The music that accompanied the film was hand-picked by Zach Braff. Commenting on the selections, Braff said that The music in the film features a number of indie-rock artists, notably the Shins. In an early scene, Sam passes Andrew a headset which is playing the song "New Slang" by the Shins as she says "You gotta hear this one song — it’ll change your life; I swear." A second Shins song, "Caring Is Creepy", is also featured on the soundtrack. The presence of Simon & Garfunkel's "The Only Living Boy in New York" on the soundtrack has been cited by some as evidence of a connection to The Graduate. The song "Orange Sky" by Alexi Murdoch was also featured in the movie, but did not appear on the soundtrack, as the rights to the song were owned by Fox's The O.C. It was played between "New Slang" and "I Just Don't Think I'll Ever Get Over You" in the film. Additionally, "Love Will Come Through" by Travis was used in the film’s trailer, but never made it into the film or onto its soundtrack. The trailer also featured "Such Great Heights" in the original version by the Postal Service rather than the Iron & Wine cover used in the film. The song "Chocolate" by Snow Patrol appeared in the commercials but didn't appear on the soundtrack. The song "Adelita" by Francisco Tárrega was played on guitar by Peter Sarsgaard when he was talking to Zach Braff in his room, and played on the video of Sam ice skating in the alligator costume. Also, "Three Times A Lady" by Lionel Richie is sung during the funeral scene. Neither song appears on the soundtrack. Additional instrumental composition by Chad Fischer "Motorcycle Ride with Sam" was featured in the DVD menu.
In an episode of Saturday Night Live hosted by Braff, Braff plays a high school student in a skit where various high schoolinterest groups are attempting to select a theme for the upcoming senior prom. Braff’s character suggests a Garden State theme because the soundtrack "changed life", but the prom committee describes it as a "Pitchfork mix CD". Braff's character replies that he happens to know "...those songs were very carefully chosen"; nevertheless, the idea is quickly dismissed. He then puts on headphones with the sound of "New Slang" by the Shins playing in the background.
