From the movie plot to the clothes to Tom Cruise in his heyday, the 1986 film Top Gun truly is peak 1980s, and its soundtrack is no exception. Most of us are at least distantly aware of the film’s iconic song, “Danger Zone” by Kenny Loggins. And while this late ‘80s, award-winning rocker will certainly be making our list of the best Top Gun soundtrack cuts, it isn’t the only song worth mentioning.
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Get ready for plenty of synths, washed-out drums, and vocals drenched in reverb. Tower, this is Ghost Rider, requesting a flyby.
“Danger Zone” by Kenny Loggins
Kicking off our list of the best Top Gun soundtrack songs is, unsurprisingly, Kenny Loggins’ 1986 track, “Danger Zone.” Electronica icon Giorgio Moroder and lyricist Tom Whitlock wrote the song that Kenny Loggins later performed, resulting in a quintessentially 1980s rocker that captures the bold and raucous energy of the film. The original film’s opening sequence features the Top Gun theme blending beautifully into the opening guitar riffs of “Danger Zone.”
“Hot Summer Nights” by Miami Sound Machine
Miami Sound Machine, famously featuring Gloria Estefan, is the Latin pop group behind 1980s hits like “Conga” and “Words Get in the Way.” In 1986, they joined the Top Gun soundtrack with their buoyant dance song, “Hot Summer Nights.” With sporadic saxophone features, arpeggiating synthesizers, and Estefan’s dramatic vocal delivery, the song evokes feelings of, well, steamy nights in the summertime. Livin’ for the small town hot summer nights, radio ‘bout to blow.
“Take My Breath Away” by Berlin
After building up the tension between Tom Cruise’s character, Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, and Kelly McGillis’ Charlotte “Charlie” Blackwood for so long, the song that was playing during their first intimate scene together would have to be a doozy. And indeed it was. Berlin’s “Take My Breath Away” is a lush, indulgent, synth-filled track with a snare that genuinely sounds like someone was recording it from the bottom of a well.
“Goodbye Goose” by Harold Faltermayer
Not to get any Top Gun fans too emotional, but one of the best musical moments in the film is also at one of the saddest points in the plot (naturally). Although not on the official soundtrack, movie buffs will likely recognize this poignant instrumental as the song that plays when Goose, well, you know. If you haven’t watched the movie, you can probably guess what happens based on its unofficial title. (Alternatively, you can watch the scene right now if you feel like crying.)
“You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling” by the Righteous Brothers
Aside from the high-action shots of fighter jets and Tom Cruise angstily riding his motorcycle, some of the best scenes in Top Gun are when the guys are just hanging out, whether on the beach playing volleyball or in their summer white service uniform in the bar performing a rowdy rendition of the Righteous Brothers’ “You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling.” One can only imagine what must have been going through Charlie’s mind as a group of drunk Navy men yelled-slash-sang at her.
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