When the action fades and the music hits — these tracks defined unforgettable moments in LA’s most elite team.
From heart-pounding undercover missions to tender emotional farewells, NCIS: LA knew exactly when to drop the perfect track. Across 14 seasons, the series blended action with emotion — and music was often the secret weapon.
Here are the top standout soundtrack moments that left fans rewinding scenes and Shazaming songs.
🎶 1. “All of Me” – Josh Rennie-Hynes
Episode: Season 2
Scene: A soft, emotional moment between characters dealing with personal loss and connection.
A hauntingly simple track that captured NCIS: LA’s rare vulnerability.
🎶 2. “Salt and the Sea” – The Lumineers
Episode: Season 1
Scene: Closing montage after a difficult case.
This indie-folk gem wrapped a painful storyline with hope and sorrow — pure NCIS: LA emotion.
🎶 3. “Crow” – Desert Noises
Episode: Season 1
Scene: Sam Hanna’s introspective scene reflecting on family and duty.
A soulful track that beautifully underscored the complexities of being a soldier, father, and agent.
🎶 4. “I’m On My Way” – Evan Olsen
Episode: Season 1
Scene: As the team drives to save one of their own.
Hope, urgency, and camaraderie—this track became a theme for the series’ “ride or die” energy.
🎶 5. “Magical Ending” – Katie Barbato
Episode: Season 1
Scene: A Deeks and Kensi moment that hinted at their future.
Romantic, acoustic, and delicate—Barbato’s song felt like it was written for the couple.
🎶 6. “Looking for the Sound” – Ian Moore
Episode: Season 1
Scene: Aftermath of a tough mission.
The perfect end-of-episode mood setter, with just the right amount of grit.
🎶 7. “Wound” – Leah Nobel
Episode: Season 1
Scene: Flashbacks and emotional reconnections.
Melancholy with purpose — this track mirrored the emotional toll of the job.
🎶 8. “Her Hometown” – Brett Carr Boyett
Episode: Season 2
Scene: Kensi returning home, unpacking the past.
Country-tinged and deeply personal, it tapped into the theme of identity.
🎤 Honorable Mentions
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“Holding On and Letting Go” – Ross Copperman (emotional finales)
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“Way Down We Go” – Kaleo (Sam or Callen in introspective moments)
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Original Score by Jay Ferguson – always underscored tension, emotion, and action with style.
🔥 Why These Songs Matter
While explosions and takedowns made the headlines, these tracks delivered the heart. Whether it was Deeks and Kensi’s romance, Sam’s loyalty, or Callen’s identity search, music amplified every moment — making NCIS: LA not just a procedural, but a story worth feeling.
📝 Did we miss your favorite NCIS: LA song moment? Let us know which track hit you hardest.
