Ranking All The Songs from The Adventureland Soundtrack

The Adventureland is a comedy film that was released in 2009. It’s about James Brennan (Jesse Eisenberg), a teenage graduate who is excited to travel to Europe. Unfortunately, his parents (Wendie Malick and Jack Gilpin) are unable to pay for his dream trip. With no other choice, he’s forced to postpone his traveling plans. He finds a job at Adventureland. James finds his true love Em (Kristen Stewart), his co-worker, at this local theme park. A look at all the songs from The Adventureland Soundtrack.

19. In the Ether by Black Swan Lane

 

This track from Black Swan Lane’s first album, ‘A long way from Home,’ was co-written by Jack Sobel and Mark Burgess. It’s a great choice of song to windup the Adventureland movie.

18. Looking for a Kiss by New York Dolls

 

Penned by David Johansen is this single by New York Dolls from their debut album ‘New York Dolls.’ This love song signifies the affection between James and Em. It is the track playing during Em’s party.

17. In My House by Mary Jane Girls

 

Composed by Rick James is this lead single from Jane Girls’ second album ‘Only Four You.’ It was released in 1984 and topped the Dance Club Songs chart for two weeks in 1985. It was also among the top 10 hits on the Hot R&B/ Hip Hop Songs and Hot 100 charts. The song plays as James and Lisa P talk about Mike and Em.

16. Unsatisfied by The Replacements

 

The right hit for the scene where James travels to New York, hoping to patch things up with Em. Paul Westerberg wrote this song. It is a single from The Replacements ‘Let it Be’ album.

15. Hot Blooded by Foreigner

 

Mike Jones and Lou Gramm co-wrote this ballad. It is the debut single from Foreigner’s second album Double Vision, released in 1978. It plays as Em and James enjoy their drinks at a pub.

14. Don’t Want to Know If You Are Lonely by Hüsker Dü

 

Composed by Grant Hart is this Hüsker Dü band’s second single from their fifth alum, ‘Candy Apple Grey.’ The song was released in 1986, landing the band a chance to play on MTV. It plays where Em drives James home.

13. Bastards of Young by The Replacements

 

This song is the fourth single from the Tim album that the band (The Replacements) released in 1985. It was inspired by Westerberg’s (the song’s writer) sister, who traveled from Minneapolis (her hometown) to New York in search of an acting opportunity. Many people leave their homes and move to different places, searching for greener pastures. It’s no different from what James Brennan had in mind when planning to travel to Europe. The song plays at the beginning of the movie.

12. Tops by The Rolling Stones

 

Here is the Rolling Stones’ eighth single from their album Tattoo You. It was written by Keith Richards and Mick Jagger and released in 1981. It features in the scene where Lisa P returns to the amusement park and meets James Brennan for the first time.

11. Satellite of Love by Lou Reed

 

Satellite of Love was composed and performed by Lou Reed. It is the second track from his second album, Transformer. The song plays in the car where James and Mike are talking; James reveals he loves Em.

10. Dance Hall Days by Wang Chung

 

Dance the Hall Days is a single from Wang Chung’s second album, ‘Points on the Curve.’ This song was released in 1984, reaching no.1 on the Dance Club Song chart. It also peaked at no.16 on the US Billboard Hot 100. It’s the band’s first top 40 hit in the UK and plays at the scene where James reveals to Em about his affair with Lisa P.

9. Obsession by Animotion

 

Written by Michael Des Barres with the help of Holly Knight is this hit by Animotion that claimed position five in the UK and number six in the US in early 1985. The song plays in the club and James and Em dance to the tune.

8. Point of No Return by Exposé

 

Point of No Return was composed by Lewis A. Martineé. It was first released in 1984, featuring Alejandra Lorenzo as the lead vocalist, and ranked the highest on the Hot Dance Club Play (Billboard) in 1985. A re-record of the song was released in 1987 with Jeanette Jurado as the lead singer, which charted on Billboard Hot 100, peaking at no.5. This is the song Lisa P is dancing to at the Razzmatazz club.

7. Don’t Change by INXS

 

This is the movie’s closing credit song. It was INXS international single from their Shabooh Shoobah album released in 1982. It was composed by Tim Farriss, Andrew Farriss, Garry Beers, Michael Hutchence, Jon Farriss, and Kirk Pengilly

6. Limelight by Rush

 

Here is a song about being in the spotlight. It is the ballad dedicated to Em at the scene where the news about her affair with Connell gets known to everyone. This song was composed by Neil Peart along with Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson.

5. Breaking the Law by Judas Priest

 

This is one of the heavy metal band’s (Judas Priest) singles that gained positive reception. It’s the lead song in their 6th album ‘British Steel,’ written by Rob Halford, K.K. Downing, and Glenn Tipton. The music plays as customers run after James at the amusement park.

4. Rock Me Amadeus by Falco

 

John Hoelzel (Falco) composed this song with the help of two brothers -Rob Bolland and Ferdi Bolland. It is the opening single from his third album ‘Falco 3.’ This song gained a wide reception in US and UK, peaking at no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It features where some guys are playing a bottle cap game and attempt to distract James with the intent to cheat.

3. Here I Go Again by Whitesnake

 

Here I Go Again was written by the Whitesnake lead vocalist David Coverdale and Bernie Marsden (the band’s guitarist). James plays this song in the car after Em quits her job at the amusement park.

2. Don’t Dream It’s Over by Crowded House

 

Here is one of the 1980s hits by Crowded House penned by Neil Finn. It is their opening single in their Crowded album, released in 1986. You’ll hear it play as the fireworks start.

1. Your Love by The Outfield

 

Your Love was written by The Outfield guitarist John Spinks. This song is the second single from the band’s debut album, ‘Play Deep.’ It charted on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1986, reaching no. 6. It’s heard as Joel and Sue (James and Em’s co-workers) talk about their beliefs. Sue politely declines Joel’s invitation, stating they cannot hang out together because they share different beliefs.