Any artists hoping to win song of the year at the 2024 Grammys should probably just quit while they're ahead; Steve Martin's "Which of the Pickwick Triplets Did It?" is the clear frontrunner in my eyes. Martin flawlessly performs the catchy patter song in episode eight of Disney+'s "Only Murders in the Building" season three, and fans everywhere — myself included — have had it stuck in their heads ever since. Over the past few days, I've found myself reciting the lyrics under my breath while showering, cooking, running errands, commuting, and even falling asleep. (Sorry to my roommates.) It's lodged in the depths of my brain, and I'm not one bit mad about it.
Watching Martin belt out the "Pickwick Triplets" song is pure joy from start to finish. After his character, Charles-Haden Savage, flubs a prior rehearsal due to nerves, he takes to the Gooseberry Theatre stage with an orchestra in tow and makes the fast-paced, tongue-tying tune his b*tch. The rest of the "Death Razzle Dazzle" cast look on in astonishment, half expecting him to crack under pressure, but he perseveres, delivering a Broadway-worthy spectacle I'd pay to witness in person. Not only does the track deserve a Grammy, but Martin also deserves (another) Emmy nomination for the impassioned performance. The sheer amount of social media buzz about the song validates my case.
"Which of the Pickwick Triplets Did It?" isn't the only banger featured in the latest season of "Only Murders in the Building." In the third episode, Meryl Streep and Ashley Park team up on "Look For the Light," a moving ballad and original song written by Sara Bareilles for the show. The duet could be used in a Harmonising 101 music class — their vocals mesh that beautifully.
The show has heeded fans' requests and released both standout songs from season three on all major music streaming platforms so we can hit the replay button to our hearts' content. But that's not all — a deluxe soundtrack album is also dropping on 4 Oct., featuring "Which of the Pickwick Triplets Did It?" and "Look For the Light," along with the cast's "Creatures of the Night" rendition and the entire original score. I just might change my alarm tone, 'cause nothing will wake me from my slumber like a "Which of the Pickwick Triplets Did It?" sing-along.
If the "Only Murders in the Building" soundtrack is your new personality, I've included videos of both Martin's and Streep's performances ahead for your rewatching pleasure. The 4 Oct. can't come soon enough.