It's February which means it's Black History Month, we just need to brave the cold for a few more weeks, and for the romantic types Valentines Day is next week. In true B fashion, I decided to get into the spirit as I know how. I'm going to focus on songs I love, because it was in a movie.
When the right song is inserted in a scene or the credits of a film. And it is edited just right, it leaves a lasting impression on audiences. Who back in the day may have went and bought the artist album or soundtrack. Now they stream it, but in any case the right song in a movie can have a powerful effect. Here are 13 (I know, 13?) Of my favorites.
13 Charlie Sexton- Beats So Lonely
1987's Some Kind Of Wonderful is John Hughes subtle f-u to Paramount who interfered in the ending of his 1986 film Pretty In Pink. Kind of funny since both films were distributed by Paramount. History lesson aside.
The ending climax at the party is amplified by the background song of Charlie Sexton's Beat's So Lonely. A guitar riff is edited perfectly to a sub character entering the party, to save the day. That slight moment with the perfectly edited song makes this scene so bad ass.
12 Billy Idol-Rebel Yell
Before the days of high speed internet and YouTube. I can remember recording these scene from 1985's Legend Of Billie Jean and playing it over and over again. All because of Billy Idol's Rebel Yell, which fits the tone of the movie. As well as make the mall chase a highlight of the film.
11. Soho-Nuthin' On My Mind
1990's Career Opportunities starring Frank Whaley and Jennifer Connelly, is one of John Hughes most underrated films. It follows a overnight sanitation worker for Target who is locked in overnight with the town beauty who has ran away.
This scene featuring Frank Whaley as Jim in his own world, doing a little jingle to Soho's Nuthin' On My Mind. The song is so smooth and soothing, and it relaxes me when I hear it.
10. Blink 182 Dammit
1998's high school party drama Can't Hardly Wait, does not get the proper love and respect it deserves as a teen classic almost 30 years later. Which is such a shame, because it is one of the best teen films ever.
This YouTube clip is not from the movie, but a collection of scenes from the movie. The song Damnnit by Blink 182, is played during a chaotic scene in the movie which fits the headbanging sound of the song.
9.Semisonic-closing time
8 Go West-King Of Wishful Thinking
1990's romantic comedy classic Pretty Woman starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. Set's the tone at the very beginning of the film, that this will be a fun film. Kicking off the opening credits after a brief cold open, with Go West King Of Wishful Thinking.
The tune while actually sad when listening to the lyrics. Evokes a sense of optimism and is ear candy.
7 RedBone-Come And Get Your Love
When RedBone's Come And Get Your Love kicked off the beat of the story, for 2014's Guardians Of The Galaxy. It showed that this wasn't a typical MCU film, and it introduced the song to a entire new generation. Many who upon hearing it said things like "damn, I like this song".
Another song that I heard before, but did not appreciate it until I saw it playing on the big screen. While Chris Pratt as Star Lord boogied his way through space.
6 Robbie Robb-In Time
One of my favorite time travel films, 1989's Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure had a chokehold on me since I was a kid. This pivotal scene in the movie, where the duo get a glimpse of how important they are to history just sends chills up my spine.
Ok, I may have been hyperbolic there but I do love the scene and song. I've never heard of Robbie Robb outside of this song but to me it as a triple platinum classic. Especially when it pops up on my playlists.
5 Stephanie Mills-I Just Want Love
This song frustrates me, sung by the legendary Stepanie Mills for a very underrated film. 1991's Strictly Business starring Tommy Davidson, Halle Berry, and Joseph C. Phillips (The Cosby Show). If you need proof how much I love this movie, here you go.
This Stephanie Mills new jack swing inspired song is my jam. It perfectly captures the vibe of love, the 90's culture and the end of the movie. Yet, its not available on ANY streaming platform.
4 Peter Gabriel-In Your Eyes
One of the most famous and often copied scenes in film history, is from 1989's Say Anything. The scene in question is John Cusack standing outside his girlfriends home with a boombox over his head. The song playing is Peter Gabriel's Your Eyes. A true love ballad if I ever heard one.
When it comes on my Amazon music or even Sirius XM 80's on 80. Even though I can't sing I harmonize to the melody perfectly.
3 Samm Henshaw-Church
2020's Charm City Kings starring rapper Meek Mill, and Baltimore dirt bike legend Chino Braxton. Follows a young teen who comes of age over the summer, as he aspires to join a legendary Baltimore dirt bike crew. The film introduced me to a song, that inspires me when I need some optimism.
Samm Hensaw's Church, which I will admit I hadn't heard of the artist or the song before seeing the film. Now it's one of my favorite songs thanks to the movie.
2 Simple Minds-Don't you forget about me
Come on? You didn't think I would make a list about song's in movies I love, and not include this one. Don't You (Forget About Me) by Simple Mind's is the perfect 80's teenage song. It captures the teenage angst with the New Wave pop sound dominate during that era.
Playing over the end credits with Judd Nelson's Bender raising his fist in the air, is just legendary. It's another jam I have on my playlist and when it comes on 80's on 8. I am not changing the station until the last note is played
1. Righteous Brothers-you'e Lost That Loving Feeling
I first saw Top Gun when I was around 10 years old on basic cable. I think it was TBS Dinner And A Movie, which is how I saw The Breakfast Club for the first time as well. To be honest I never paid the song by The Righteous Brothers any mind at all. Until I got older and understood the message of the song and how those guys were crying for love.
Then I watched the movie again, and the end credits. And if maybe the greatest edit of a song to the epilog. As The Brothers sing their hearts out, the cast is individually credited and somehow it all just works. Its an art in itself and I love the song because of it.
