This is the series that defined Awesome Music in animated TV.
LINUS. AND. LUCY. Instantly familiar (some polls name it the most widely known piece of music in the world), instantly hummable, an infectiously catchy dance rhythm (just ask the cast of the Christmas play in A Charlie Brown Christmas!) the perfect accompaniment to any montage in any special... in short, Vince Guaraldi's masterpiece and rightfully considered thetheme song of Peanuts.
The "With the Band" version from A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving adds a full jazz band to the mix, making an already jazzy song even jazzier.
The version heard in It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown adds a flute and brass section to the ever present piano and percussion. Paramount even used this version for their Peanuts home video promos.
It's Flashbeagle, Charlie Brown's soundtrack may be cheesy (every note practically screams "1980s!"), but it's still pretty awesome, especially "Flashbeagle". The first time we hear it (main time), Snoopy, as "Flashbeagle," goes into a 1980s dance club and shows he has dance moves (and dressed in a "Flashdance" outfit – headband, torn sweats, leg warmers) to the teenagers/adults there. The second time we hear it (reprise), a student heckling Sally and Snoopy pulls out a boom box and turns it on. Snoopy hears the rhythm and music, causing him to dance all over again. He becomes Flashbeagle without the outfit while the other students dance. This gives Sally her first "A" in Show and Tell and lets her defend Snoopy's behavior to Charlie Brown.
All the music in A Charlie Brown Christmas (the special in which "Linus & Lucy" made its first appearance) and on its soundtrack.
Classics include Vince Guaraldi's wonderfully jazzy rendition of O Tannenbaum, and Skating (good enough to both open and close the credits of The Peanuts Movie).
Christmas is Coming, the OTHER song from the dance. Somehow even more earwormy than "Linus and Lucy".
Charlie Brown's Own Theme doesn't play in too many specials, but it serves to highlight his clumsy, yet determined nature in a rather giddy piano piece. The versions heard in It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown help with Charlie Brown's giddy attitude upon being invited to Violet's party, as well as the embarrasment from having the back of his head drawn on, later drowning out Linus' angry rant at the end of the special.
"Little Birdie". In one brief song, Vince Guaraldi perfectly encapsulates Snoopy and Woodstock's characters and friendship; just why does Woodstock fly upside-down? And while Snoopy may try to play mentor to Woodstock, there are times when he gets in over his head and needs his avian friend to look out for him.
"Joe Cool", the smooth jazz song that accompanied the first animated appearance of Snoopy's alter ego in You're (Not) Elected, Charlie Brown, is every bit as cool and laid back as the character (at least in theory; Snoopy's a bit too quick to anger for his own good at times).
Peppermint Patty, a piano tune that goes full on orchestral part way through in a wonderful melody that perfectly suits the character.
Someday, Charlie Brown, used at the end of "It's Your 20th Television Anniversary, Charlie Brown", and on the Flashbeagle album.
The snazzy "You're In Love, Charlie Brown" from the special of the same name, with or without lyrics. Made even snazzier with the version on the Jazz For Peanuts album.
Whether you loved or hated Rerun, you can't deny that his theme from "I Want A Dog For Christmas, Charlie Brown" is a great, breezy throwback to the Guaraldi classics of old.
"Woodstock's Dream" sounds unmistakably '70s, but you have to admit, it's groovy as all get-out.
"Play It Again, Charlie Brown" from the titular special is an absolutely funky pure piano piece encompassing the transition from The '60s to The '70s, and holds an air of sophistication that fits Schroeder perfectly.
The David Benoit arrangements of Guaraldi's classics in the post-It's Spring Training, Charlie Brown specials are pretty awesome too, especially the jamming remix of the Charlie Brown Theme in the Bird Football scenes of You're in the Super Bowl, Charlie Brown and the jazzy remix of "Linus and Lucy" used at the beginning and end of It's Christmastime Again, Charlie Brown.
"Musical Chairs" from Happy New Year, Charlie Brown. Who knew that Peppermint Patty could sing her heart out whilst still keeping the rhythm that allows her to win? It later got included in the World of Snoopy read-along story "Snoopy's Birthday Party".
Instantly familiar (some polls name it the most widely known piece of music in the world), instantly hummable, an infectiously catchy dance rhythm (just ask the cast of the Christmas play in A Charlie Brown Christmas!) the perfect accompaniment to any montage in any special... in short, Vince Guaraldi's masterpiece and rightfully considered the theme song of Peanuts.