THE 200 ESSENTIAL MOVIE SONGS. This update: #50-41. More added next week.

Caffe` Latte` presents…

THE 200

MOST ESSENTIAL

MOVIE SONGS

 

Here they are…

The definitive list of 200 songs from the movies, recorded by by rock & pop acts since the start of the Rock Era in 1955.

To be eligible, the songs need to have been first heard in association with a film from the last 60 years (although some exceptions do exist where the song gained a higher profile after its use in a motion picture)- so no songs from “West Side Story”, “Phantom of the Opera”, “Les Miserables” or “The Sound Of Music” and other films that first started out as stage musicals.

#41

NOBODY DOES IT BETTER

Carly Simon

(‘The Spy Who Loved Me’- 1977)

 

Roger Moore was back as James Bond in the 10th instalment of the spy action franchise. Richard Kiel played "Jaws", 1 of the most memorable villains in the series. Carly Simon delivered 1 of the classiest Bond title songs. This remains 1 of the most highly regarded films of the 007 franchise.  

#42

CAN'T FIGHT THE MOONLIGHT

Leann Rimes

(‘Coyote Ugly’- 2000)

 

 A New York saloon, incredibly good looking Adam Garcia and a soundtrack featuring 4 songs performed by LeAnn Rimes, spawned a British #1 single and a global hit elsewhere. 

#43

PURPLE RAIN

Prince & The Revolution

(‘Purple Rain’- 1984)

 The title song from the Prince film vehicle has remained a much-adored highlight of the musician's songbook.

#44

MEN IN BLACK

Will Smith

(‘Men In Black’- 1997)

 

 The sci-fi comedy film 'Men In Black' had a title song by 1 of its cast members. Will Smith's song is built heavily around a sample of Patrice Rushen's "Forget Me Nots". The Grammy Award-winning hit peaked at #1 in the UK and was a major smash in America.

#45

THEME FROM 'NEW YORK, NEW YORK'

Liza Minnelli

(‘New York, New York’- 1977)

 

The musical drama 'New York, New York' paired Liza Minnelli with Robert De Niro. Martin Scorsese directed the film. While Minnelli was the 1st to record the title song, Frank Sinatra turned his interpretation into an immortal classic.

#46

LET'S HEAR IT FOR THE BOY

Deniece Williams

(‘Footloose’- 1984)

 

 The film musical 'Footloose' was a major success at the box office and introduced a wider audience to actor Kevin Bacon. Deniece Williams reached #1 in the US and #2 in the UK with "Let's Hear It For The Boy".

#47

BEN

Michael Jackson

(‘Ben’- 1972)

 

Few would remember that the sweet ballad "Ben" was used in a horror film about killer rats. Upon release, the song proved influential in that it became Michael Jackson's 1st solo #1 on the American chart. The young superstar's version is heard over the end credits. It was nominated for an Academy Award.

#48

DANGER ZONE

Kenny Loggins

(‘Top Gun’- 1986)

 

The action drama 'Top Gun' reinforced Tom Cruise's box office appeal. "Danger Zone" was produced and co-written by Giorgio Moroder. The single peaked at #2 in America.

#49

EVERGREEN

Barbra Streisand

(‘A Star Is Born’- 1976)

 

 "Evergreen" is also referred to as "Love Theme from A Star Is Born'. While preparing for her role in the film, Barbra Streisand was strumming (and learning to play) a guitar. She came up with the beautiful melody. Paul Williams wrote the lyrics. Their efforts were rewarded with a US #1 single and an Oscar for the ballad. 

#50

CALL ME

Blondie

(‘American Gigolo’- 1980)

 

The crime drama 'American Gigolo' made Richard Gere a star. Blondie's song topped the charts in both Britain and the US. Lead singer Deborah Harry co-wrote the song with producer Giorgio Moroder.