12 Best Songs from the Footloose Soundtrack

The Footloose soundtrack is a classic example of 80s movie music, featuring a diverse range of genres and artists that perfectly capture the energy and excitement of the era. The soundtrack was released in 1984 to accompany the hit movie of the same name, and it quickly became one of the most popular movie soundtracks of all time. The Footloose soundtrack features a mix of rock, pop, and R&B songs that perfectly capture the mood and themes of the movie.

The soundtrack includes iconic tracks like “Footloose” by Kenny Loggins, which remains a staple of 80s music and a popular choice for dance parties and other high-energy occasions. Other standout tracks include “Let’s Hear It for the Boy” by Deniece Williams, a fun and upbeat R&B song that perfectly captures the movie’s youthful spirit, and “Almost Paradise” by Ann Wilson and Mike Reno, a romantic ballad that has remained a favorite of fans of 80s love songs.

The Footloose soundtrack also features classic rock tracks like “Holding Out for a Hero” by Bonnie Tyler and “The Girl Gets Around” by Sammy Hagar, which perfectly capture the sense of rebellion and freedom that the movie embodies. The soundtrack’s diverse range of genres and styles, combined with its memorable melodies and unforgettable hooks, make it a true classic of 80s music and a must-have for fans of the era.

1.Footloose – Kenny Loggins

“Footloose” by Kenny Loggins is a classic 1980s pop-rock anthem that has become an enduring favorite. The song’s upbeat tempo, catchy melody, and energetic vocals make it a popular choice for dancing and sing-alongs. The lyrics are about the joy of letting loose and expressing oneself through dance, even in the face of societal norms and restrictions. The song was the title track for the movie “Footloose,” which starred Kevin Bacon, and the music video features clips from the film.

2.Let’s Hear It for the Boy – Deniece Williams

“Let’s Hear It for the Boy” by Deniece Williams is another upbeat and catchy 1980s pop hit. The song features lively horns, synthesizers, and Williams’ powerful vocals. The lyrics express the joy and excitement of falling in love with someone who may not be perfect but is perfect for you. The song was also included in the movie “Footloose” and was a major commercial success, peaking at number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It remains a beloved favorite of 80s pop music fans.

3.Almost Paradise – Ann Wilson and Mike Reno

“Almost Paradise” is a romantic duet between Ann Wilson of the band Heart and Mike Reno of the band Loverboy. The song was released in 1984 and was featured in the movie “Footloose.” It has since become an enduring power ballad and a popular choice for weddings and romantic occasions. The song’s gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics describe the feeling of falling in love and the joy of being with someone special. The vocal performances by Wilson and Reno are powerful and emotive, conveying the depth of feeling in the lyrics. The song’s memorable chorus and soaring instrumental break have helped to make it a timeless classic of 80s pop-rock.

4.Holding Out for a Hero – Bonnie Tyler

“Holding Out for a Hero” is a powerful and anthemic pop-rock song by Bonnie Tyler, released in 1984. The song was written for the movie “Footloose” and is a classic example of 80s movie soundtrack music. The song’s energetic beat and driving guitar riff, along with Tyler’s powerhouse vocals, create an uplifting and empowering feeling. The lyrics describe the search for a hero, someone who is strong, brave, and willing to fight for what is right. The song’s chorus is particularly memorable, with its soaring melody and catchy hook. “Holding Out for a Hero” remains a beloved favorite of 80s pop-rock fans and is often used in movies and TV shows to convey a sense of heroism and triumph.

5.Dancing in the Sheets – Shalamar

“Dancing in the Sheets” is a lively and catchy dance-pop song by the group Shalamar, released in 1984. The song was written for the movie “Footloose” and features a driving beat, funky bassline, and upbeat vocals by lead singer Howard Hewett. The lyrics describe the joy of dancing with someone special and the excitement of being in the moment. The song’s high-energy chorus is particularly memorable and has made it a popular choice for dance parties and celebrations. “Dancing in the Sheets” is a quintessential example of 80s pop music and remains a favorite of fans of the genre.

6.I’m Free (Heaven Helps the Man) – Kenny Loggins

“I’m Free (Heaven Helps the Man)” is a popular 1984 pop-rock song by Kenny Loggins, also featured in the movie “Footloose.” The song’s energetic rhythm, catchy melody, and upbeat vocals create a feeling of empowerment and freedom. The lyrics express the idea that anything is possible with determination and a positive attitude. The song’s chorus is particularly memorable, with its soaring melody and powerful vocals. The song has become an enduring favorite of 80s pop-rock fans and is often used in movies and TV shows to convey a sense of triumph and victory over adversity.

7.Somebody’s Eyes – Karla Bonoff

“Somebody’s Eyes” is a 1984 pop-rock song by Karla Bonoff, also featured in the movie “Footloose.” The song’s gentle melody, tender vocals, and understated instrumentation create a sense of longing and vulnerability. The lyrics describe the feeling of being watched and the desire to be seen and loved for who you truly are. The song’s chorus is particularly poignant, with its emotive vocal harmonies and yearning lyrics. “Somebody’s Eyes” is a testament to the power of simple, heartfelt music and remains a beloved favorite of fans of 80s pop-rock.

8.The Girl Gets Around – Sammy Hagar

“The Girl Gets Around” is a hard-rocking song by Sammy Hagar, released in 1984. The song’s driving beat, distorted guitar riffs, and gritty vocals create a sense of energy and excitement. The lyrics describe the adventures of a free-spirited woman who loves to travel and explore the world. The song’s chorus is particularly catchy, with its sing-along melody and memorable hook. “The Girl Gets Around” is a classic example of 80s rock music and has remained a popular choice for fans of the genre. The song’s high-energy guitar solo and relentless rhythm section make it a perfect choice for workouts, parties, and other high-energy occasions.

9.Never – Moving Pictures

“Never” is a 1983 rock ballad by the Canadian band Moving Pictures. The song’s gentle piano and guitar intro, along with its soaring vocals and emotional lyrics, create a sense of longing and regret. The song describes the pain of lost love and the difficulty of letting go of the past. The chorus is particularly powerful, with its soaring vocal harmonies and unforgettable melody. “Never” was a hit in Canada and remains a beloved classic of 80s rock balladry. The song’s message of hope and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of heartbreak has resonated with audiences for decades.

10.Bang Your Head – Metal Health

“Bang Your Head (Metal Health)” is a high-energy heavy metal anthem by the band Quiet Riot, released in 1983. The song’s driving guitar riffs, pounding drums, and raw vocals create a sense of rebellion and defiance. The lyrics describe the power of heavy metal music to liberate the soul and the importance of letting go of inhibitions and living in the moment. The chorus is particularly memorable, with its explosive vocals and unforgettable hook. “Bang Your Head (Metal Health)” is a classic example of 80s heavy metal music and remains a favorite of fans of the genre. The song’s fast tempo and headbanging rhythms make it a popular choice for workouts and other high-energy activities.

11.Hurts So Good – John Mellencamp

“Hurts So Good” is a classic rock song by John Mellencamp, released in 1982. The song’s driving guitar riff, pounding drums, and raw vocals create a sense of excitement and danger. The lyrics describe the thrill of passion and the pain of love, and the chorus is particularly memorable, with its catchy melody and anthemic vocals. “Hurts So Good” was a big hit in the 80s and remains a favorite of classic rock fans.

12.I’ve Been Waiting for a Girl Like You – Foreigner

“I’ve Been Waiting for a Girl Like You” is a power ballad by the British-American rock band Foreigner, released in 1981. The song’s gentle piano intro, soaring guitar solos, and emotive vocals create a sense of longing and romance. The lyrics describe the feeling of finally finding the perfect partner after years of searching, and the chorus is particularly moving, with its heartfelt lyrics and emotive vocals. “I’ve Been Waiting for a Girl Like You” was a huge hit in the 80s and remains a beloved classic of rock balladry.