Smash Hits 80s Movies: A Retro Rollercoaster That’ll Mess With Your Nostalgia
Let’s cut to the chase—Smash Hits 80s Movies is basically a time machine stuffed into an album. Released in 2017 by Rhino UK, this compilation throws you straight back to the days of leg warmers, neon spandex, and blockbuster soundtracks that made your heart race faster than a DeLorean hitting 88 mph. It's not just one genre; it’s Funk/Soul, Pop/Rock, Stage & Screen, Rock, Hip Hop, Pop—all mashed together like some glorious musical smoothie. And guess what? The styles are heavy on soundtracks, so yeah, prepare for flashbacks.
Now, I gotta say, scrolling through this tracklist feels like flipping through someone’s VHS collection from the '80s. There are so many songs here (seriously, SO MANY), but two tracks stood out to me like a pair of oversized shoulder pads at a high school dance: "Eye of the Tiger" and "Axel F."
First up, “Eye of the Tiger.” C’mon, who doesn’t remember this absolute banger? If you’ve ever pretended to be Rocky Balboa while jogging around your neighborhood or punching invisible opponents in your living room, this song was probably blasting in your head. Its driving beat and triumphant vibe still slap harder than most modern workout playlists. Listening to it again felt like rediscovering an old friend—you know, the kind who always knows how to pump you up when life gets kinda blah. Plus, hearing those iconic guitar riffs makes me wanna lace up my sneakers and sprint toward something… even if it’s just the fridge.
Then there’s “Axel F,” which honestly might as well be the theme song for anyone born between 1975 and 1990. You hear those synth notes, and suddenly you’re Harold Faltermeyer cruising down Beverly Hills in a red Ferrari—or maybe just sitting cross-legged on your bedroom floor playing Beverly Hills Cop on repeat because Netflix hadn’t been invented yet. This instrumental masterpiece is pure ear candy, sticking in your brain like bubblegum under a desk. Every note screams ‘80s cool, and honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way.
But let’s zoom out for a sec. What makes Smash Hits 80s Movies special isn’t just its nostalgia factor—it’s also kinda wild how these songs span genres and moods. One minute you’re vibing to Van Halen’s “Hot Blooded,” the next you’re swaying softly to Otis Redding’s “(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay.” It’s chaotic, sure, but in the best possible way. Like showing up to a party where everyone brought their favorite dish, and somehow it all works.
And hey, here’s the kicker: listening to this album reminded me why people fell in love with movies in the first place. Back then, soundtracks weren’t just background noise—they were characters in their own right. They told stories, set moods, and stuck with us long after the credits rolled.
So, would I recommend Smash Hits 80s Movies? Absolutely. But fair warning: once you hit play, don’t expect to get much done. Before you know it, you’ll be dancing like nobody’s watching, quoting lines from The Breakfast Club, and wondering why they don’t make music like this anymore. Oh, and if anyone asks why you’re air-drumming to “Axel F” at 2 AM? Just tell ‘em you’re training for the next big heist.
