Top 10 Movie Theme Songs You Forgot Were Awesome
#10: “It Can’t Rain All the Time” by Jane Siberry
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“The Crow” (1994) The original soundtrack to “The Crow” was chock full of references to early nineties industrial, metal and gothic rock. There was another, more contemplative side to this OST, however, and it comes in the form of the album’s final sequenced song, “It Can’t Rain All the Time.” Jane Siberry’s quiet and atmospheric ballad stands in stark contrast to the heavier contributions from bands like Pantera and Rollins Band, while at the same time providing contemplation to the events surrounding the film. “It Can’t Rain All the Time” offers hope in the face of star Brandon Lee’s tragic death during filming, while also serving as a fitting coda to Lee’s fans around the world.
#9: “Hellraiser” by Motörhead
“Hellraiser III: Hell on Earth” (1992) The song “Hellraiser” has had a lot of life since it was first written by Ozzy Osbourne, Zakk Wylde (his guitarist), and Ian “Lemmy” Kilmister of Motörhead. Ozzy’s version was released first, on his 1991 solo studio album, “No More Tears,” but it was Motörhead’s take on the tune that showed up on the third installment of “Hellraiser” in 1992. “Hellraiser III: Hell on Earth” boasted other heavy metal contributions from artists like Armored Saint (who also appear in the movie), while the song “Hellraiser” fits in perfectly with the lighter tone taken by “Hell on Earth.” The song’s mid-paced groove seems to symbolize how Pinhead has graduated into full-fledged “horror icon” status, while Lemmy’s sandpaper vocals are the gruff icing on this heavy metal cake.
#8: “I Still Believe” by Tim Cappello
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“The Lost Boys” (1987) “The Lost Boys” was another soundtrack full of moody goth anthems, from Gerard McMann’s “Cry Little Sister,” to Echo & the Bunnymen’s epic cover of The Doors’ “People Are Strange.” However, it’s Tim Cappello’s cover of “I Still Believe” by The Call that needs some serious reappraisal. Of course, fans of the film are plenty aware of Cappello’s performance as the Sax Man early on in the film, and his instrument is put to great use on “I Still Believe.” The call-and-response interplay between Cappello’s blowing and the synth melodies is fantastic, while the hard-edged guitar kicks up “I Still Believe” to a whole other level. We can practically feel our hair blowing in the wind every time we hear this one.
#7: “Pet Sematary” by the Ramones
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“Pet Sematary” (1989) The Ramones’ contribution to the “Pet Sematary” franchise was so nice, they used it thrice! The punk rock legends recorded the first film’s title track, as well as “Poison Heart” for the 1992 sequel. “Pet Sematary” was also covered on the closing credits of the 2019 remake, but it’s the OG Ramones classic that still gives us goosebumps so many years later. The band’s famous aggression is shelved momentarily for a darker and more melodic song that fits the film’s mood perfectly. Joey Ramone’s vocals lead the charge with a brooding melancholy that emphasizes the tragedy of “Pet Sematary” with the lyrics “I don’t want to live my life again.”
#6: “Send Me an Angel” by Real Life
“Rad” (1986) Is there any movie more capital-E eighties than “Rad”? If there is, then we’d definitely like to see it. For now, though, we’d like to remind everyone how bitchin’ and totally radical the “Rad” soundtrack was, especially epic cuts like John Farnham’s “Break the Ice,” and our pick for this entry, “Send Me an Angel.” Real Life’s synth pop ballad sets the perfect mood for one of “Rad’s” climatic scenes of BMX badassery; all soaring melodies atop a perfectly polished and processed ‘80s production. The hot guitar licks, although brief, also kick this one into overdrive as one of the best movie theme songs, full stop.
#5: “Dream Warriors” by Dokken
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“A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors” (1987) The world of horror movies and heavy metal seemed intrinsically connected back in the 1980s, and we’d desperately like to see that trend make a full-fledged comeback. Why? Because, then maybe we’d get theme songs as unbelievably killer as Dokken’s “Dream Warriors,” from the second sequel to “A Nightmare on Elm Street.” Dokken was always a metal band with flashy guitar pyrotechnics but, here, that’s tempered…at least momentarily. “Dream Warriors” builds with a brooding, mid-paced riff into an arsenal of dizzying solos from guitarist George Lynch, while front man Don Dokken’s soaring high note at the song’s conclusion has us raising our collective fists in a full-out battle cry.
#4: “Invincible” by Pat Benatar
“The Legend of Billie Jean” (1985) Pat Benatar is no stranger to appearing on hit movie soundtracks. For example, the time she recorded “Sometimes the Good Guys Finish First” for the 1987 Michael J. Fox film, “The Secret of My Success.” However, Benatar’s hit single “Invincible” was also from a movie, though you’d be forgiven for forgetting that fact. “The Legend of Billie Jean” is actually ready for rediscovery: a well-acted and tense drama starring Helen Slater whose soundtrack also featured Billy Idol’s “Rebel Yell.” Both that song and “Invincible” tie into Slater’s story of victimization and revenge, and manage to put the audience in her character’s shoes as we follow her journey.
#3: “Til I Hear It from You” by Gin Blossoms
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“Empire Records” (1995) Just as “Rad” was indicative of a 1980s oeuvre, so too does “Empire Records” feel helplessly, yet joyously trapped in the mid-90s. This sentiment is aided by the film’s excellent soundtrack, particularly “Til I Hear It from You,” by Gin Blossoms. The alternative rock band’s penchant for melancholic melodies and heartbreaking lyrics is set on full display here, although the song is also balanced with moments of hope and reflection. There’s a reason why this Arizona-based band’s “Best Of” collection was titled “Outside Looking In,'' given that “Til I Hear It from You” may just be the best song they ever wrote.
#2: “Mighty Wings” by Cheap Trick
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“Top Gun” (1986) Everyone knows Berlin’s “Take My Breath Away” and “Danger Zone” by Kenny Loggins, but do you remember the song that was featured during the closing credits of “Top Gun”? It was “Mighty Wings,” by Cheap Trick, and It’s. Absolutely. AWESOME! The song was co-written by “Beverly Hills Cop” composer Harold Faltermeyer, and showcased Cheap Trick at their hardest and most anthemic. It’s the sort of tune that pairs perfectly with lifting weights, running fast, or flying high – the type of “training montage” music that was so prevalent in the 1980s. “Mighty Wings” has powerful vocals, raging guitars, soaring synths: it’s just a perfect storm for Maverick to navigate as he takes to the skies. Before we name our number one pick, here are some honorable mentions! “Pretend to Be Nice” by Josie and the Pussycats, “Josie and the Pussycats” (2001) Fake Band, Great Song! “Tonight Is What It Means to Be Young” by Diane Lane, “Streets of Fire” (1984) Diane Lane Plus Jim Steinman Equals Rock Opera Awesomeness “Bad Karma” by Ida Maria, “Scream 4” (2011) Yet Another Scream-Rock Connection! “The Touch” by Stan Bush, “Transformers: The Movie” (1986) Stan Bush Has the Voice of an Angel “Partytime (Zombie Version)” by 45 Grave, “Return of the Living Dead” (1985) Do You Wanna Party?
#1: “He’s Back (The Man Behind the Mask)” by Alice Cooper
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“Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives” (1986) We mentioned earlier how heavy metal and horror movies went hand-in-hand back in the 1980s, and perhaps nowhere is this more nostalgically indicated than with this underrated Alice Cooper jam! “He’s Back (The Man Behind the Mask)” was the closing theme to “Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives” and was released during a period when Cooper was turning to a heavier sound. The song boasts a banging synth backbeat and commanding vocals by Cooper, while guitarist Kane Roberts unleashes a short-but-sweet set of solos. Meanwhile, all the Voorhees vibes set the perfect mood for October. You know, crunching leaves, maniacs in hockey masks terrorizing teenagers, the usual.
