From sweeping romantic moments to gut-wrenching heartbreak, Virgin River knows how to tug at the heartstrings—and its soundtrack is a key player in that emotional symphony. With carefully curated songs that perfectly align with the characters’ journeys, the series uses music to elevate its most pivotal scenes.
Here are the top 5 most unforgettable needle drops in Virgin River, ranked by how deeply they hit us in the feels.
5. “We’ll Make It Through” – Ray LaMontagne
Season 5, Episode 1
The town is still reeling from a devastating fire. Hope is reinstated as mayor, and Mel and Jack are navigating the pain of a miscarriage.
Ray LaMontagne’s soothing track underscores the episode’s theme of healing. Lyrics like “Lean on me and I’ll lean on you / And together, we’ll get through” mirror the town’s resilience and the emotional support shared among the characters. It’s a powerful tone-setter for the season ahead.
4. “Songbird” – Fleetwood Mac
Season 4, Episode 7
Jack finally confronts Charmaine about the truth behind her twins’ paternity. Meanwhile, the community dedicates a memorial garden to Lilly, and Mel opens up about her past with Ava.
Fleetwood Mac’s “Songbird” weaves through the episode—first as part of Mel’s playlist, then during a poignant flashback of her and Joey after their mother’s death. As Mel later explains, it’s “a song about loving someone even after they’re gone,” adding a bittersweet layer to the story. Its reappearance later in the season deepens the emotional impact.
3. “Ho Hey” (Cover) – BURИS & Biz Colletti
Season 4, Episode 12 (Finale)
Mel says “yes” to Jack’s proposal, and the couple receives life-changing news: Jack is the baby’s father—and it’s a girl.
A tender, stripped-down version of The Lumineers’ “Ho Hey” plays as Mel and Jack share their long-awaited engagement. The lyrics “I belong with you / You belong with me / You’re my sweetheart” are a fitting tribute to the couple’s enduring love story. The scene radiates warmth and hope.
2. “I Need Your Love” – Keane
Season 3, Episode 10
Post-breakup and full of regret, Jack yearns for Mel while she supports her sister in Los Angeles. Upon her return, Jack lays his heart bare.
Keane’s haunting “I Need Your Love” plays as Jack reflects on his moments with Mel. The music swells again as he arrives at her home to confess his feelings, building to a passionate reconciliation. The repeated line “I need your love” makes the emotional payoff all the more satisfying.
1. “The World Spins Madly On” – The Weepies
Season 1, Episode 1 (Opening Scene)
It all begins here: Mel’s red car winds through forest roads as she heads toward the unknown.
“The World Spins Madly On” captures everything about Mel’s state of mind—grieving, searching, hoping. Its gentle melancholy sets the tone for the entire series. For first-time viewers, it introduces a woman running from her past; for longtime fans, it’s a heartbreaking reminder of how far she’s come.
🎶 Why It Matters
Virgin River proves that music isn’t just background noise—it’s storytelling. These songs linger long after the credits roll, becoming emotional bookmarks for the show’s most powerful moments.
So next time you hit play, keep your ears open. The next unforgettable needle drop might just be around the corner.
