Ranking All the Songs from The Lost Boys Soundtrack
The 80’s were a fabulous decade. MTV, cable TV, personal computers and video game arcades created a hub of creative and unique enjoyment from which all good memories spring. This decade also brought us a slew of imaginative films, such as E.T, the Extra-Terrestrial, The Terminator, Airplane and The Lost Boys. If you’re feeling the inclination for a fun, smart and dynamic film, The Lost Boys might be worth considering. Known as one of the best films of the 80s and a definite favorite of horror film fans the world over, The Lost Boys provides its viewers with clever writing and well-balanced production all woven together by excellent performances from its stars, Diane Wiest, Corey Haim, Corey Feldman, Jason Patric and Kiefer Sutherland. So, it shouldn’t be surprising that this movie has one of the best original soundtracks in film. Today, we’re ranking the 10 tracks from The Lost Boys soundtrack, from 10 to one, so sit back and grab some popcorn, a copy of the film, and enjoy Joel Schumachers The Lost Boys.
10. To the Shock of Miss Louise by Thomas Newman
This lovely but eerie track is heard early on in the film as the camera takes in the Santa Clara boardwalk and its host of oddities. Clearly this track by Thomas Newman showcases the stereotypical view of a rather seedy boardwalk, populated by Santa Carla’s grubby and worn citizens as they search for hope while wallowing in a sea of self-neglect. Lyric free, this instrumental can be heard during boardwalk scenes, gently accenting the lights, sights and sounds of the Santa Carla boardwalk.
9. Power Play by Eddie and the Tide
The song “Power Play” shows up right when the Lost Boys enter Max’s video store. You can hear it as Max confronts the Lost Boys, telling them to never enter his store again, as they’re known troublemakers, hence the power play.The track was performed by the group Eddie and the Tide.
8. Beauty Has Her Way by Mummy Calls
“Beauty Has Her Way” occurs when Star and Michael begin to get acquainted as they walk through the boardwalk. All this ends when David claims Star and orders her away from Michael’s bike to his bike. Little does she know that she is being used by the head vampire played by Edward Hermann, to lure Michael and his brother into his world. Performed by the band, Mummy Calls and written by members David Banks and Paul Brook, the song reflects Michaels growing obsession with the lovely Star.
7. Laying Down the Law by INXS and Jimmy Barnes
“Laying Down the Law” was performed by Aussie musicians INXS and Jimmy Barnes. This track appears early on in the film, where Sam meets brothers Edgar and Alan Frog. The track runs while Sam is searching for some good comics, especially Batman #14. The song definitely fits here, as the Frog brothers see themselves as keepers of the peace, i.e. vampire killers.
6. Lost in the Shadows by Lou Gramm
“Lost in the Shadows” occurs during the motorcycle chase scene, where Michael is challenged by vampire leader David to just keep up. The song is the perfect choice for this scene, as the bikers race through the night and its shadows. Performed by Foreigners frontman, Lou Gramm, the track remains as fresh today as when it was released as part of the Lost Boys soundtrack, in 1987.
5. Good Times by INXS and Jimmy Barnes
INXS and Jimmy Barns teamed up to record this lively track “Good Times” was composed by Harry Vanda and George Young. The song was originally performed by the group, Easybeats. The song was so catchy, that it had a variety of musicians covering it, including INXS and Jimmy Barnes. You can hear their version in The Lost Boys film during the “Death by Stereo” scene.
4. Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me by Roger Daltry
“Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” is a song written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin Considered by many to be a stellar composition, one which exudes a profound depth of emotion, it was this song which was chosen to roll over the end credits. Roger Daltry performed this version of “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” for the film. His rendition is considered to be an excellent choice for the film, as it corrals the ghostly, supernatural aspect of the song, while providing the listeners with a sense of completion.
3. When You’re Strange by Echo and the Bunnymen
As Lucy and her boys roll into Santa Clara we hear Echo and the Bunnymen’s rendition of the Doors song, “People are Strange”. As the song plays, we’re given some insight into the environment of Santa Clara, with its population of diverse and eclectic oddballs. As far as covers go, this one is hauntingly perfect. The original song was written by Jim Morrison and Robby Krieger. In fact, if you look closely at the walls of the vampires lair, you can see a large poster of Jim Morrison on the wall
2. I Still Believe by Tim Cappello
The track “I Still Believe” was used for the scene where Michael and Star first see one another on the Santa Carla boardwalk. Tim Cappello performs the song, his uncultivated performance bleeds the perfect mix of rhythm, excitement and undomesticated fervor. Written by Michael Been and James Goodwin, the song and scene are one of the most memorable of the film
1. Cry Little Sister by Gerard McMann
“Cry Little Sister” was written for the film by Gerard McMann and Michel Minierti. McMann also performed the song for the movie. The track is considered to be the theme song of the film and appears several times throughout the movie. However, the most memorable placement is the scene where David is killed by Michael, and slowly dies, where you hear the haunting chorus:
Thou shall not fall
Thou shall not die
Thou shall not fear
Thou shall not kill
“Cry Little Sister” hit number 15 on the Billboard 200 chart, as well as being covered by various musicians such as Dee Snider, Tyga, Ashbury Heights and many others.
Final Thoughts
For those who saw this film in the 80s, listening to the soundtrack brings back memories of a decade long past. All one has to do is to read the comments under a Youtube video to see just what the Lost Boys soundtrack meant to them, and continues to mean. Sentimentality? Sure, there’s that. But in the long run, many good folk need a bit of sentimentality of days gone past to help them get through the nonsense of today, and both the music and film provide them with just that.
