The Flashdance album holds a very special place in my heart. Even though I didn't grow up in the '80s, I'm very familiar with the songs on the soundtrack thanks to my mom. She'd stick the cassette tape into the radio of our white minivan, with my sisters and I dancing and singing along wherever we went. It's nostalgic, and I know why people went crazy over it when the Flashdance movie came out!
While most of the tunes on the album are catchy, there's some that aren't all-time faves. Now I don't think any of these are necessarily bad. So we're ranking all 10 songs on the Flashdance soundtrack from moderate to catchy. I am ranking these based solely on the music itself, not thinking about the scenes in the movie. Let's jump in!
"Imagination" by Laura Branigan
Even though Laura Branigan's "Gloria" is great and it appeared in the Flashdance movie, it's not on the soundtrack due to "contractual issues," per the late artists's official Facebook page. Though I wish it took the place of "Imagination" if I'm being honest. The song does not keep my attention at all. It features Branigan's strong vocals, but the tune itself is boring.
"Lady, Lady, Lady" by Joe Esposito
Another one that isn't a favorite is "Lady, Lady, Lady" by Joe Esposito. Based on the lyrics, the slow tempo is supposed to give off a more romantic vibe. But this one just doesn't hit for me. For a romantic ballad it's... too sleepy I think. I'm not saying all songs have to be upbeat to be "good" of course. But instead of romance, it feels more like a song that you put on when you're trying to fall asleep.
"Seduce Me Tonight" by Cycle V
I feel like this tune is kind of awkward. It's supposed to be upbeat and catchy, but it just doesn't do the trick. "Seduce Me Tonight" by Cycle V tries to infuse the melodies that worked in the '80s but I don't think it was a success. And people at the time felt the same as unlike many of the tracks on this list, "Seduce Me Tonight" didn't manage to get on any of the charts.
"He's a Dream" by Shandi Sinnamon
Shandi Sinnamon has a unique voice that goes from smooth and sultry to powerful when the beat call for it in such a distinctive way. The tune could have not worked, jumping from the two extremes often during the song's run. But instead, it grabs your attention and makes you want to keep listening, which is exactly what you want. I mean, we know the scene it's from. But if you listen to it alone, she's definitely a dream in what she gave us!
"Manhunt" by Karen Kamon
While not in the Top 5 favorite of mine, "Manhunt" is such a fun song! The beat literally feels like we're on an adventure and a chase. Karen Kamon's voice fits this so well with the instruments chosen. There's lots of powerful vocals on this soundtrack which I think contributed to its popularity and success, and Kamon is one of the artists who helped with that.
"Love Theme from Flashdance"
This love theme used throughout the film is so majestic and calm, and I love that. It proves that instrumental music can be just as good and unforgettable as regular tracks. You don't need lyrics to create a song that will stick with people. "Love Theme from Flashdance" is ethereal and a tune you can just listen to on its own which makes it special and rank highly on our list!
"I'll Be Here Where the Heart Is" by Kim Carnes
Now this is a love song! Kim Carnes' raspiness adds a certain quality to "I'll Be Here Where the Heart Is." The singer also wrote the song, and the lyrics provide all the emotion its supposed to illustrate. I think many people in a relationship can relate to it. And even though it's slower, there's a higher tempo to it that makes it catchy. This song does it all!
"Maniac" by Michael Sembello
Talk about a song that will get you up and moving! This tune is genius and an immediate energy booster. I honestly play it while I'm at the gym. The music video for "Maniac" was broadcast on MTV and helped give Flashdance "free" promotion in a way, which helped get more eyes on the movie. The song was also nominated for an Oscar and Golden Globe in the Best Song category at each awards show. It reached No. 1 on the Billboard 100 chart, and I'm definitely not surprised that it did.
"Flashdance... What a Feeling" by Irene Cara
I know, I know. How could I? How could "What a Feeling" possibly not rank No. 1 on the list? That doesn't mean it's not exceptional! The iconic tune is musical brilliance, and is just a great song when you need inspiration or motivation. To this day, "What a Feeling" is listened to and beloved, which makes complete sense. It won Best Original Song at the Academy Awards, as well as a Grammy.
"Romeo" by Donna Summers
Ok, I don't know if all of you Flashdance fans will agree with me but "Romeo" is just it for me. Period. Nothing else will beat this song. The lyrics, the beat, Summers' voice. Everything is so on point. The same temp and vibe remain, but not in a repetitive or boring way. It just keeps your energy up and I love it! What's funny is that the tune isn't in the movie and wasn't created specifically for the film. The song is part of Summers' "She Works Hard for the Money" album, but it's still on the Flashdance soundtrack. And I'm so happy it is otherwise I may not have heard of it!
The Flashdance movie is currently streaming on Max.