Pretty In Pink: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

I'm not a huge fan of movie soundtracks, but you couldn't take this CD away from me without a fight. Pretty In Pink's music did much to make it the great film it was. Although some of the artists featured on the soundtrack weren't really mainstream or famous, the music epitomizes the late great 1980s. "If You Leave" by OMD was one of the biggest hits of the entire decade, and it sounds as good today as it did back then. The title track by The Psychedelic Furs remains immediately recognizable by its opening notes. Both of these two songs still spark a nostalgic memory of my angst-ridden teen years. I must thank the compilers of this soundtrack for including the short but emotion-laden track "Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want" by The Smiths. Were it not for this CD, I probably would never have discovered the weird yet cathartic music of Morrissey and The Smiths. "Left of Center" is one of Suzanne Vega's best songs, just as "Do Wot You Do" represents INXS at that band's...Read more

You talk about a guilty pleasure. This is great sing-along stuff. I wonder how many times I can moan and groan along to "If You Leave" before the neighbors knock down the walls and dismantle the CD player. This CD rules; I've listened to it so many times I've probably worn holes in it. The only thing I don't like about it is that it doesn't contain Otis Redding's "Try a Little Tenderness", since Duckie makes such a classic scene of it in the movie. Still a great CD though.

Five-star ratings should be used sparingly, really. But this album gets the five mostly because the selection holds up even fifteen years after the movie's release. I've got my fave tracks, but I rarely skip any of the tunes. I still prefer the original version of the title track, but this one is way more accessible, and certainly more 80's-esque. Essential for any self-respecting retro fan, and a fan of pop music in general.