Whether it’s an action Film, a rom-com, an animated feature, or even a kid’s show, popular songs are used to convey specific emotions or accompany what viewers see on screen. Europe’s “The Final Countdown” will play as someone prepares for battle, and Queen’s “We Are the Champions” blares as the winner does a victory lap. Songs like these are hits on their own, but often movies solidify them in pop culture as an eternal association in viewers’ minds. It’s safe to say that no one can hear “Tequila” and not do the Pee-wee Herman dance or “Old Time Rock & Roll” and not picture Tom Cruise in his underwear.
Over the last 50 years, hit songs from various genres have appeared in many different films and tv shows. However, as great minds think alike, some songs have been used a lot, often accompanying the same emotion or feeling in a scene regardless of the project. While these songs appear frequently, their popularity and catchiness keep filmmakers and audiences coming back for more.
“London Calling” — The Clash
Released on The Clash’s 1979 double album of the same name, “London Calling” is well-known for its post-punk sound, complete with electric guitar riffs, driving bass line, a gritty vocal, and politically-charged lyrics. The song is widely regarded as one of the band’s best songs and is included on various song lists, including the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s “500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll.”
“London Calling” appears in many films but usually sits within the same context every time. Whenever a character travels to London, this song plays as images of the London skyline appear, focusing on different landmarks. Sometimes, characters ride the red double-decker bus on a sightseeing tour as the song plays overtop. Some films featuring the song include Die Another Day, Billy Elliot, What a Girl Wants, The Conjuring 2, and Atomic Blonde.
“Somewhere Over the Rainbow” — Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
Judy Garland’s original version of the song won the Oscar for Best Original Song for The Wizard of Oz in 1939. Since then, countless musicians have covered the classic song, with many different covers appearing on-screen. However, the most famous cover was done as a medley with Louis Anderson’s “What a Wonderful World” in 1993 by Hawaiian singer Israel Kamakawiwo’ole. Since then, this version has continued to return to domestic and international record charts. The song was done in one take and is notable for its use of the ukulele, maintaining the original’s nostalgic lyrics and giving an air of paradise.
Capitalizing on the peaceful, tropical vibe of Kamakawiwo’ole’s cover, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” is often used to embrace happiness and nostalgia; this is done to enhance joyful moments and lighten up heavy scenes. It can be seen in films like 50 First Dates and Meet Joe Black, and tv shows like Glee and ER, among many others.
“Mr. Blue Sky” — Electric Light Orchestra
In 1977, Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) released what is arguably their signature song, “Mr. Blue Sky.” The song is an epic pop symphony, complete with multi-layered harmonies, vocal effects, and orchestral bits, and an arrangement that is widely compared to The Beatles’ later work like “A Day in the Life.” The song only reached #36 in the US and #6 in the UK but has continued to grow in popularity over the last 45 years, mainly due to its usage in film and TV.
After weeks of gloomy weather, frontman Jeff Lynne wrote the song on a bright, sunshiny day. As such, the song exudes an effervescent feeling of joy and light-heartedness. As a result, the song has been used during happy montages and transitions on screen, mainly in kid and family movies. Some of these include the recently-revisited Megamind, The Game Plan, Paul Blart: Mall Cop, and the epic opening sequence of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.
“Back in Black” — AC/DC
Released in 1980 on AC/DC’s album of the same name, “Back in Black” has become immediately recognizable, mainly due to its iconic opening riff. The song only reached #37 on the Billboard Hot 100, but its simple, three-chord guitar riff is widely regarded as one of the best riffs of all time. Though the song’s genre is technically hard rock or metal, its instrumentation and searing vocal have reached diverse audiences and led to the song’s inclusion on Rolling Stone’s list of “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”
“Back in Black” is frequently sampled in film, especially the opening riff. The song’s raunchy feel and lyrics, written in tribute to the band’s lead singer who had recently passed away, are usually included in scenes meant to establish a character’s authority and “cool” factor. Once that riff plays, audiences know something is about to go down. The song can be heard in School of Rock, Cobra Kai, and Marvel movies including Iron Man and Spider-Man: Far From Home.
“Born to Be Wild” — Steppenwolf
Described by some as the first heavy metal song, Steppenwolf’s “Born to Be Wild” was released in 1968. The song’s guitar-driven sound, lyrics, and overall feel capitalized on the turmoil and friction that was so prominent that year by embracing concepts of revolution, freedom, and rebellion. “Born to Be Wild” has received much commercial success; the song charted at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart in 1968 and has since been included on Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” list and AFI’s “100 Years… 100 Songs” list of top songs in American cinema.
The song has been used in film since its release and is often associated with scenes on the road or an adventure, usually in cars or on motorcycles. The opening lyrics, “Get your motor runnin’/Head out on the highway/Looking for adventure/In whatever comes our way,” perfectly set the scene for a laidback journey on the open road. “Born to Be Wild” can be heard most notably in 1969’s Easy Rider and Herbie: Fully Loaded, Wild America, Borat, and Paddington.
“Stayin’ Alive” — The Bee Gees
In 1977, the Bee Gees, who are getting their biopic, wrote and recorded original music for Saturday Night Fever, which has the second-biggest-selling soundtrack of all time. Perhaps the most popular and impactful song on the soundtrack was its opener, “Stayin’ Alive.” The song is well-known for its funky bass line, driving beat, and Barry Gibb’s use of falsetto throughout. While the music feels happy and upbeat, many of the lyrics are a cry for help about constantly trying to survive. “Stayin’ Alive” reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and is featured on Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” and AFI’s “100 Years… 100 Songs” lists.
The song is iconic for its use in the film’s opening, becoming synonymous with walking down the street with a ton of swag. The bass line in the intro immediately makes “Stayin’ Alive” recognizable and, as a result, is frequently used in film and TV. The song has an air of attitude and cool and takes inspiration from Saturday Night Fever, it is usually used when a character is strutting down the street or on the dance floor. Other examples are found in Airplane!, Ted, Madagascar, A Night at the Roxbury, Ready Player One, Glee, and The Simpsons.
“Sweet Home Alabama” — Lynyrd Skynyrd
“Sweet Home Alabama” was released in 1974, eventually becoming Lynyrd Skynyrd’s highest-charting single at #8 in the US. The song was somewhat controversial because of its politically-driven lyrics, which were written as a response to a couple of other artists’ songs about Southern civil rights and the history of slavery. However, the iconic guitar riff and the chorus’s simple lyrics about the state have allowed the song to become a sing-along anthem about the South.
As a result of this quality, “Sweet Home Alabama” is often used in films to showcase the South and characters from the region. This can sometimes come across as a bit cheesy or stereotypical, but the song is catchy and gives off a strong Southern feel that brings audiences into the story. The song is most notably used in the film Sweet Home Alabama and Forrest Gump, Con Air, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2003 remake, Joe Dirt, and Despicable Me.
“All Along the Watchtower” — Jimi Hendrix
Initially released by Bob Dylan in 1967, Jimi Hendrix’s version of “All Along the Watchtower” is more widely known and the most popular version of the song. Hendrix released his version just six months after Dylan, receiving great initial success; the song reached the top 20 in the US, received a Grammy Hall of Fame award in 2001, and is featured on the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” list. Hendrix rocked up the original, turning it from Dylan’s classic stripped-back folk style to a grittier, electric guitar-driven track, complete with one of the greatest guitar solos of all time, fitting the tumultuous vibe of the late 60s.
A cryptic commentary on society and class, “All Along the Watchtower” has become synonymous with the tension of 1968 and the Vietnam War. The lyrics and Hendrix’s instrumental interpretation have made the song a mainstay in period films, setting the tone for this era and transporting audiences back in time. Some of these films include Forrest Gump, A Bronx Tale, Rush, and Watchmen.
“Bad to the Bone” — George Thorogood & The Destroyers
Released in 1982 on an album of the same name, “Bad to the Bone” did not initially perform well on the charts. However, its music video gained attention on MTV the following year, thereby boosting the song’s popularity. This song is perfect for the big screen with straightforward lyrics, an interesting vocal hook, and an iconic riff. Because of its heavy use in films and tv, the song was given new life and is widely recognizable.
“Bad to the Bone” is a song about an unabashedly bad man. As such, the song is almost exclusively used when a bad character enters a scene. The opening riff is enough to set the tone, even before the “b-b-b-b-bad” hook comes in. The song is sometimes used for comic relief, introducing a character whose demeanor makes the song’s usage ironic. Films and TV shows that use the song include Terminator 2: Judgment Day, Lethal Weapon, The Parent Trap remake, Megamind, Married… With Children, and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
“Let’s Get It On” — Marvin Gaye
Released as the title track of an album of the same name, Marvin Gaye, whose life will be explored in an upcoming biopic titled What’s Going On, released “Let’s Get It On” in 1973. Originally written by Ed Townsend with a more religious tone, Gaye rewrote the lyrics, embracing sexual liberation. The song is renowned for its funky guitar, sensual lyrics, smooth vocal, and infamous intro. “Let’s Get It On” is one of Gaye’s and Motown Records’ best-selling singles, reaching the top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 that year. It also is one of Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”
Since the 70s, the song has been featured in many films and tv shows. The title, “Let’s Get It On,” speaks for itself, so anytime that famous “wah-wah-wah-wah” intro plays, chances are that characters in the scene are in for some romance. The song is such a product of its time that the funky, overtly sexual vibe is frequently used humorously. For example, “Let’s Get It On” can be heard in Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, as well as High Fidelity, Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, Scrubs, and The Simpsons.
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