robert Altman who asked his 14 year old son, Michael Altman, to write the lyrics to Johnny Mandel’s music. The song was covered in 1992 by the Manic Street Preachers when it reached number 7 in the UK.

X-Files Theme Tune

Composer Mark Snow created this iconic theme, ‘The X-Files’, that was remixed in 1996 and raced up the UK chart to peak at number 2. This version beat a ‘Dream Trance’ version by DJ Dado that peaked at number 8 in the same year.

The Adventures Of Rupert Bear Theme

The TV show first aired in 1970 and the theme, performed by Jackie Lee, reached number 14 in the UK in 1971. The track was simply entitled ‘Rupert‘. Jackie was to achieve a UK top 10 hit with another TV theme, ‘White Horses’, in 1968.

Heartbeat Theme Tune

In 1992 it was actor Nick Berry who took his version of the Buddy Holly classic, ‘Heartbeat‘, to number 2 in the UK charts. It was the theme song to the smash-hit programme that regularly attracted audiences of over 10 million.

Miami 7

Remember this show? No!…me neither…but you’ll know the theme tune! The show starred S Club 7 and the theme was called ‘Bring It All Back’. It gave the band their first hit single because it reached number one in the UK in 1999.

Auf Wiedersehen Pet Theme Tune

In 1983 one of the greatest TV shows ever was to air in the UK. Auf Wiedersehen Pet became a huge success and went on to spawn numerous series. The theme song was performed by singer Joe Fagin and released as a double-A side single – ‘Breakin’ Away’ / That’s Livin’ Alright’. It reached number 3 in the UK in 1984.

The Mastermix TV Sets Ultimate Collection

For tips and ideas of how to incorporate TV theme songs in your playlist, click here.