Eighties Nostalgia

Music defines a decade and that was no exception for the 80s. Although there were some questionable moments (namely Spandau Ballet, A-Ha and Flock Of Seagulls), a ton of classic music can be found on many 80s soundtracks. Here is a list of my favorites;

5. Labyrinth

David Bowie not only played the Goblin King in Jim Henson's 1986 masterpiece, but he wrote and sang the majority of songs while wearing grey spandex pants and a kick-ass sequined coat with 8 inch shoulder pads. Check out 'Magic Dance' and 'Underground' (Really the only good music Bowie produced in the 80s).


4. Beverly Hills Cop

Where to start? Harold Faltermeyer's 'Axel F', the Pointer Sisters 'Neutron Dance', Patti LaBelle's 'New Attitude', Danny Elfman's "Gratitude' and Glenn Frey's 'The Heat Is On'. "I'm just burning, doin' the neutron dance!" I still whip out the leg warmers while rocking this soundtrack.


3. Vision Quest

Great flick about high school wrestling, weight loss and all the romantic turmoil us graplers went through during that period (yeah right). Madonna made her first motion picture appearance and the songs included 'Only the Young' (Journey), 'Hungry for Heaven' (Dio [RIP]), 'I'll Fall in Love Again (Sammy Hagar), 'Hot Blooded' (Foreigner) and my personal favorite 'Lunatic Fringe' (Red Rider).


2. Back To The Future

Everything from Marty McFly and the Starlighters playing 'Johnny B, Goode' to 80s icon Huey Lewis rocking his greatest song ever, 'The Power Of Love' and the under appreciated 'Back In Time. God bless Biff.


1. Blues Brothers

No one can argue with this one. With rock legends Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Cab Calloway, Ray Charles and John Lee Hooker contributing hits, Jake and Elwood still stole the show with 'Gimme Some Lovin'', 'Theme From Rawhide' and 'Sweet Home Chicago' (not counting 'Stand By Your Man' which didn't make the soundtrack). Arguably John Belushi's best film (tie with Animal House).


Honorable mentioned songs include Extreme's 'Play With Me' ("Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure"), Lindsey Buckingham 'Holiday Road' ("National Lampoon’s Vacation"), Prince 'Purple Rain' ("Purple Rain"), Ray Parker, Jr. 'Ghostbusters' ("Ghostbusters"), Cyndi Lauper 'The Goonies 'R' Good Enough' ("Goonies") and Kenny Loggins 'I'm Free (Heaven Helps the Man)' ("Footloose").