13 most iconic songs from movies in the 1980s
By Joel Wagler
No. 4: 'If You Leave" - Orchestral Manoeuvers in the Dark (OMD)
From Pretty in Pink, 1986
This is another song that didn't set the charts afire as some of the others on this list did, but it has emerged as THE iconic song from an iconic eighties movie. It peaked at number four on the charts, but it carries more weight than most people who've seen the movie.
Legend has it that John Hughes was going to use another OMD song for the iconic final scene in Pretty in Pink, but after the original bombed with test audiences, Hughes had to film a new ending. That new ending needed a new song and OMD lead singer Andy McCluskey came up with "If You Leave" overnight.
Those changes in both the ending and accompanying song are forever ingrained in film and music history. You can't even imagine a different ending to the film or a different song as Molly Ringwald and Andrew McCarthy slowing move on their prom dance floor.
It's a beautifully written song and has a firm place as one of the most iconic songs from an eighties film.
No. 3: "Endless Love" - Diana Ross and Lionel Richie
From Endless Love, 1981
The title track from this early eighties Brooke Shields vehicle is one of the greatest ballads ever. Not counting this song, Diana Ross and Lionel Richie combined for 59 top 100 hits, 23 top 10 hits, and nine number one songs. Surprisingly enough, this was the biggest hit for either artist.
These are two of the biggest names in pop music history and "Endless Love" was the biggest hit for both megastars. It spent an incredible nine weeks at number one- NINE!
This is one of those rare cases where the song's legacy has long outlasted the legacy of the movie. Few people remember the movie Endless Love, but who hasn't heard the song? How many people even know if was the love song from a movie of the same name?
This song also helped Richie launch his solo career after more than a decade as the lead singer for The Commodores. While Ross is more widely known for her career before this song, Richie blossomed as a solo artist after.
Regardless, it is a beautifully written and performed song, and on its successes alone, it deserves this lofty ranking.