I could not settle on just one song from the epically crafted soundtracks and scores that accompanied the films of John Hughes,so I copped out and put together a Song of the Day collection in honor of Hughes. Hope you enjoy. Anything missing?

I fell in love with the song the moment I heard it. It didn’t hurt that it an essential part of what I still believe is one of the most romantic and adorable scenes in all of cinematic history. What I would have given to have Jake Ryan pick me up outside a church. This Thompson Twins song has been on most of my mixes over the years and will forever remain one of my favorite songs.

“If You Were Here”–by The Thompson Twins (From “16 Candles”)

This song might not be the stand out hit from the movie,but I love it all the same. I had to buy the “Pretty in Pink”soundtrack on tape a few times because I would just wear it out. The Smiths,Psychadelic Furs and this gem,just to name a few. What a perfect emo soundtrack to match the teen angst of the film.

“Wouldn’t Be Good”–by Nik Kershaw (From “Pretty in Pink“)

I could go on and on about loving this song,but who doesn’t love this song. Who doesn’t think of the five kids from opposite cliques finding themselves within a library during a Saturday detention center whenever you hear this. Its an anthem for teenage angst because of this movie. I can’t forget about this song since it was one of the only songs on the score heavy soundtrack.

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

It wasn’t an 80′s movie if you didn’t have an Oingo Boingo song on your soundtrack. John Hughes used a few of their songs in supporting roles,like “Wild Sex” in the dance scene of “16 Candles”. I can not think of another soundtrack song for a movie that so perfectly encapsulates the film like “Weird Science”. I defy you to think of the movie without this song popping into your head.

“Weird Science”by Oingo Boingo (From “Weird Science”)

Unfortunately,I could not find a video of the most perfect chase sequence filmed for the big screen,but we can listen to the English Beat’s “March of the Swivel Heads”and remember Ferris jumping on trampolines,running through neighbors homes and finally making it back to the safety of his bed before Mr. Rooney could harm him.

“March of the Swivel Heads”by The English Beat (From “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”)

Flesh for Lulu is another band that found some support from Hughes,as he put them in a few of his later teen/family movies. I love love love this song.

“I Go Crazy”–by Flesh for Lulu (From “Some Kind of Wonderful”)

And no mix/compilation of musical moments from Hughes’films could be complete without Duckie’s dance to Otis Redding’s Tenderness. After seeing this scene,I was ruined for boys forever. In fact,during my teenage years,my friends and I would only date boys who we believed would be just as prone to showing their affections as he was. This scene also helped open my eyes to the genius of Redding and this song has found its way on most love comps I have made.

“Try a Little Tenderness”by Otis Redding (From “Pretty in Pink”)

And for more 80′s soundtrack love,check out compilation “In Their Eyes” 90′s bands vs. 80s teen movie soundtracks.
Hope you enjoyed these as much as I have. What’s your favorite soundtrack moment from a John Hughes film?