2020s

Soundtracks of Television: ‘Only Murders in the Building’

Only Murders in the Building Soundtrack - Every Song in the Hulu Series

The Only Murders in the Building soundtrack includes music by Dua Lipa, Daniel Johnston and The Police. This info article contains spoilers and song details for Steve Martin and John Hoffman’s Hulu series. Check out more Vague Visages music guides in the Soundtracks of Television section.

Only Murders in the Building takes place in the Upper West Side of Manhattan. The narrative explores a murder investigation led by three true crime aficionados: Mabel Mora (Selena Gomez), Charles Haden-Savage (Steve Martin) and Oliver Putnam (Martin Short). Supervised by Lauren Mikus (Green Room, Teenage Bounty Hunters), the Only Murders in the Building soundtrack thematically underlines the loneliness of the main protagonists, all of whom fill an emotional void by working together. Here’s a breakdown of every song in the Hulu series, which features a score by Goldspot’s Siddhartha Khosla.

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Only Murders in the Building Soundtrack: Every Song in Season 1, Episode 1 “True Crime”

Only Murders in the Building Soundtrack on Hulu

  • “Manhattan” by Jan & Dean (00:00): Charles and Oliver race through The Arconia. They find Mabel with a dead body. The narrative shifts to two months earlier, with the Only Murders in the Building soundtrack song capturing the vibe of the Upper West Side setting.
  • “Don’t Start Now” by Dua Lipa (00:02): A New Yorker recognizes Charles but doesn’t want a photo with him. The music begins at the tail end of the sequence and continues during Mabel’s narration. The character’s comments about aggressive men thematically align with the song.
  • “You’re Never Fully Dressed without a Smile” by The New 2012 Broadway Cast (00:03): Oliver’s introduction. He narrates about people feeling like orphans in New York City. The Only Murders in the Building soundtrack song is from the 1982 movie Annie.
  • “Clair de Lune” by Claude Debussy (00:03): Oliver’s narration sequence continues. He recalls seeing a dance piece on the internet about man climbing a staircase and falling. The iconic composition was recently used as a recurring musical motif in Open Your Eyes season 1. “Clair de Lune” also plays at 00:28 as Oliver learns about a break in the case and feels a sense of peace (or purpose).
  • “Don’t Be Scared” by Daniel Johnston (00:32): The episode ends with a picture of Mabel and Tim Kono (Julian Cihi), proving that Gomez’ character has been lying to Charles and Oliver. “Don’t Be Scared” plays over the credits. The lyrics correlate with the collective characters’ voiceover narration about protecting secrets.

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Only Murders in the Building Soundtrack: Every Song in Season 1, Episode 2 “Who Is Tim Kono?”

Only Murders in the Building Soundtrack on Hulu

  • “Odessa” by Caribou (00:21): Mabel attends a party with Oscar (Aaron Dominguez) and Zoe (Olivia Reis) during a flashback sequence. The track plays for just a few seconds. Lyrically, the track tells the story about a bickering couple.

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Only Murders in the Building Soundtrack: Every Song in Season 1, Episode 3 “How Well Do You Know Your Neighbors?”

Only Murders in the Building Soundtrack on Hulu

  • “Don’t Stand So Close to Me” by The Police (00:32): The Only Murders in the Building soundtrack song plays as Oliver finds a threatening message on his door and discovers that his dog Winnie has been poisoned. He narrates about his neighbor, Sting, and how he knows little about the famous singer. The episode concludes with The Police musician performing his 1980 hit single — a thematic connection to an elevator encounter between Sting and Oliver.

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Only Murders in the Building Soundtrack: Every Song in Season 1, Episode 4 “The Sting”

Only Murders in the Building Soundtrack on Hulu

  • “If You’re Happy and You Know It” by Joe Raposo (00:14): After Jan plays a concertina, Charles plays the popular children’s song on his accordion.
  • “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?” by Rod Stewart (00:14): Jan performs the 1978 single in response to Charles’ first song. The Only Murders in the Building soundtrack song thematically connects to an earlier scene where she wears a sweater that reads “The Only Thing Sexier Than a Bassoon… Is Me With a Bassoon.”
  • “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” by Jack Norworth and Albert Von Tilzer (00:14): Charles plays another traditional song in response to Jan’s music. He gets lost in thought and then realizes that his musical partner has left the window. Jan leaves a note at Charles’ door moments later.

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Only Murders in the Building Soundtrack: Every Song in Season 1, Episode 5 “Twist”

Only Murders in the Building Soundtrack on Hulu

  • In “Twist,” the Only Murders in the Building soundtrack includes barely audible music at 00:14 when Mabel and Oscar (Aaron Dominguez) visit a convenience store, and also at 00:21 when Charles and Oliver confront Mabel.

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Only Murders in the Building Soundtrack: Every Song in Season 1, Episode 6 “To Protect and Serve”

Only Murders in the Building Soundtrack on Hulu

  • “To Protect and Serve” features a barely-audible song at 00:14 when Detective Williams (Da’Vine Joy Randolph) speaks with her pregnant partner. The closes captioning text includes the description “soft music, indistinct singing.”

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Only Murders in the Building Soundtrack: Every Song in Season 1, Episode 7 “The Boy from 6B”

Only Murders in the Building Soundtrack on Hulu

  • “Stairway to the Stars” by Ella Fitzgerald (00:18): Charles plays a record for Jan. They dance as the music briefly amplifies. The Only Murders in the Building soundtrack song continues as Charles and Jan organize sexually-suggestive words while playing Scrabble.
  • “Soliloquy” by Joshua Henry (00:30): Charles cracks Tim’s phone. Theo kidnaps Oliver and Mabel. The song scores the end credits.

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Only Murders in the Building Soundtrack: Every Song in Season 1, Episode 8 “Fan Fiction”

Only Murders in the Building Soundtrack on Hulu

  • “Keep Searching” by Del Shannon (00:00): Charles arrives at Jan’s apartment. Shortly before, he learned that her murder theory was correct. The track closes out the episode as Charles finds Jan’s lifeless body.

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Only Murders in the Building Soundtrack: Every Song in Season 1, Episode 9 “Double Time”

Only Murders in the Building Soundtrack on Hulu

  • No Featured Songs

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Only Murders in the Building Soundtrack: Every Song in Season 1, Episode 10 “Open and Shut”

Only Murders in the Building Soundtrack on Hulu

  • “Fields of Gold’ by Sting (00:18): Charles locates his phone after being poisoned by Jan. He tells Siri that he doesn’t feel good. The A.I. responds by playing music from Charles’ neighbor, Sting.
  • “Manhattan’ by The Supremes (00:33): The police find Mabel, Oliver and Charles with Bunny’s dead body. The Only Murders in the Building soundtrack song scores the final sequence of the season.

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Only Murders in the Building Soundtrack: Every Song in Season 2, Episode 1 “Persons of Interest”

Only Murders in the Building Soundtrack on Hulu - Every Song in Season 2, Episode 1

  • “I Love New York” by Steve Karmen (00:01): The music scores an opening Manhattan montage. Charles-Haden narrates about becoming “the talk of the town.” He crosses a street and sees himself on a bus advertisement.
  • “Real Thing” by Natania (00:19): Mabel arrives at Third Arm Gallery. The Only Murders in the Building soundtrack song plays as she looks around. Alice (Cara Delevingne) arrives and introduces herself.
  • “Papa Loves Mambo” by Nat King Cole (00:34): Mabel, Oliver and Charles-Haden look at a painting. Martin’s character recognizes the face of his father. The track scores the episode’s final moments and end credits.

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Only Murders in the Building Soundtrack: Every Song in Season 2, Episode 2 “Framed”

Only Murders in the Building Soundtrack on Hulu - Every Song in Season 2, Episode 2

  • You Should See Me in a Crown” by Billie Eilish (00:24): Mabel smashes a sculpture of herself. The Only Murders in the Building soundtrack song continues during a transition sequence. Oliver talks to Amy Schumer; Charles-Haden speaks with Leonora Folger (Shirley MacLaine).
  • “Yellow Bird” by Sol3 Mio (00:34): Mabel, Charles-Haden and Oliver talk about Bunny’s pet, Mrs. Gambolini. The parrot says, “I know who did it.” The tune scores the end of the episode.

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Only Murders in the Building Soundtrack: Every Song in Season 2, Episode 3 “The Last Day of Bunny Folger”

Only Murders in the Building Soundtrack on Hulu - Every Song in Season 2, Episode 3

  • “I’m Gonna Live Till I Die” by Sarah Vaughan (00:07): Bunny hears music in her building. She says, “I guess quiet time is over.” The Only Murders in the Building soundtrack song plays as Bunny gets dressed and walks around outside.
  • “Somebody’s Watching You” by The Sacred Four (00:29): Mabel walks to her apartment for more champagne. She gasps as the episode ends. The track scores the end credits.

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Only Murders in the Building Soundtrack: Every Song in Season 2, Episode 4 “Here’s Looking at You”

Only Murders in the Building Soundtrack on Hulu - Every Song in Season 2, Episode 4

  • “TBA” by TBA (00:00): The Only Murders in the Building soundtrack song opens the episode. Charles-Haden sings about angels in flip-flops during a flashback sequence with his daughter. The record plays at 00:13 in the present timeline as Martin’s character throws peppers to Lucy (Zoe Colletti).

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Only Murders in the Building Soundtrack: Every Song in Season 2, Episode 5 “The Tell”

Only Murders in the Building Soundtrack on Hulu - Every Song in Season 2, Episode 5

  • “Big Apple Dreamin’ (Hippo)” by Alice Cooper (00:01): Will looks at a photo of his father. The Only Murders in the Building soundtrack song plays during a 70s montage. Y
    oung Oliver (Samuel Farnsworth) entertains some friends.
  • “Psycho Killer” by Talking Heads (00:22): The track scores a party sequence. Oliver plays “Son of Sam.” The music fades as he speaks with Alice.
  • “Tell Me Something Good” by Rufus (00:34): Oliver realizes that Teddy could be a killer. The music scores the end credits.

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Only Murders in the Building Soundtrack: Every Song in Season 2, Episode 6 “Performance Review”

Only Murders in the Building Soundtrack on Hulu - Every Song in Season 2, Episode 6

  • “You Are Not Alone” by Mavis Staples (00:31): Oliver and Charles-Haden watch a video of Mabel attacking a man on the subway. They awkwardly hug as the episode ends. The track continues during the end credits.

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Only Murders in the Building Soundtrack: Every Song in Season 2, Episode 7 “Flipping the Pieces”

Only Murders in the Building Soundtrack on Hulu - Every Song in Season 2, Episode 7

  • “One (Reprise) / Finale” from The Chorus Line by Marvin Hamlisch (00:22): Detective Williams speaks with Oliver and Charles-Haden about a murder weapon. She walks away with her baby carriage and sings. Detective Williams says, “Like I don’t fuckin’ know Chorus Line.”

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Only Murders in the Building Soundtrack: Every Song in Season 2, Episode 8 “Hello, Darkness”

Only Murders in the Building Soundtrack on Hulu - Every Song in Season 2, Episode 8

  • “The Sounds of Silence” by Simon & Garfunkel (00:18): Jonathan (Jason Veasey) sings the famous 60s tune. Howard yodels the melody. Oliver sings with Mabel and Charles-Haden.

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Only Murders in the Building Soundtrack: Every Song in Season 2, Episode 9 “Sparring Partners”

Only Murders in the Building Soundtrack on Hulu - Every Song in Season 2, Episode 9

  • “Nocturne No. 2 in E Flat Major, Op. 9” by Frédéric Chopin (00:00): The Only Murders in the Building soundtrack song scores the opening sequence. Detective Kreps narrates about his financial situation in New York City. The character talks about meeting someone who changed his life.
  • “Criminal” by Fiona Apple (00:28): Mabel identifies Cinda as a “criminal mastermind.” Oliver says, “Well, shit.” The track scores the end credits.

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Only Murders in the Building Soundtrack: Every Song in Season 2, Episode 10 “I Know Who Did It”

Only Murders in the Building Soundtrack on Hulu - Every Song in Season 2, Episode 10

  • “Joseph’s Coat” by Andrew Lloyd Webber (00:18): Cinda reacts to a murder accusation. Howard sings a song from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (1968).
  • “On the Sunny Side of the Street” by Keely Smith (00:29): The track scores a Manhattan montage sequence. Charles-Haden navigates the set of “Brazzos.” The Only Murders in the Building soundtrack song continues as he receives a series promotion.

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Only Murders in the Building Soundtrack: Every Song in Season 3, Episode 1 “The Show Must…”

Only Murders in the Building Soundtrack on Hulu - Every Song in Season 3, Episode 1

  • “The Sweetest Sounds” by Cast (00:01): The Only Murders in the Building soundtrack song is featured during an interior scene. Charles-Haden narrates about theatre. Oliver later sings the tune at 00:25 with Loretta Durkin (Meryl Streep).

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Only Murders in the Building Soundtrack: Every Song in Season 3, Episode 2 “The Beat Goes On”

Only Murders in the Building Soundtrack on Hulu - Every Song in Season 3, Episode 2

  • “Angel in Flip-Flops” by Steve Martin (00:13): Charles-Haden attends a funeral for Ben (Paul Rudd). The Only Murders in the Building soundtrack song is featured as a ringtone. Charles-Haden receives a phone call from Oliver.

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Only Murders in the Building Soundtrack: Every Song in Season 3, Episode 3 “Grab Your Hankies”

Only Murders in the Building Soundtrack on Hulu - Every Song in Season 3, Episode 3

  • “Look for the Light” by Meryl Streep & Ashley Park (00:01): Mabel narrates about great ideas. Oliver rehearses a musical number. The Only Murders in the Building soundtrack song is featured again at 00:12 and 00:32.

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Only Murders in the Building Soundtrack: Every Song in Season 3, Episode 4 “The White Room”

Only Murders in the Building Soundtrack on Hulu - Every Song in Season 3, Episode 4

  • No Featured Songs

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Only Murders in the Building Soundtrack: Every Song in Season 3, Episode 5 “Ah, Love!”

Only Murders in the Building Soundtrack on Hulu - Every Song in Season 3, Episode 5

  • “Just a Song at Twilight” by Cast (00:09): Mabel meets with Tobert (Jesse Williams). Jonathan (Jason Veasey) performs the Only Murders in the Building soundtrack song. Tobert explains his intentions.
  • “Meet Me Tonight in Dreamland” by Cast (00:15): A date scene continues. Jonathan performs another song. Mabel talks to Tobert about Oliver and Charles-Haden.
  • “You Make My Dreams” by Cast (00:21): Oliver smokes 40-year old marijuana with Loretta. The music continues during a transition scene. Jonathan finishes a tune.

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Only Murders in the Building Soundtrack: Every Song in Season 3, Episode 6 “Ghost Light”

Only Murders in the Building Soundtrack on Hulu - Every Song in Season 3, Episode 6

  • No Featured Songs

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Only Murders in the Building Soundtrack: Every Song in Season 3, Episode 7 “CoBro”

Only Murders in the Building Soundtrack on Hulu - Every Song in Season 3, Episode 7

  • “Angel in Flip-Flops” by Cast (00:05): The Only Murders in the Building soundtrack song is featured during an interior scene. Charles-Haden meets with Uma. The track plays as a phone ringtone.

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Only Murders in the Building Soundtrack: Every Song in Season 3, Episode 8 “Sitzprobe”

Only Murders in the Building Soundtrack on Hulu - Every Song in Season 3, Episode 8

  • No Featured Songs

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Only Murders in the Building Soundtrack: Every Song in Season 3, Episode 9 “Thirty”

Only Murders in the Building Soundtrack on Hulu - Every Song in Season 3, Episode 9

  • No Featured Songs

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Only Murders in the Building Soundtrack: Every Song in Season 3, Episode 10 “Opening Night”

Only Murders in the Building Soundtrack on Hulu - Every Song in Season 3, Episode 10

  • “Creatures of the Night” by Cast (00:14): A theatre sequence begins. Oliver performs the Only Murders in the Building soundtrack song. He wears a trench coat.
  • “Look for the Night” by Cast (00:17): Mabel finishes a conversation with Tobert. A theatre sequence continues. Loretta sings a tune.
  • “Which of the Pickwick Triplets Did It?” by Cast (00:20): Mabel looks for Cliff. Charles-Haden performs a musical number. He wears a policeman costume.
  • “For the Sake of a Child (Oliver Version)” by Cast (00:25): Mabel talks to Cliff. Loretta performs during a theatre sequence. She sings the Only Murders in the Building soundtrack song while wearing a green hat.

Q.V. Hough (@QVHough) is Vague Visages’ founding editor.