Whether it was after a long day at school or during the long-awaited weekend, you marched your behind in front the television, fought off your siblings for the remote if need be, and sang uproariously to songs from these Nickelodeon shows.

They weren’t just epic theme songs, but they were a part of your daily regime – an eternal part of your childhood. (This was during a time when Nickelodeon shows were actually good. No shade.) So, let’s take a trip down memory lane and countdown the best theme songs Nickelodeon shows had to offer.

NUMBER-FIVE [5]

‘Zoey 101’

“Are you ready? Ooh”, begins this serene and bubbly opener for hit TV Show Zoey 101. Okay, let me be the first to say that there’s no award being given out for best lyrical content. The lyrics are pretty gear-simple to say the least.

However, that’s what makes this opening so endearing. It’s mellow, easy to digest, and very playful. It appeals to audiences with it’s feel good vibe and calming vocals. The song talks about a girl who’s inviting someone (purghaps a friend or lover) into a world all their own.

The message is made clearer with the words “If you wanna play. Come and play today. Let’s just get away. (Yeah).” As the song progresses you can’t help mouthing along to it and swaying to the simplicity of it all. And don’t even get me started on the backing vocals (Yeah, Yeah, Yeah).

NUMBER-FOUR [4]

‘Big Time Rush’

Big Time Rush arrived on the Nickelodeon scene in mid 2009. And the group subsequently blessed viewers with this gem of an opening tune. Whether you were a fan of the show or not, I’m sure you at least mocked its intro. “Oh Oh Ohhh Ohhhhh”. Exactly!

Immediately following the intro, guitar rifts kick in, and the light drums follow suit. You begin to feel the adrenaline of the song, getting pumped as you spazz-out the amping lyrics “Make it count. Play it straight. Don’t look back. Don’t hesitate. When you go big time!!!” 

I know to some it sounds like a generic boy band song (Like Duh they are a boy band.), nonetheless this song riles audiences up in the best way possible as some may take turns singing each members’ part of the song with family and friends.

It promotes a strong sense of enthusiasm and hype. Not to mention, this opener reminds us that “If [we] want it all, Lay it all on the line”. Something surprisingly profound for a Nickelodeon show.

NUMBER-THREE [3]

‘iCarly’

Arguably Nickelodeon’s highest grossing TV show ever, nobody was able to escape its theme song. You committed this one to memory. You even went the extra mile and counted down with Freddie played by Nathan Kress in the beginning. “In 5,4,3,2….”

Afterwards, you begin bouncing and bobbing  to the snappy, bassy drums that lure you into Miranda Cosgrove’s delicate and catchy vocals. “I know, you see. Somehow the world will change for me (And be so wonderful)”, you mouth along to as you begin noticing that the song is laced with optimistic lyrics and themes of perseverance, hope, and placing faith in one’s ability to succeed.

With the first couple of listens, you may have just taken the song for it was on the surface – slightly jazzy, feel-good, and poppy. But, when you take the time to delve further into the lyrics you realize it’s really more than what meets the ears.

The song leaves you in high-spirits and a whelming sense of calm which reassures you that everything will be okay.  Because after all, “Some things are meant to be. So give me your best and leave the rest to me.”

NUMBER-FOUR [4]

‘Victorious’

Yet another empowering and catchy-as-hell theme song, it’s Victorious’ Make it Shine at #2. The show may not have been as popular as our previous entry but, it did give the world pop-superstar, Ariana Grande and a pretty awesome opening.

The guitar brings you into the world of Tori Vega, as she deals with feeling lost and unsure in her new surroundings. “And you don’t know where you are now. Or what it would come to if only somebody could hear”, she sings as the song’s build-up continues and gives you greater insight into her feelings, making it all that more relatable.

Then the chorus hits you. “You don’t have to be afraid to put your dream in action.” And all the feelings of uncertainty now dissipate as you become fully consumed by the infectious groove and retro, stellar production. You feel reborn somehow and ready to take on the world.

And just when you think you’ve given this song all you had, you place some energy on reserve for the best part – the closing. Whether you were watching this show alone or with others, you couldn’t resist belting your soul out at the end. “When I make it shiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiine!”

Honorable Mentions

  • Just Jordan
  • The Amanda Show
  • True Jackson VP
  • All That
  • Keenan & Kel

*NUMBER-ONE [1]

‘Drake & Josh‘

When it comes to theme songs, this one is on a whole other spectrum. It’s basically iconic at this point. Legendary if I’m to be completely honest. This was the song that made you put aside your differences with your annoying-ass sibling, if only for a few moments.

Drake Bell’s performance in this opening set the pace for all other theme songs to come. Initiating with steady, simplistic lyrics, “I never thought that it’d be so simple but. I found a way I found a way”. The peppy percussion continues and you soon find yourself coming to a halt as you sway to the part that goes “If you open up your mind”.

Next thing you know, the zany yet, alluring backing vocal comes into play “(See what’s inside)”. And from there, what started out as a Nickelodeon theme song has now turned into somewhat of rock banger accompanied with angelic ad-libs that give the song new life.

Additionally, the heartfelt and comforting lyrics project themes of togetherness, teamwork, and having each other’s back (You know, all the things that are so fickle in the real world). And who can forget the timeless wooing found at the end, which somehow manages to put the icing on the cake. All in all, this theme song is one for the books.

Did you enjoy today’s music post? Have you given this album a listen? If so, which songs are your fave? Let me know in the comment section below.

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