Top 10 Best Steven Universe Songs

Kicking off this list is the melody that started it all. When Steven was just starting out as a Crystal Gem, he wrote a song just for them about how nothing can stop the Gems from saving the day. The full version of the song adds a little extra range to the tune – starting off as an easy-going, charming ukulele piece, before eventually exploding into a fast-paced, inspirational number showcasing each of the Gems’ main motivations. Naturally, this was the perfect pick for the original series’ theme song and has become one of its staple tunes –along with the soothing original end credits track, “Love Like You.”

While on a break from working on the Drill for the Cluster, Steven whips out his ukulele and starts strumming a peppy tune, encouraging Peridot to help him out. Peridot doesn’t understand the purpose of music, but even she can’t resist slowly joining in, symbolizing her coming to terms with her new life on Earth. The lyrics are simple and the music isn’t really show-stopping, but the song is an endearing little breather from the recent chaos, and it offers all the Gems a chance to sing at least once –especially Peridot. Some things don’t need a purpose other than to make us feel good, but isn’t it worth it for a happy life?

Spinel has come to Earth to ruin Steven’s life, and boy does she know how to make an entrance! And not just with her injector, but also with an eerie electro-jazz number, as she effortlessly runs circles around the Gems. Spinel’s rubber hose fighting style blends perfectly with the haunting ragtime music, and the lyrics are just as chilling -they don’t even hide the looney Gem’s vindictiveness. She has a massive chip on her shoulder over being abandoned by Steven’s mom –can’t say we blame her- and she’s got no qualms taking it out on Steven and his friends if it means getting even. Spinel’s anger is terrifying, but we can’t deny that she knows how to terrorize with a little pizzazz.

Whenever Greg shares a flashback of his youth with Steven, he starts the story in song. For his earliest story, Greg sets the scene with a glam metal jam that has him pouring his heart out about his place in the universe and his musical ambitions. Unfortunately, barely anyone is in the audience to fully appreciate Greg’s passionate lyrics, stellar singing, and sick guitar skills; but Greg doesn’t care. He’s too busy pouring out his heart and soul in a pulse-pounding rock number and enjoying every step of the journey. Little did Greg know that this jam would bring about two major milestones in his life – his well-earned fortune, and his first encounter with the woman he loves, Rose Quartz.

Pearl is ecstatic to be teaching Connie how to sword-fight; and of course, there’s only one way to properly train her new ward… through song. At first, the song seems peaceful – a gentle melody as Pearl slowly teaches Connie the basics, all based on Rebecca Sugar’s own fencing training. However, over time, the lyrics become a lot more worrisome –showing the extent of Pearl’s devotion to Rose as she tries to mold Connie into the ultimate fighting machine. It’s almost comical how the slow, tranquil music contradicts the troubling lyrics as we delve deeper into Pearl’s psyche –Steven’s reaction really sealing the deal throughout the tune.

It’s been two years since the events of the original series’ finale, and now the future is looking bright. To celebrate the new era of peace, Steven and the Crystal Gems belt out an upbeat ballad while reflecting on their respective pasts. The four each sing their own verse where they briefly recollect the obstacles and adversities they’ve each faced throughout the original series and how much their trials have helped them grow. Not only is this track an energetic, uplifting recap of everything our favorite Gems have been through for new viewers, but it also makes the perfect theme song for the Epilogue series.

To teach Steven and Connie about confronting their inner demons, Garnet has Stevonnie join her in a duet of one of the most therapeutic songs in the series. The melody is slow and calming, and both Estelle and AJ Michalka deliver the message beautifully. The tune encourages those suffering from anxiety to take a moment to breathe and confront their turmoil – being honest and not running from the issue may be the best way to fully move on. The imagery adds extra beauty to the whole sequence thanks to some creative symbolism and stunning animation, making it all come together into a heartfelt self-help musical number.

Blue Diamond is still mourning over the loss of Pink, but Yellow wants her to start moving past her sadness. In an effort to cheer Blue up, Yellow commands both their Pearls to harmonize while she sings a haunting, remorseful tune about how pointless it is to linger on the pain. Up to this point, we all assumed that the Diamonds were nothing but malevolent tyrants. But this song painted them in a much more sympathetic light as we see them both struggle with the loss of a loved one on both sides – Blue refusing to let go of the pain, and Yellow letting her pride stop her from showing her own emotional weaknesses.

The Crystal Gems are trapped on a spaceship, Ruby and Sapphire have just fused back into Garnet, and Jasper’s looking for a fight. What’s Garnet going to do? Kick some quartz butt while singing a fast-paced electro-pop song, of course. The battle is definitely a spectacle – the two fighters matching each other blow-for-blow in a brawl that syncs perfectly with the upbeat tempo, and Estelle bringing her A-game on the microphone. Jasper claims that fusion is just a cheap power-up tactic, but Garnet knows better. She is living, breathing proof that love conquers all –especially an angry gem full of hatred- and she embraces this fact in style.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few musical honorable mentions.

“That Distant Shore”
“Can’t Go Back”

“Change Your Mind”
“Change Your Mind”

“Strong in the Real Way”
“Coach Steven”
“True Kinda Love”
“Steven Universe: The Movie” (2019)

“Drift Away”
“Steven Universe: The Movie” (2019)

The musical episode “Mr. Greg” offers a plethora of catchy, memorable musical numbers – from the gentle, laidback “Don’t Cost Nothing” to the emotionally healing “Both of You.” But our number one pick from this episode and for this list is Pearl’s tragic torch song. While alone on the balcony, she laments her beloved Rose Quartz. The two had been through so much for many millennia, but Rose fell for Greg over Pearl, and now she’s gone forever… it’s no wonder Pearl can’t move on. Between the dazzling imagery, Pearl’s powerful singing, and the heartbreaking subject of loss and unrequited love, it’s impossible to not adore this song.