I think Hawaii Five-O's best themes were from the 8th and 10th seasons, although the 11th season theme was its most refined and modern. The 12th (last) season theme was horrible and so were the scripts and no sign of Danno....but that's another story.
Perhaps it is the soaring, sweeping, orchestral melodic arc that evokes the Romantic Period in Western Music. Perhaps it is just nostalgia. I don't know, but, if I have to pick just one theme, I'd pick "Twelve O'Clock High".
Fun thread! I see some good choices in here and agree with most of them as classic tv themes! I think I would add the themes from Xena WP Hercules TLJ Young Hercules. (I love Joseph LoDuca's compositions) I also really like the theme from Dr. Quinn Medicne Woman.
Rob P S,that theme from "Angie" really takes me back! (and now I can't get it out of my head ) I remember that theme song getting a lot of air time on the radio while the show was first running. I bought the 45 rpm record and I think I just about wore it out with continuous playing. (along with my 45 record of the theme from Laverne and Shirley)
I found a new appreciation for this song a few years back when I was at a Piano bar in Boston. The place was full of early 20's kids (mostly female) and when they started playing that song, I thought "No one here is even going to know this!", but they all went NUTS over it! It was awesome!
I always liked the themes from yesteryear that provided a quick synopsis of the show. Gilligans Island, Green Acres, Beverly Hillbillies. Watch (or just listen to) the theme and you know pretty much all you need to know abouth the program. Also, in no particular order: U.F.O. The original Battlestar Galactica Rescue Me Enterprise (Guess I'm the one) St Elsewhere The Superfriends '67 Spider-man Dukes of Hazzard Miami Vice
xena hercules i love lucy dick van dyke show full house home improvement my little pony and friends garfield and friends - the friends are there song chip and dale rescue rangers gargoyles goof troop ducktales gummi bears get smart grimms fairy tales david the gnome cbs story break care bears walker texas ranger teen titans the real ghostbusters teenage mutant ninja turtles darkwing duck tailspin he-man