Seven Songs From Seven John Hughes Movies

Herc's triumphant return!

Nobody is more excited than this than me.  I just watched all of these videos(research) and am gonna go watch one of these radical movies next! 

As you can see, Devyn's Day Off is about to get very busy, so you are on your own....go Herc!

7 songs from 7 John Hughes Movies
(part of ongoing series 7 Song Playlists)

Is there another filmmaker who captured what being a teenager is like so well and so often? The late great John Hughes also kept his finger on the musical pulse of youth as well and was often inspired by the music he heard. His films often featured soundtracks so dense or diverse that it was near impossible to release them for public consumption. Here are 7 signature songs from 7 of his best movies. Save Ferris by making a comment.

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“Holiday Road” - Lindsey Buckingham from National Lampoon’s Vacation

Lost in the haze of history is the fact that this song was one of two songs Lindsey prepared for the 1983 film - the other one is titled “Dancin’ Across The U.S.A.”


“If You Were Here” - The Thompson Twins from Sixteen Candles

The penultimate song from this movie (the last one that plays before the credits) is one of only five tracks on the original soundtrack EP and was recently covered by the Cary Brothers for the tasty movie Easy A.


“Don’t You (Forget About Me)” - Simple Minds from The Breakfast Club

This song was originally offered to - and rejected by - three other established artists (The Fixx’s lead singer, Cy Currin, Billy Idol and Bryan Ferry) before up and coming Scottish band Simple Minds, who initially declined as well, recorded it at the urging of their record label.


“Weird Science” - Oingo Boingo from Weird Science

Despite the song’s popularity, the band has distanced themselves from it and has rarely performed it live in the years since its release.


“If You Leave” - Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark from Pretty In Pink

Pop-punkers Good Charlotte covered this song for the soundtrack of Not Another Teen Movie.


“Oh Yeah” - Yello from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

Initially ignored upon its original 1985 release, John Hughes used this song to great effect in the movie showing how “choice” Cameron’s Father’s Ferrari was.


“Christmas Vacation” - Mavis Staples from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

An official soundtrack has yet to be released for this film but this song was released as a single on Prince’s Paisley Park label because the legendary Ms. Staples was under contract at the time.


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