What can you say about a car that dispatches a couple assembly line workers before it’s even off the line? The car in question is a 1958 bright, blood Red Plymouth Fury named Christine. Based on a novel by Stephen King, this film directed by horror aficionado John Carpenter and takes a juicy slice or two from the novel, turning it into a bona fide horror classic. As you watch the film you’ll notice how classic 1950s rock and roll has been masterfully integrated throughout the movie. Indeed, Christine is one of the most admired and respected movie sound tracks around. As such, we’ve take the time to round up many of the songs on this soundtrack and rank them from worst to best. So sit back with a steaming cup of java and see how our list measure up to your own.
Ranking the Songs from the Christine Soundtrack
The soundtrack to John Carpenters 1983 horror classic, Christine is the perfect addition to any audiophiles album collection. Those who enjoy a good collection of classic rock from the 50s and 60s will find themselves listening to the soundtrack over and over. However, don’t run to purchase it yet, as there are differences between soundtrack versions. For instance, the European version holds the score only, while the American version includes the tracks from the 50s and 60s minus the score.
13. The Name Of The Game by ABBA
The track “The Name of the Game” makes a brief appearance in the beginning of the film when Arnie and Dennis are in the car on the way to school. Composed by Benny Anderson, Bjorn Ulvaeus and Stig Anderson and released in 1977, “The Name of the Game” sets the stage for what is about to unfold for Arnie and Dennis.
12. Bony Moronie by Larry E. Williams
Darnell meets his end when this song plays. Composed by Larry E. Williams, “Bony Moronie” reached number 14 on Billboards Hot 100 Chart. The song has been covered by a multitude of artists of various genres. John Lennon even recorded a version of the song for his 1975 album, “Rock and Roll”.
11. We Belong Together by Robert and Johnny
When Arnie’s new girlfriend, Leigh tells him she doesn’t really dig his car, Christine takes it personally. On pops the radio, playing “We Belong Together” by Robert and Johnny as she chokes on a bit of food.
10. Harlem Nocturne by The Viscounts
Not to be confused with the British band of the same name, the Viscounts were an American band which recorded Earle Hagen’s famed jazz standard, “Harlem Nocturne”. The track accompanies the “show me” scene where Christine repairs herself in a most supernatural way.
9. Little Bitty Pretty One by Thurston Harris
Poor Moochie Welsh has absolutely no idea what’s in store for him as a bright red Plymouth Fury approaches, playing Thurston Harris’s “Little Pretty One”. Composed by Bobby Day in 1957, director John Carpenter cleverly flipped the happy-go-lucky tune by placing it into Moochies death scene.
8. Pledging My Love by Johnny Ace
Written by Fats Washington and Don D. Robey this song finds Arnie sitting in Christine after Darnell offered Arnie a space in his garage. Sadly, Ace never realized the hit he created as he passed away after an unfortunate game of Russian Roulette.
7. Come On, Let’s Go by Ritchie Valens
Composed and released by Ritchie Valens in 1958, “Come On, Let’s Go” hit the U.S. Hot Billboards at number 42. The song was covered by other artists, such as Los Lobos who recorded the song in 1987 for the Ritchie Valens biography.
6. I Wonder Why by Dion and The Belmonts
It’s a rainy, cold and dark night and Christine refuses to start until Arnie gently coaxes her.When she does decide to start, the song, “I Wonder Why” appears on the radio and continues as they drive away into the night. Composed by Melvin James and Ricardo Weeks, the song was performed by Dion and the Belmonts.
5. Not Fade Away by Buddy Holly
Written by Buddy Holly and Norman Petty, the song accompanies the scene where we meet the principal characters, Dennis and Arnie for the first time, as Dennis drives up in his blue charger to pick up Arnie. Originally performed by Holly’s original band, the Crickets, it was later covered by the Rolling Stones in 1964. A version by Tanya Tucker is also on the soundtrack.
4. Rock And Roll Is Here To Stay by Danny and the Juniors
Composed by Dave White, this 1958 release is a response to socially conservative radio stations opposition to rock and roll music. In the film it occurs as Christine is meeting her end as she’s being destroyed by Dennis after Arnie’s death.
3. Keep A-Knockin’ by Little Richard
Thugs break into Darnell’s garage with the wicked intent to vandalize Christine. As they do their dirty work, Christine plays Little Richard’s 1957 hit, “Keep A-Knockin'” but you can’t come in. Little do they know, that Christine was plotting their demise in her very own way.
2. Beast Of Burden by The Rolling Stones
Written by Mick Keith Richards with contributions from Mick Jagger, the song can be seen as a nod to Jagger as Mick was said to have dealt with most of the bands business during Richards addiction issues. The song appears during the scene with the 2 teens in the Camaro.
1. Bad To The Bone by George Thorogood & The Destroyers
Composed by George Thorogood and released in 1982, “Bad to the Bone” was based on the Muddy Waters composition, “Mannish Boy”. It appears in the opening of the film as Christine makes its way down the assembly line. The song also appears in the film Terminator 2: Judgement Day, and many films and television shows.
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