Massive Attack recorded “Teardrop,” the song associated with the opening credits of House, M.D. The track was released in 1998 and became one of the best-known songs by the English trip-hop group.
“Teardrop” is built around a prominent harpsichord-like figure and vocals by Elizabeth Fraser of the Cocteau Twins. Its distinctive sound helped make it strongly associated with the series, even though the full original recording was not used consistently in every broadcast version.
For the original U.S. broadcast of House, M.D., the opening sequence used an instrumental version or a version with altered musical elements because of rights and broadcast arrangements. International releases and later versions could differ, which is why viewers sometimes remember the theme differently.
Massive Attack formed in Bristol and became a major act in the development of trip-hop. The song’s connection with the show is often described as its theme, but the precise credit depends on which version of the opening is being discussed.