Top 5 Memorable Movie Songs
I don't know about all of you but I love movies. Ever since I was young I have dug movies with a good story line, visuals, and of course the music. Out of everything that comes packed in a movie the music is where it's at. I mean, think about it. Would suspense or thriller movies have the same feeling without the music? Sure the camera angles and slow moving actors help but the music is what sets the mood. It completes the overall scene and pulls at the strings of your emotions. I know it keeps me at the edge of my seat. In this post I would like to share my top 5 memorable movie songs. The following songs are what made a specific scene or the entire movie memorable for movie goers.
5. Forrest Gump - Fortunate Son by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Forrest Gump is one of those feel good movies where the main character triumphs throughout the film. Although it does have some sad moments it's fairly balanced with good humor and events from history. It's a movie I can watch over and over and actually, I could watch every movie on my list over and over. The movie has an excellent soundtrack and it was hard to pick one but the one I chose completes a time of war. After graduating from college Forrest inlists in the Army. Once his training is complete he and a friend named Bubba are shipped out to fight in the Vietnam War. I was not yet born during this time period but I have heard stories and the movie depicts it rather well in comparison to what I have heard. I mean, it shows a mild depiction where a movie like Full Metal Jacket is a bit more harsh. On top of that the movie includes Fortunate Son by Creedence Clearwater Revival. I would explain the scene but I have provided a clip instead. I wouldn't be able to do it justice but the song completes the whole scene.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmHoySrZX60&feature=related]
4. Blow - Blinded By The Light By Manfred Mann's Earth Band
When this movie came out I immediately wanted to watch it and it wasn't because of the great cast either. It was the movie trailer that had the most influence on me and the music. Once I saw the "based on a true story" movie I couldn't believe how much George Jung was involved in. For example here's a quote from the movie, "We invented the market place. In fact, if you snorted cocaine in the late 1970's or early 80's, there was an 85% chance it came from us." George was obviously a big player in the distribution of cocaine in the U.S. During the time that this quote is being made there is a montage of images from his accomplishments and good times. In the background of the montage is Manfred Man's Blinded By The Light. The song is perfect! So without further ado, here's the trailer to my number 4 pick.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8lGHQn_n9Y]
3. Top Gun - Danger Zone by Kenny Loggins
Next up is Top Gun! This was a hit movie back in 1986 and how awesome were the scenes from this movie? I remember the movie pretty good but I only remember the scenes that are most talked about. It was 1986 and I was born in 1981. I have seen the movie many times but I can't recall it word for word like some people. Either way though, this was a huge movie for Tom Cruise. There was a lot going on in this film but check out what IMDb has as a synopsis for it,
"The macho students of an elite US Flying school for advanced fighter pilots compete to be best in the class, and one romances the teacher."
Umm....really? That's it? What about the loss of Goose, a good friend, and how Maverick finds himself by finally getting over his fear that involves his father and kicking ass at the end? I guess none of that stuff matters. It wouldn't make for an awesome action packed film if the synopsis had that in it. The movie is one that many people remember for the rivalry between Maverick and Iceman, Iceman biting down and almost breaking his teeth, jet fighter dog fights, singing in a bar to woo the lady, and least but certainly not least, Kenny Loggins Danger Zone. You can't mention this movie without mentioning the song. Everyone knows it and if they can't sing it they can hum it. Forgetting this song is like forgetting this quote,
"I Feel The Need, The Need For Speed"
It can't be done. Although I was young when this came out I still saw it and there are a lot of elements that make this movie memorable especially the music.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8rZWw9HE7o]
2. Rocky III - Eye Of The Tiger by Survivor
Next up is none other than Rocky III. I love the Rocky franchise, but out of all the movies I dig part two the most. The fight between Rocky and Apollo is epic and the music that fuels it is superb! Why can't boxing matches be more like those of the Rocky franchise? I guess there is too much money involved and well...someone has to take a fall right? In part three, Rocky is the champion and his face is everywhere. During a press conference Rocky is confronted by a disgruntled boxer named Clubber Lang played by Mr. T. Lang destroys Rocky in their championship match, Mickey dies, and Rocky is left to marinade on his future. The Eye of the Tiger is first mentioned in this movie by Apollo Creed and I believe the song is played at the end when Rocky and Apollo go to swing at each other before the credits roll. Someone correct me if I'm wrong here. The movie came out in 1982 and well, I was barely a year old. I am merely speaking from the reruns I've seen on TBS. The movie was good either way and below I have included a tribute that someone created on YouTube.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7CaiWxKYBo&feature=related]
1. Reservoir Dogs - Stuck In The Middle With You by Stealers Wheel
And now for my number one pick in my "Top 5 Memorable Movie Songs". Whenever I hear "Stuck In The Middle With You" by Stealers Wheel I think of Reservoir Dogs. This is a movie by Quentin Tarantino about a group of men who band together to pull off the perfect crime. The movie has an excellent cast with a storyline to match. When this movie is mentioned, fans think of the infamous ear scene. Along with this scene is the song I have mentioned here. If you have yet to see this movie you must head out and buy it or borrow it from someone. The scene is classic and instead of adding the clip I will place a link here. The scene is rather brutal and I don't believe it would work here so instead I will add the movie trailer.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CU1ChtPDdfk]
So there it is folks! These are my top 5 and I'm sure everyone has a comment for this so let me have it! I would like to have your opinion on my list and please feel free to list your top 5 as well. Have a good one and happy reading. Cheers!