As you probably recall, I saw Ghostbusters on the big screen a few weeks ago. It whetted my appetite to re-watch the much-maligned sequel. The original is a blast in every way. The sequel was… not good, but I enjoyed it, just like I have all the other times I’ve seen it. However, there’s one prevailing theme throughout both films. Specifically, other than Ray Parker, Jr.’s titular theme song and “Higher and Higher”, both films are crawling with horrible, horrible songs. For instance…
Savin’ the Day, The Alessi Brothers
I almost burst out laughing when I heard whatever this is in the movie.
Flip City, Glenn Frey
The bass line, vocals, whining guitar, and keyboard are pure 80s. That’s not a good thing.
Magic, Mick Smiley
How did anyone get laid in the 80s with music like this to set the mood?
On Our Own, Bobby Brown
Too hot to handle, too cold to hold/ They’re called the Ghostbusters and they’re in control/ Had ‘em throwin’ a party for a bunch of children/ While all the while the slime was under the building/ So they packed up their group, got a grip, came equipped/ Grabbed their proton packs off their back and they split/ Found about Vigo, the master of evil/ Try to battle my boys? That’s not legal
Supernatural, New Edition
I have no clue what this is doing on the soundtrack.
In the Name of Love, The Thompson Twins
The best part of The Thompson Twins is that they remain in the 80s, never to be freed.
The Promised Land, James “J.T.” Taylor
You know what a soundtrack for a movie about ghosts doesn’t need? A love song by some dude with a falsetto voice.
We’re Back, Bobby Brown
A calliope music beat and video game noises sort of undercut the song’s lyrics about fighting evil (“and overthrow the bad, yo!”). This also makes Bobby Brown a repeat offender.
Haha clever post. I’ve only seen the first Ghostbusters but I’ve heard all sorts of shitty things about the sequel, though never paid much attention to the soundtrack. It’s ironic that a film with such a famous theme could have such an atrocious soundtrack.
It’s mostly a function of its era. Movies in the 80s were so dead-set on having special soundtracks with songs tied to the film (think Prince with the original Batman), and that makes it naturally dated later on down the line. And it doesn’t help that I really don’t like 80s music at all.
As for the sequel, it’s not good… but it’s not the worst thing ever made, either. If you like the first one, the second is at least worth a watch when you’re hungover or something.
I am experiencing a bit of Orwellian Doublethink on this matter.
I both agree with what you say, but also completely disagree as I love those songs, all of which are inextricably linked to my childhood.
Same here, especially with the Bobby Brown songs.
Hahaha…well said Craig:) But looking back after all these years, I think I can only gravitate to the Bobby Brown ones. The rest, to quote John’s brilliance in his reply, “I have no clue what this is doing on the soundtrack.” This list made my day. Thanks!
Wow, did the makers of “G2″ owe Bobby Brown money or something?
All I know is that when they make the 3rd one, I hope Bobby Brown makes a cameo.
Judging these songs on their own, they are a huge POS; however they were strategically placed and sampled within the movie that they worked. Savin’ the Day by The Alessi Brothers really complimented that police escort to Dana’s apartment building featuring Arabs, Jews, and a cameo from Ron Jeremy.
It’s strange that I remember that part of the crowd. Actually, there might not have been an Arab guy standing next to the Hasidic Jewish guys. I just felt that ghosts brought out the best in mankind where political and religious strife were temporarily forgotten. It was actually just a random group of “New Yorkers” featuring Ron Jeremy.
You tell me about the Ron Jeremy thing every few years, and I forget it every time. It’s great to get the reminder.
The Ghostbusters soundtracks are just AWFUL!! These are all great (awful) choices, but I would have included the Air Supply song…I freaking hate Air Supply!
Holy crap, how did I miss that one? Air Supply is terrible.
I agree that on their own, out of context, they are awful. As part of the film though, they are amazing! They are as essential to this movie as Bill Murrey, Marshmallow Man or Slimer!
Ha… I’ll definitely grant you that it’s part of the experience. It’s like being transported magically through time to 1984 (or 1989).