After burners, fighter jets, unbridled passion and rock ‘n roll. Those are the main ingredients that make ‘Top Gun’ a bad ass rock ‘n roll film. Released at the peak of 80’s hard rock, ‘Top Gun’ captured everything that the decade stood for. Not to mention the killer soundtrack that went along with the movie. Although it’s a stellar soundtrack, there are some songs that were considered for it that didn’t make the cut. Due to contract disagreements or what not. Some bands took advantage, some fell through the cracks. Here’s a look at the timeless 80’s action drama. Fueled by the soon to be released ‘Top Gun’ sequel, ‘Top Gun: Maverick.’
Yes, the film is experiencing a rightful resurgence due to the upcoming sequel. Which looks pretty damn good by the way. At least so far. It seems to capture the energy of the original. But the question is, is how will the soundtrack play out? Will it be as strong as the original? I highly doubt it. When you’re talking about strong tracks such as Cheap Trick’s ‘Mighty Wings’ or Kenny Loggins’ ‘Highway to the Danger Zone,’ it’s hard to imagine that there could be a better soundtrack. Not to mention the ultimate ballad, ‘Take My Breath Away,’ by Berlin. Hopefully the next Top Gun will live up to the rock ‘n roll spirit of the original. Apparently Kenny Loggins will be returning with ‘Danger Zone.’ It freakin’ better be. As well as Berlin’s ‘Take My Breath Away.’ All this is well and good.
But I wanted to focus a bit on some songs that would have been excellent on the original soundtrack. There’s so many tracks that would have served well to make the album a truly epic 80’s hard rock adventure. And potentially even bigger than it already was/is. Originally, Judas Priest’s ‘Reckless’ was supposed to be on the album. The song would have been a perfect addition to the soundtrack. As Judas Priest’s ‘Turbo’ album is a top to bottom 80’s hard rock classic. The title track ‘Turbo Lover’ would also have fitted the album. The way the heavy guitar synths turn on in the introduction could have been used during close up shots of the F-14 afterburners starting. Stevie Nicks’ ‘I Can’t Wait’ and Journey’s ‘Girl Can’t Help It’ also come to mind. Along with other tracks from Journey’s ‘Raised on Radio’ album. Frankly, that album, along with Judas Priest’s ‘Turbo,’ captures 1986 perfectly: Shredding and melodic guitars, soaring vocals, melodic keyboards and synths, funky bass and phat ass drums. It’s those elements that make that era of music so special. Hollywood producers Don Simpson and Jerry Bruckheimer saw what was happening culturally and decided to pounce. Creating a film that went along with passion and rawness of 80’s rock.
I mean, c’mon, what’s more excellently juicy 80’s than fighter jets, seducing sexy older women and a bad ass soundtrack that fills the soul? Mmmmmm, pizza and wings actually. But the passionate 80’s tropes come in at a close second. Hopefully ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ can live up to the hype. It’s a perfect time for the film if you ask me. And it’s not a remake, it’s a sequel, there’s a major difference. Yes, I understand that all these remake films, particularly from Disney, can be frustrating. But there are instances that benefit from the idea rehash era. Top Gun: Maverick looks to be a prime example.
