(First things first: a shoutout to my friend Kyle, who originated the idea for this series!)
“I Can Dream About You” – Dan Hartman (From Streets Of Fire, 1984)
In 1982, screenwriter/director Walter Hill was one of the hottest properties in Hollywood due to his smash hit 48 HRS. Hill used his popularity to set up Streets Of Fire. Hill described the film as one that his teenage self would have considered perfect, including elements that he thought were “great then and which I still have great affection for: custom cars, kissing in the rain, neon, trains in the night, high-speed pursuit, rumbles, rock stars, motorcycles, jokes in tough situations, leather jackets and questions of honor.” Unfortunately, SoF bombed at the box office. It did leave us with a well-loved soundtrack, though! Of the tracks I’ve heard, I think the strongest is Dan Hartman’s “I Can Dream About You.” The tune was meant as a homage to the doo-wop music of the ’50s. They didn’t entirely succeed in that regard, but the song is a fine ’80s love song with a gentle, soothing production backing it up. Check it out!
“He’s Sure The Boy I Love” – The Crystals (From He’s A Rebel, 1963)
In the early 1960s, the most exciting new thing coming out of pop music was producer Phil Spector’s “Wall Of Sound.” It’s easy to see why; even today, the big sound, rich arrangements, and innocent lyrics make Spector-produced tracks sound both unique and sweetly nostalgic. “He’s Sure The Boy I Love” is a prime example of everything that makes those early “Wall Of Sound” tunes great! (By the way, if you’re a movie buff, you might recognize this song from Goodfellas, where Martin Scorsese uses it as a sonic backdrop to some very unsavory goings-on!)
“The Road Goes On Forever” – The Highwaymen (From The Road Goes On Forever, 1995)
The Highwaymen were a country supergroup consisting of genre stars Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, and Waylon Jennings. They only recorded three albums together, but they were important in keeping the “outlaw country” tradition from being completely forgotten in the midst of pop-oriented country music. “The Road Goes On Forever” is a particular favorite of mine for its textured lyrics and the wonderful Bonnie-and-Clyde-esque story they tell. It’s a must-listen!
“My Eyes Adored You” – Frankie Valli (Single, 1974)
Yes, I know “My Eyes Adored You” is corny. It’s corny in a way I can get behind, though! In fact, the ’70s production and the cotton-candy-sweet romantic lyrics are exactly why I hold this tune in such warm regard. Although I didn’t grow up in the ’70s, I read many YA novels from the period during my middle school and high school years (and even today). This tune, very much of the period, bring me right back to my early years, when emotions were high and life was relatively carefree.
“Show Me The Way” – Peter Frampton (From Frampton Comes Alive!, 1976)
Speaking of corny songs… This classic tune – from Peter Frampton’s famous live album – recently taught me a valuable lesson about pop music and its importance. It was the day after Christmas, and I was out for a car ride with my dad. As we shot the breeze and chatted about stuff, we were tuned in to the local oldies station. As we drove, “Show Me The Way” came over the air, and, for a second, I was transfixed. Something about that song completed the moment in such a powerful, poignant way. I know I’ll always remember that moment with my dad, largely because I have a song to connect it to. That’s what pop music gives to each of us: it’s inextricably linked to moments in time, due to the time it was released or some other personal memory. It remains locked in our memory banks forever, ready to bring back those vintage feelings and emotions whenever the song is played on our radios or iPods. That’s what makes those songs special!
