With the release of the Steven Universe soundtrack, we put together a list of our favorite songs. So let’s find out what songs are strong in the real way. It’s a crime we don’t have the full version.
10: Let Me Drive My Van (Into Your Heart)
Could any other song more perfectly sum up Greg Universe? The dude loves his van so much he wrote a love song themed around it. Come on, we’ve all been that person to try and incorporate our favorite things into our love ballads. Right? Or maybe the “van” means something else in which case wow this show has more adult themes than I ever gave it credit for. Knowing the side remarks Greg has made in the past, that’s not surprising.
9: Meat Beat Mania: Flambée!
8: Haven’t You Noticed (I’m a Star) (Steven/Sadie Version)
Steven joyfully singing this pop ballad while wearing a skirt and makeup would be more than enough to merit its inclusion here, but it’s the Sadie section that really does it for me. Kate Micucci (who plays Sadie) has had her own career as a singer for quite awhile and her vocal talents warm the heart. Plus it’s great that while Steven thrives in singing in front of everyone, Sadie prefers to just quietly jam with Steven in the back of the Big Donut. Some people sing for attention, some just do it for fun and that’s okay.
7: Be Wherever You Are
This is the kind of song you need to lightly play near a campfire when you go hiking or on a road trip. It conjures up images of the more peaceful things in life. Time well spent with friends, looking up at the stars, the wind blowing through your hair. I won’t lie, if I ended up on a romantic island with someone I had a major crush on? I’d want Steven there to play us some sweet love jams. That’d actually be a great barometer for whether I should date them or not. Do you like Steven’s singing? No? I never want to see you again!
6: Do it for Her
When I thought about whether I should include this song on my list I instantly said to myself, “you’ll do it for her.” I mean, yeah. What better reason do you need? I can’t tell you how often I encourage my Steven Universe fan friends to do something and follow it up with, “do it for her.”
5: We Are the Crystal Gems (Full Theme Song)
The TV size opening is just fine, but come on; everyone loves an extended version of an opening theme song. You get some insight into the Crystal Gems back-story, the primary character’s motivation, and little Steven singing at the start. That little Steven section is easily my favorite part, especially his delivery of the “We’ll win the fight and then go out for pizzas” lyric. It’s pure Steven and I’m glad this section of the song was salvaged from the pilot.
4: Stronger Than You
Another gay love ballad, this one coming from Ruby and Sapphire as Garnet. “Stronger Than You” is the perfect way to end season one. Even against Jasper, the most terrifying gem they’ve ever faced, this song leaves no question in your mind that Garnet is going to win. Estelle is a brilliant singer and her talents on this track are a fierce wonder to behold. The songs lyrics also reflect a lot of the series’ themes. Working together, love, and self-empowerment. Plus the lyric, “I am a conversation” underscores just what makes Ruby and Sapphire’s love work. Communication, which is something their enemies often lack. Steven Universe is all about the gay love ballads and I am forever here for it. This is the most heartbreaking of the bunch, Pearl singing a beautiful soliloquy finally letting go of her love for Rose. Deedee Magno Hall’s vocals are a powerhouse here, with every word basking in a rich flow of emotions. You don’t often get that level of emotion in music, let alone in a cartoon that is aimed at kids.
2: Here Comes a Thought
This song is without a doubt the best coping mechanism for dealing with anxiety I’ve ever seen come out of popular media. Putting things into song usually helps to get lessons across, especially if you’ve got Estelle on vocals. By taking a moment to think of “flexibility, love, and trust” you can stop yourself from feeling completely overwhelmed. We all could use this song in our hectic world, that’s for sure.
1: Cookie Cat
I love “Cookie Cat”. I love “Cookie Cat” more than Steven loves Cookie Cats. This is the song that instantly won me over to the show. Steven knows the entire back-story to Cookie Cat without missing a beat. We can assume the rap is from a commercial he’s seen but that doesn’t make it any less endearing. Some may question why I put this silly little diddy at the top of the list. Those people do not know the love of Cookie Cat. Open your hearts to Cookie Cat. Accept him as the one true frozen treat. Lion Lickers be damned. What are you favorite Steven Universe songs? Let us know in the comments! Shamus Kelley is a pop culture/television writer and official Power Rangers expert. Follow him on Twitter! Read more articles by him here!
