FT5: Songs From 80s Action Movies

5. “The Touch” by Stan Bush (1986) from The Transformers: The Movie

Before the mess of CGI that Michael Bay likes to call the Transformers series, there was the original animated movie released in 1986. Here’s all you need to know about the role that “The Touch” plays in the movie: Optimus Prime proclaims that “Megatron must be stopped. No matter the cost.” Cue vintage transformer sounds as Optimus Prime transforms into the truck. Cue Stan Bush and “YOU’VE GOT THE TOUCH!” Epic battle ensues. The end.

Upon researching the song, I did learn that Stan Bush re-recorded a new version of “The Touch” and submitted it to Michael Bay for inclusion in Revenge of the Fallen. This quote is all you need to know: “…adding rap verses and being more mournful in tone, with it being described as a “redux a la Linkin Park.” Yiiiiikes.

4. “Axel F” by Harold Faltermeyer (1984) from Beverly Hills Cop

With apologies to Glenn Frey and “The Heat Is On,” the real gem of the BHC soundtrack is Harold Faltermeyer’s Axel F. While I might be cheating on my own list, this song actually reached #3 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart and was all over the radio. So it counts despite it technically being a film score. To this day, this is 1 of 3 songs I can play on the piano and it is quite possibly one of the most memorable electronic beats of the 80s. Nothing beats the feeling this song creates as Axel Foley is about to embark on one of his memorable mis-adventures (Hey, where the fuck do you guys get off on arresting somebody for getting thrown out of a window?!)

3. “Danger Zone” & “Playing With The Boys” by Kenny Loggins (1986) from Top Gun

How could anyone compile a list of music from 80’s film without mentioning the master? With theme songs in classic films such as Caddyshack, Footloose and Over the Top, Kenny Loggins is the undisputed king of the 80s soundtrack. And I just couldn’t decide between his two gems featured in Top Gun. On one hand you have “Danger Zone” blaring as F-14’s take off from a mother f-ing aircraft carrier. On the other hand, you have the homo-erotic volleyball game while “Playing With the Boys” is spinning. It’s enough to make a writers head explode.

2. “You’re The Best” by Joe Esposito (1984) from The Karate Kid

This is the 80s at it’s absolute peak. You’ve got all the ingredients for a winner. Daniel-Son and Mr. Miyagi (Miyagi-Do Karate!). Johnny Lawrence (the ultimate movie prick) and the sadistic Cobra Kai Dojo. Ali with an “I” (and it’s Daniel, with an “L”). The Crane. It all reaches it’s climax during the All Valley Karate Tournament as Daniel-Son looks like he’s about to shit a 10-ton brick while Joe Esposito reminds us that “You’re The Best <CRASH!> Around <CRASH!>… Nothings Going to Ever Keep You Down!” As the song plays, so does Daniel-Son’s confidence … resulting in the most memorable fight scene in 80s cinema.

1. “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor (1982) from Rocky III

The ultimate theme song of the 80s. It’s the mother-futon Eye of the Tiger. Let’s start with how bad-ass this movie was. HULK HOGAN AND MR. T were the villains (What’s your prediction for the fight? PAIIINNN) . I could stop there and it would be enough to warrant a spot in the top 5. Sylvester Stallone specifically requested this song for inclusion in the film. It has actual tiger growls. It topped the charts for 6 weeks. That guitar hook! It’s EPIC! I’ll leave you with perhaps the most memorable quote in boxing: “He’s just a man, Rock, so be MORE man than him! Go get him; Eye Of the Tiger!” Enough said.