The epic music of The Lost Boys' soundtrack continues to be cherished as a classic

The '80s was an amazing decade that brought us great music, MTV, cable TV, video game arcades, and so much more. Another thing this decade is known for is classic films that '80s kids hold near and dear. One movie which has a cult following and a kick a$$ soundtrack is Joel Schumacher's horror comedy, The Lost Boys.

Released in 1987, The Lost Boys derived its name from the Lost Boys in J. M. Barrie's stories about Peter Pan and Neverland, who, just like vampires, never grow up. Directed by Schumacher, also known for St. Elmo's Fire, was produced by Harvey Bernhard (Goonies). The film was a commercial success and credited for a shift in vampire culture by making them sexy and young. This inspired other films like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, other movies and shows, and music.

The movie included an ensemble cast that included Jason Patric, Kiefer Sutherland, Corey Haim, Jami Gertz, Corey Feldman, Edward Herrmann, Barnard Hughes, Dianne Wiest, Billy Wirth, Brooke McCarter, Alex Winter, and Jamison Newlander.

One thing that sets this movie apart is that the entire soundtrack is full of unforgettable songs sung by a long list of talented musicians.

The Lost Boys Soundtrack

Thomas Newman, who is well known for his numerous film scores, wrote the original score for the movie. Using a blend of orchestra and organ creates the eerie sound, giving off a Phantom of the Opera vibe.

In the '80s, girls loved a guy with great hair, and INXS frontman Michael Hutchence fell into this category. Add to that he could sing! When he and fellow Australian Jimmy Barnes came together to cover the Easybeat's "Good Times," it was the duet people didn't know they needed to hear. From the controlled screams to the upbeat tempo, this pairing made it an excellent song for car karaoke.

While listening to "Lost in the Shadows," did you get a bit of a Foreigner vibe? That's because Lou Gramm was the lead singer for that band for years. The powerful vocals give this one a dark, sexy feel, making it one of the favorite tracks on this soundtrack.

When Elton John and Bernie Taupin wrote "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" in 1974 while preparing for John's Caribou album, do you think it ever crossed their minds that the song would be covered by The Who's frontman Roger Daltry for a movie about vampires? Unlikely. But the result was a fantastic version in which only Daltry's powerful voice could do justice to fit in this movie.

"Laying Down the Law" is another duo by Jimmy Barnes & INXS, an original song written by Barnes and most of the members of INXS. Another great piece appears during the scene when Sam (Haim) is meeting the Frog Brothers (Feldman and Newlander).

"People are Strange" is an Echo and the Bunnymen cover of The Doors classic. This newer version has a bit more bounce than the original and is a perfect background song as viewers get exposed to the diversity of Santa Carla's residents. And who can forget the homage to Door singer Jim Morrison with the poster in the vampire cave?

Gerard McMann's "Cry Little Sister" is The Lost Boys' theme and is such a fitting song for this film. The hard-edged vocals, the eerie children's chorus, and the goth feel give the movie a darkness that is needed to keep the tone of what is going on in Santa Clara where there is only one thing Grandpa couldn't stomach "All the damn vampires."

"Power Play" is an original song by Eddie & the Tide and is more of a pop song than others featured on this soundtrack. It is played when David (Sutherland) and the boys enter Max's (Herrmann) video store, and he tells them never to enter the store again...hence the power play.

Who can forget that sweaty, oily ball of muscles on stage on the boardwalk, and who knew back then that Tom Cappello was really singing "I Still Believe?" This is a cover of The Call's song, and all these years later, Cappello still dresses the part and performs for Lost Boys fans. Cappello is also known for playing sax for Tina Turner and other musical accomplishments.

"Sometimes she shines, and I know Beauty has her way."  Beautiful lyrics from Mummy Calls in "Beauty Has Her Way." This song plays when Michael (Patric) is getting to know Star (Gertz) and reflects his growing obsession with her.

The soundtrack ends with "To the Shock of Miss Louise" by Thomas Newman. It is a fantastic gypsy-esque carousel song that plays when the Boys are harassing the Surf Nazis on the boardwalk carousel and again when Michael confronts them, revealing their true identity.

If you have never listened to the soundtrack you really should. If you have never watched the movie, shame on you! You need to do this now.

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