The 1980s was a decade of memorable movies, and the same can be said for their soundtracks. Among the many iconic soundtracks of the 80s, one that stands out is The Breakfast Club. Released in 1985, the movie was a coming-of-age comedy-drama that captured the essence of teenage angst and rebellion. And to complement its theme, the filmmakers compiled a soundtrack that was just as rebellious and eclectic.
Breakfast Club Soundtrack Artists
The Breakfast Club soundtrack features a diverse mix of artists, ranging from punk rock to new wave. Each song on the soundtrack complements specific scenes in the movie, adding depth and emotion to the story.
Simple Minds
The opening track of the soundtrack is Simple Minds’ “Don’t You (Forget About Me).” It’s hard to talk about The Breakfast Club without mentioning this song. It’s considered one of the defining anthems of the 80s, and it perfectly captures the movie’s message of not giving up on yourself.
Wang Chung
“Fire in the Twilight” by Wang Chung is another standout track on the record. The song has an upbeat melody that’s perfect for the movie’s end credits, but it’s also used in a poignant scene where the characters confess their deepest secrets to each other.
Keith Forsey
Keith Forsey is the composer of the film’s score, but he’s also responsible for the instrumental track “I’m the Dude (Instrumental).” The song plays during the famous dance scene in the movie, and it’s impossible not to tap your feet along with the beat.
Karla DeVito
The only female artist on the soundtrack is Karla DeVito, and her song “We Are Not Alone” is a hidden gem. It plays during an emotional moment in the film where the characters realize that they share more in common than they thought.
Jonn Serrie
Jonn Serrie’s “The Question” is an instrumental track that plays during the scene where the characters smoke weed in the school library. The song has a haunting quality to it that perfectly captures the characters’ introspection.
Lizzy Mercier Descloux
“L’eau à La Bouche” by Lizzy Mercier Descloux is a French song that plays during a scene where the characters raid the school principal’s office. The song’s playful tone adds a touch of humor to the scene, and it’s just one example of how the soundtrack balances different moods and emotions.
The Impact of The Breakfast Club Soundtrack
The Breakfast Club soundtrack was a commercial success, with the album reaching No. 17 on the Billboard 200 chart. But more than that, it’s become a cultural touchstone that’s emblematic of the 80s and its music scene.
The soundtrack’s success also paved the way for other movie soundtracks to feature a mix of popular songs and instrumental tracks. The idea of compiling a soundtrack that complements a movie’s story and characters has become a standard practice in Hollywood, and The Breakfast Club soundtrack is one of the pioneers of this approach.
Conclusion
The Breakfast Club soundtrack is a unique and eclectic mix of artists and songs that perfectly capture the movie’s themes of rebellion, self-discovery, and friendship. It’s a testament to the power of music in movies and how a well-crafted soundtrack can elevate a film’s emotional impact.
So the next time you watch The Breakfast Club, pay attention to its soundtrack and how each song adds to the movie’s story. And if you haven’t listened to the soundtrack on its own, give it a try. You might discover a new favorite song or artist.
