Movie Melodic Milestones

I have always seemed to live my life inextricably through the movies rather than any other tangible force, so a movie melodic milestone playlist of songs or musical moments from film seemed most appropriate to me for the recent challenge. I guess the music takes me back to those innocent times of yesteryear, but are also highly comforting to listen to (or watch the movies they’re from) NOW in the present. If I could, this list would be of about 30 songs from the movies. As it is - this small list are just some of those that were most memorable to me growing up and probably for some of you too!

1. “Magic Dance” by David Bowie From the movie “Labyrinth” (1986)

I fondly remember gathering around me ALL my teddies and stuffed toys on the couch (practically drowning in these) as “Labyrinth” was soon to start on T.V. I must have been about 7 or 8. Of course I’d seen the film prior a few years before on VHS when hiring from video stores, but I was a little odd and a sometimes isolated kid, so this was an EVENT. 🤣 I must have sat at that couch for about an hour before (I was so excited) waiting through boring news programs before it finally begun. “Magic Dance” by Bowie, not only captures the fun & kooky energy of the film but it’s as catchy as hell. I still sing it aloud (mostly in private) to this day! Enjoy! Although, if you watch to the end PLEASE don’t throw your babies in the air! Just saying. 😅

2. “Somewhere Out There” from “An American Tail” (1986) by Linda Ronstadt and James Ingram

This was one of (if not the very first film) I had seen at the drive end with family! “An American Tail” was surprisingly poignant and tense for a kids’ film, but a wonderful experience. I still remember it fondly (even if I haven’t watched it for 25 plus years). I viewed it enough as a youngster for it to make an impact. The main tune from the film is of course “Somewhere Out There” originally sung by the voice actors playing the the two sibling mice who became separated. If you never sang along or never shed a tear at the tune in THAT scene then you probably don’t have a soul, sorry! I’ve included the pop rendition from the soundtrack by Linda Ronstadt and James Ingram.

Sometimes, I like to put it on and think of those I’ve loved and lost to the other side - and that I’m still thinking of them..loving them… “no matter how far apart we are”. 🤗

3. “The NeverEnding Story” (1984) the title song from the original movie by Limahl.

Boy, these were simpler times, in some respects, weren’t they? And who didn’t love this film as a kid and get scarred by the horse Artax dying in the Swamp of Sadness? This electronic power ballad from the film is sublime. Everything about it is perfection - an 80s classic! The song is uplifting and inspiring - trust me it still plays very well today. I often crank it in the car (amongst some other classic film songs of the 80’s). Forget about your cares, jump aboard Falkor, and soar high above!

4. “Glory of Love” by Pete Cetera from “The Karate Kid part 2” (1986)

It’s the iconic song from Pete Cetera that plays at the end of “The Karate Kid Part 2”. Another power ballad - it was the 80s afterall. As a kid, I immediately loved this song (and the film). It’s the type of song that makes you feel like you can do anything and it beautifully captures the themes of the film. I forgot about this song for a little while, but after searching out the singer and some of his other memorable songs, I now frequently play it. ☺️

5. “Love is All Around” by “Wet Wet Wet” from “Four Weddings and a Funeral” (1994)

Moving on to the mid 90s with “Love is all around”. Sure, this song was overplayed on the radio, but I still love it. Like everything on this playlist it takes me back and captures the warm feelings of that time, renting the movie and watching it on your box T.V - certainly a time of far better movies than today! 😁

6. “To You I Bestow” by Mundy from Baz Luhrmann’s “Romeo + Juliet” (1996)

We were gifted with so many great films of the 80s and 90s and this was no exception. It’s as if I could pick anything from the film soundtrack to Baz Luhrmann’s “Romeo + Juliet” including (the second) instrumental soundtrack, yet “To You I bestow” was always one of my favourites and seems to capture the messy ugliness and beauty of first love from this brilliant movie adaption. I fondly remember seeing the film at the cinemas in Year 8 and listening to it on my sister’s CD -the music has never left me: “I’m Kissing you”, “Angel” and the iconic “Crush” by Garbage - the list goes on! 😍

7. “At the Beginning” by Richard Marx and Donna Lewis from “Anastasia” (1997)

While not my favourite animation, I specifically remember that this song was included in the trailer, partly making me want to see it. Yes, the song is is a bit of a cheese-fest but it’s supremely romantic, catchy and memorable. The “journey” theme is particularly impactful demonstrating where you are, where you been and where you’re going. Hold your loved ones and crank it! 🤣

Thanks again for checking out my playlist of my finest melodic memories of movie moments growing up. Let me know if any of these struck a chord with you OR what some of your favourite memories were of music from the movies when you were growing up as well. ☺️

If you would like to read one of my film reviews you can do so here: