Crazy Ex-Girlfriend featured numerous songs throughout its run. Every main character got a chance to burst into song to deal with something going on in their lives. However, the central storyline focused on Rebecca's desire to be with Josh and how it was tied to how she hoped to find happiness. Crazy Ex-Girlfriend is a discussion about mental health and personal growth disguised as a musical comedy. There are times when the series can go to the lowest places as Rebecca attempts to understand how her past is connected to her present and how she initially wants to skip the hard work to jump right to the happy ending.
The songs help portray the growth Rebecca is going through and call out her behavior at times. "West Covina" is the show's first song, but it also perfectly sets up Rebecca's motivations for moving across the country and gives the audience an understanding of where her head is. But, while most songs are bubbly and upbeat, others take on a dark and more depressing approach to show the change in Rebecca's emotions or feelings, which is where "The Darkness" comes into play.
10 West Covina
As the first musical number of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, "West Covina" is the bright and bubbly number that simultaneously portrays how in denial Rebecca is about her own choices. After seeing Josh for the first time in ten years and learning he is moving back to California, Rebecca determines that following him is her best shot at happiness. Rebecca has not reached any character development yet, as this is early in the first episode, making it the start of Rebecca's road to happiness. However, in the series finale, Rebecca briefly reprises "West Covina" as she looks back on her decisions, and it is an excellent callback to how much she has changed.
9 A Boy Band Made Up Of Four Joshes
Rebecca has made Josh a symbol of happiness. Unfortunately, he represents more to her than it is clear how much she truly feels for him. "A Boy Band Made Up Of Four Joshes" calls out Rebecca's behavior through the lyrics, claiming that Josh is a medical professional who can heal her. This is certainly not the case in reality for Rebecca and Josh. They even have a similar moment during their duet of "We'll Never Have Problems Again" when they suggest that their happiness in a relationship is enough to keep them afloat. They will be happy forever rather than facing any conflict. However, "A Boy Band Made Up Of Four Joshes" is the first hint at Rebecca's eventual diagnosis of borderline personality disorder.
8 You Stupid Bitch
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend tackles self-hatred and loathing in "You Stupid Bitch." Rebecca's struggle to accept and love herself is one of the most significant parts of the show, and this song portrays some of the emotions she takes on toward herself. Rebecca's journey is learning to love herself; this song is part of understanding how she sees herself. Rebecca is under the belief that she has ruined everything and then goes on to insult herself continually. "You Stupid Bitch" also makes a brief comeback in "Eleven O'Clock" as Rebecca thinks back on how she had once thought so badly of herself from the perspective of someone who has grown so much.
7 Love Kernels
How low is the bar for Rebecca to believe Josh reciprocates romantic feelings? Well, a random text at three in the morning should do it. "Love Kernels" portrays Rebecca's need for Josh to notice her and how she will take any small nugget of acknowledgment that she can get from him. However, it is also clear that this is not a healthy mindset to have. Rebecca deserves better for herself than to accept so little from someone else.
6 The Math Of Love Triangles (And Reprise)
When Rebecca has trouble deciding between Josh and Greg, it spurs her to perform "The Math Of Love Triangles." She is unsure which road to choose, and her difficulty speaks to Rebecca's uncertainty about how she wants to handle her life. Rebecca is utterly confused about how to handle the situation. However, the reprise also brilliantly tackles the problem when Greg re-enters the picture. Even after so much growth and development, Rebecca faces these same questions and uncertainties. However, one of the most significant changes in the reprise is how Rebecca questions the imaginary Josh, Greg, and Nathaniel about their feelings about the situation.
5 Hello, Nice To Meet You
Rebecca has drastically changed over time, but she is not the only one. Greg Serrano's return comes with many surprises and some of which include his personal growth. Rebecca and Greg are not the same people in season four that they were in season two. Instead, they have changed immensely, so they have decided to move forward from the past and take another chance at getting to know each other. "Hello, Nice To Meet You" acknowledges their growth by allowing the duo to start over and get to know each other based on who they have become and not on how they were before.
4 A Diagnosis
Finally, Rebecca will receive an accurate diagnosis. After years of being misdiagnosed, put on the wrong medication, and in general, being misunderstood by many medical professionals, "A Diagnosis" delivers Rebecca the truth. After falling to rock bottom, "A Diagnosis" is a sign of hope for Rebecca to finally understand why she has had so much trouble being happy.
The episode discusses how Rebecca's mental health is about her, not her feelings toward Josh or any other man. However, Rebecca also mentions that a new diagnosis can grant her legitimate answers. That gives Rebecca hope for her future.
3 The Darkness
Depression plays a critical role in Rebecca's spiral. She is very familiar with this darkness that has been in and out of her life for years. It is her most consistent relationship, existing in the background of everything she has ever done and any relationship she has had. The darkness is more like a warm blanket than a conflict. However, confronting the darkness is a bigger step, and once that has to be dealt with to move forward. "The Darkness" is helpful in understanding where Rebecca is emotionally and mentally, and the payoff as she grows to move past it is significant.
2 Anti-Depressants Are So Not A Big Deal
Taking medication can be daunting, especially after being given so many wrong prescriptions. But, the suggestion that Rebecca is not the only one to take anti-depressants allows her to be more accepting. Rebecca has finally started taking control of her happiness and taking therapy seriously. She wants to get better, and accepting anti-depressants is part of that. This is a song that demonstrates Rebecca's acceptance of something scary to continue her road to mental health.
1 11 O'Clock
As the show's final song, Rebecca briefly references previous songs and costumes she has done through the four seasons. Rebecca knows she has to make a serious decision about Greg, Josh, and Nathaniel. But she also has to make some critical decisions about herself. What will make Rebecca happy? A relationship? Well, that may not be the correct answer. Instead, it seems that Rebecca needs to choose a path that will allow her to be happy, which eventually leads her to feel secure enough in her development and growth to accept entering a healthy relationship. "Eleven O'Clock" is an excellent reference to the past while using history to propel Rebecca forward toward having her confront what to do next.