The opening theme associated with House M.D. is “Teardrop,” performed by Massive Attack.
The song was released in 1998 on Massive Attack’s third studio album, Mezzanine. Its distinctive harpsichord-like sound, electronic production, and Elizabeth Fraser’s vocals became strongly associated with the medical drama’s opening titles in many international broadcasts.
The series used an instrumental portion of “Teardrop” in its title sequence, although some versions and territories used alternative music because of licensing arrangements. In the United States, the familiar theme helped establish the show’s darker, more atmospheric identity before each medical mystery began.
“Teardrop” is sometimes confused with other Massive Attack songs such as “Angel,” especially because both have moody, recognizable production. However, “Angel” was not the regular House M.D. opening theme. The song itself became one of Massive Attack’s best-known recordings and remains closely linked with the program.